Samhain Chiarraí begins its main programme on 15 October, bringing folklore, music, storytelling and street performances to communities across Kerry. For somebody choosing an autumn evening out, the county-wide banner is a starting point: the town and the individual event date decide the journey.

Kerry County Council identifies two main weekends, in Killarney from 23 to 25 October and Tralee from 30 October to 1 November. Its announcement also lists a later fire ritual in Listowel on 6 November. [1] Keep that later date separate from the main festival window, which is advertised as 15 October to 1 November.

Two parade evenings, in different towns

The council says the new Idir Dhá Shaol – Between Two Worlds street parade, created by MÓTHU – Street & Spectacle Arts Group, will take place in Killarney on Saturday, 24 October and Tralee on Saturday, 31 October, from 7pm to 8pm. [1]

Choose the town first, then confirm the viewing route, access and any local arrangements through the organiser. The same parade title does not mean the two evenings share one location. Save the chosen town and date alongside the event name when sending a plan to friends or family.

The programme presents An Cailleach Chiarraí, a figure from Kerry folklore, as part of its connection between harvest, winter and contemporary performance. [2] That is the organisers' cultural framing; this guide does not claim to have seen the new production.

The rituals have their own calendar

Discover Kerry lists rituals in Dingle on 16 October, Killarney on 23 October, Cahersiveen on 29 October, Tralee on 30 October and Listowel on 6 November. [2] These dates are not the parade dates, and the Listowel listing extends beyond the festival's headline end date.

An individual date still needs an exact venue, start time and admission check. Do not infer that a county-wide listing makes every activity free, unbooked or suitable for every age. Use the official programme route on Discover Kerry and check the particular event's arrangements before committing to travel.

Make a small plan that can change

For a family or group, start with one activity rather than trying to combine towns into a single evening. Note the confirmed location, arrival arrangements, any booking required and a return journey. Ask about access or sensory requirements directly where the listing does not answer them.

Keep the council announcement and current organiser page together. If a broad date range and an individual entry differ, use the specific listing as the question to confirm with the organiser. That avoids discarding a later activity merely because the main festival window has ended.

Sources were checked on 13 October 2026. Recheck the organisers’ latest event information before travelling.