Samhain Festival 26 at VISUAL: The Last Witch Bridget Cleary

The Last Witch Bridget Cleary is a powerful, solo storytelling piece based on the true story of Bridget Cleary, whose death in 1895 is often described as Ireland’s last witch burning. Blending theatre with Irish folklore, the work explores a world where belief and reality collide. At its heart, the piece examines how fear, superstition, and societal pressures shaped the lives of women, and asks what these stories continue to reveal about power, identity, and independence today.

The performance is 45 mins approx, and will be followed by a Q&A with the writer and performer of the show Eve O'Mahony. 

Age rating: 12+

The Last Witch Bridget Cleary Podcast: 
Combining historical research, expert interviews and dramatic reconstruction, the podcast examines the life, death and legacy of Bridget Cleary, whose murder in 1895 shocked Ireland and the wider world. Rather than focusing solely on folklore and superstition, the series asks deeper questions about gender, belief, folklore's place in society, social change and the Ireland of the late nineteenth century. This podcast is not meant to sensationalise, vilify, shock or appall. It seeks to examine our society, our history, our heritage and to give a voice to who people still call Ireland’s last witch, Bridget Cleary. Check out the podcast here.

Tickets can be purchased online, in person or over the phone at Box Office. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Wheelchair users and any group over 8 persons should book tickets directly through Box Office. Further Terms and Conditions can be found at visualcarlow.ie/visit/booking-information.

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Explore Samhain Festival 26 across Carlow:

Samhain Festival 26 at VISUAL
Samhain Festival 26 at Delta Sensory Gardens
Samhain Festival 26 at The Library
Samhain Festival 26 at The Exchange
Samhain Festival 26 at Duckett's Grove
Samhain Festival 26 at Fringe Venues