At Roscommon Town Square and Roscommon Arts Centre · Market Square, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon
Only the published dates are confirmed for this programme.
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre brings its Samhain programming into Roscommon town itself for Welcoming the Long Nights In, a two-day community celebration on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October 2026 built around lantern-making, a public procession and a Rambling House style evening of story and song. Roscommon promotes itself as a birthplace of Samhain through its association with Rathcroghan and the Cave of the Cats at Oweynagat, and this event brings that heritage into the town centre rather than keeping it out at the Tulsk site, working with artists Orla Clogher and Angie Byrne on the creative side.
The programme opens with inclusive lantern-making workshops in the run-up to a public procession through Market Square, where newly made lanterns join previously crafted sculptural pieces, community drumming and professional fire performers for a dusk parade through the town centre. The following evening, Welcoming the Long Nights In moves indoors to Roscommon Arts Centre for a phone-free evening described as being in the spirit of a traditional Rambling House gathering: local artists, actors and storytellers share song, music, story, dance and seasonal piseogs, the old sayings and superstitions tied to this time of year. It is aimed at reconnecting a modern audience with Samhain traditions rather than staging a commercial Halloween event, and organisers have said the project is intended to help build the case for a bigger Samhain festival in the county in future years.
Market Square is in the centre of Roscommon town, with Roscommon Arts Centre a short walk away on Circular Road. Bus Eireann serves the town from Dublin, Galway and Athlone, and there is a railway station on the Dublin to Westport line.
Roscommon town’s castle ruins, county museum and cafes are all within walking distance of both venues for anyone making a full evening or weekend of the Samhain programme. There is more to see in Roscommon and across Co. Roscommon.
Heading to Roscommon Town Square and Roscommon Arts Centre in Roscommon? Roscommon has plenty more to see. Read the Roscommon area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.
We do not yet have a suitable Roscommon tour in our reviewed collection that starts locally. Use the IrelandMe tour finder to compare bookable experiences for the rest of your trip.