A group of actual witches are performing a Halloween ritual on this Cork beach

Halloween lore doesn’t get more real than this.
An authentic Witches Ritual returns to Mall Beach in Youghal on the night of October 31st, 2026.
As part of the town’s Spirit of Samhain celebrations, local practising witches will gather by the water for an evening of ritual, remembrance and tradition, bringing their magic back to the beach for the occasion.
Taking place from 7pm to 8pm on Halloween night, the event will include acts of remembrance for ancestors, offering attendees a chance to reflect on those who came before us while marking one of the most significant nights in the Samhain calendar.
Samhain has deep roots in Irish tradition, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Traditionally associated with remembering the dead and the belief that the boundary between the living and the spirit world grows thinner, it remains an important time for folklore, reflection and ritual.
There’s lots on for families too…
Of course, Spirit of Samhain isn’t all dark history and witchcraft accusations. There’s plenty planned for families and anyone looking to get into the Halloween spirit.
On October 31st, Millennium Park will host Once Upon a Samhain, a magical, spooky adventure running from 12pm to 3pm. Suitable for all ages, the event invites visitors to bring a picnic, dress up in their best Samhain costumes and enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly Halloween fun.

