Galway City Museum is delighted to announce two free family Halloween workshops – tonight Thursday 30 October and Friday 31 October from 10:30am to 12:30pm – as part of Galway City Council’s spine-tingling Gaillimh Ah-Boo! programme for 2025.
The programme explores the ancient Celtic origins of Samhain through a city-wide celebration of myth, magic, and community, and aligns with Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween Pilot Destination Development Scheme, recognising Ireland as the true home of Halloween.
The workshops will take place in the Museum Education Room and advance booking is advised. Learn about Jack o’ LanternThe big, bright orange pumpkin, carved with facial features and known as a Jack o’ Lantern, is recognised the world over as a symbol of Halloween.
Yet its origins lie in Ireland, where turnip lanterns were once made to frighten people at Samhain, when it was believed that otherworldly beings roamed the land. Jack, who lends his name to the pumpkin head, was an Irish blacksmith who squandered three wishes, tricked the devil three times, and was condemned to wander the earth for eternity, his only light a glowing ember carried in a hollowed-out turnip. Join Damien Donnellan, Education and Exhibition Assistant, as he shares the tale of Jack o’ Lantern.
Afterwards, artist and educator Vicky Smith will guide participants in making their own traditional turnip lanterns. The collaborative workshop is designed for families with children aged 6 to 12 years. Each family group may include up to five participants, with a minimum of one adult and one child (aged 6+ ). One of the aims of the workshop is to encourage families to create together as a shared experience. Book Now!This event is free of charge, but early booking is advised as places are limited.
To book please email [email protected] or call (091 ) 532460.
Galway City Museum has hidden somewhere in the galleries a new LEGO®-brick scene – made by brick-artist Jessica Farrell – depicting Jack with his turnip lantern at the Gates of Hell. Find it and all the LEGO®-brick miniatures with the help of the Tiny Treasure Hunt available at the Museum reception. Gaillimh Ah-Boo! – presented as part of the Galway City Home of Halloween Programme – is funded by Galway City Council, Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
See www.GalwayCityMuseum.ie for more information on events and exhibitions.
