This October, the tranquil beauty of the Delta Sensory Gardens will take on an otherworldly glow as Samhain Festival 2025 transforms the pathways into a gently haunted landscape where nature and folklore entwine. Shadows lengthen, spirits stir, and something – or someone – may be waiting just around the corner.
Ghosts in the Gardens invites visitors of all ages to step into a world of spooky, yet family-friendly enchantment. From ghostly brides and grooms to skeleton cyclists and eerie graveyard scenes, the gardens will brim with playful frights and atmospheric sights, offering fun and intrigue for the whole family.
On Sunday 2 November, the festival reaches its haunting crescendo with live open-air theatre performances by the acclaimed Barnstorm Theatre Company. As you wander the gardens, you’ll encounter ghostly figures from Ireland’s past, each with their own tale to tell. Expect to meet mischievous púcas, mournful banshees, and long-forgotten souls in a performance laced with myth, folklore, and gentle thrills. Whether you choose to interact with the characters or simply listen, each garden reveals a new story to stir the imagination.
Speaking about the event , Cllr. Daniel Pender, Leas Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said: "The Delta Centre is one of Carlow’s most special places, offering a warm and welcoming environment to people of all ages and abilities throughout the year. The Samhain Festival and Ghosts in the Gardens build on that spirit of inclusivity, transforming the Delta Sensory Gardens into a magical landscape where folklore, nature, and creativity come together. This event not only celebrates our cultural traditions in a fun and family-friendly way, but also shines a spotlight on the Delta Centre’s role as a unique and treasured part of our community."
Designed with a sensory-friendly experience in mind, Ghosts in the Gardens allows guests to explore at their own pace. Performances are intentionally gentle and low-impact, with minimal loud noises or sudden scares. Families and visitors can pause, skip, or return to stories as they wish, making the event comfortable, inclusive, and enjoyable for all. With relaxed timing and plenty of space to roam, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Samhain in a safe and welcoming setting.
Set against the magical backdrop of the Delta Sensory Gardens, this unique celebration of folklore and theatre promises to be one of the most memorable highlights of Halloween 2025. And remember—you never quite know who, or what, might be waiting just around the corner…
Speaking about the event Trevor Gillespie, Delta Centre, said: "At Delta, we are always looking for ways to create experiences that are welcoming, inclusive, and a little bit magical. Ghosts in the Gardens is a perfect example of that – it allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Sensory Gardens while stepping into a world of gentle Halloween fun. We’re especially delighted to be partnering with Barnstorm Theatre Company this year, bringing stories and characters to life in a way that’s accessible for everyone. For us, it’s about making sure families, children, and visitors of all abilities can celebrate Samhain together in a safe and memorable setting."
Full information: Samhain Festival 25 at Delta Centre - VISUAL