A Scare At Samhain

Join our enhanced experience at the Leap Scarecrow Festival, where we delve into the thrilling origins of Samhain & Halloween. With new characters & costumes, this immersive adventure wraps up with hot chocolate and a slice of traditional báirín breac.

Discover the chilling magic of Samhain on our A Scare at Samhain tour, guided by An Daghdha, the ‘good god’ of Irish mythology. Far removed from the commercialised veneer of Halloween, this immersive experience delves deep into the authentic roots and local lore of Samhain and Halloween. We unearth the tales and traditions surrounding enigmatic figures such as the bean sí, the cailleach, and the púca, all set against the hauntingly beautiful landscape of West Cork on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Journey with us into Ireland’s ancient traditions, exploring how the flickering embers of Samhain bonfires and the mysterious omens carried by the autumn winds have shaped our culture for centuries. We'll share local stories about the "other crowd" in the woodland at Bláth na Gréine, blending folklore and dúchas—the deep ancestral connection to place, nature, and community—to offer you a truly haunting experience.

This area is home to the ancient Mascallacht tradition, a custom that predates modern 'Trick or Treat' by thousands of years. Experience the true story of Samhain as told by local storytellers, and leave feeling forever connected to this mysterious and magical time of year. Book now for an unforgettable afternoon that will enlighten, enchant, and perhaps even send a shiver down your spine.

Please note

Stroller / pram accessible
Animals or pets allowed
Public transportation nearby

Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for people with heart conditions
The Sunday departure point on the October Bank Holiday weekend is at CECAS Myross Wood House due to the Halloween market - everything else is the same. All other days, the departure point is from outside the community garden at the bottom of the village.

Glossary of Terms

Samhain( sow-in )

An ancient Irish festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, observed from sunset on October 31st to sunset on November 1st. Samhain is considered a time when the boundary between the physical world and the spirit world thins, allowing spirits to pass through.

An Daghdha( ahn dah-gah )

Known as "The good God" in Irish mythology, An Daghda is a chief deity associated with fertility, agriculture, strength, and magic. He is a prominent figure among the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of supernatural beings in Irish lore.

Bean Sí( ban shee )

Literally meaning "woman of the fairy mound," the Bean Sí is a female spirit in Irish folklore whose mournful wail or keening is said to foretell the death of a family member. This term is the origin of the modern word "banshee."

Cailleach( kye-lukh )

A divine goddess, hag or wise woman in Irish and Scottish mythology, the Cailleach is associated with the creation of the landscape, weather, and the seasons, particularly winter. She is often depicted as an old woman with great power over nature.

Púca( poo-ka )

A shape-shifting creature from Celtic folklore, the Púca can bring both good and bad fortune. It often appears as an animal such as a horse, goat, or rabbit, and is known for leading travelers astray.

Dúchas( doo-kas )

An Irish term meaning "heritage" or "native place," referring to a deep-rooted connection to one's ancestry, culture, and the natural environment. It embodies the concept of identity tied to community and homeland.

Mascallacht(masc-uh-lokht)

An ancient West Cork custom that predates the modern "Trick or Treat" by thousands of years. The Mascallacht tradition involves rituals, disguises, and offerings to spirits during Samhain to ensure protection and good fortune for the community.

Báirín Breac( baw-reen brack )

Also known as barmbrack, it's a traditional Irish sweet bread made with sultanas and raisins. Often eaten during Halloween, items like rings or coins are sometimes baked inside as a form of fortune-telling.

Bláth na Gréine( blaw na gray-nya )

Traditional Irish placename for the woodland at the bottom of Leap village meaning blossoming of the sun. In other contexts, it also symbolises a sunflower but this is not the case here. There are many otherworldly stories from local folklore associated with Bláth na Gréine and it is alleged an otherworldly funeral passes on the section between the Poll Mór and An Droichidín every night of the year.

CECAS

An acronym for the Centre of Excellence for Climate Action and Sustainability, a facility dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and environmental education. It serves as the concluding venue for the tour, offering refreshments.

What to bring

- We walk on a short section of trail so shoes with some grip is advised.
- During October and November in Ireland, carrying an umbrella or a rain jacket is usually advisable
- On the 16:30 departure once the "clocks go back" it is advisable to have a small light (phone lights are fine) as it tends to get dark on the return walk back down to the village.

We walk on a short section of trail so shoes with some grip is advised.
During October and November in Ireland, carrying an umbrella or a rain jacket is usually advisable
On the 16:30 departure once the "clocks go back" it is advisable to have a small light (phone lights are fine) as it tends to get dark on the return walk back down to the village.