Spleodar Halloween Arts Festival

Lantern Making Workshop - Saturday 18th October
2025-10-18 14:30 - 16:00 UTC | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Lantern Making Workshops with Ellen Finnerty and Hug Casals – Saturday 18th, 2:30pm-4:00pm, €5 per workshop.

↓ Scroll down for tickets ↓

This series of four workshops, each an hour and a half in length, will be led by Ellen Finnerty and Hug Casals. You will be learning how to construct lanterns using willow and paper. It is open and accessible to all ages and levels, but recommended for children aged 7+.
The workshops have an open structure meaning you can come to one and make a simple, small-scale lantern or you can come to all four and work on something larger and more intricate. We will also be working on two larger pieces which anyone will be able to contribute to the making of, so even if you’re just dropping in you can still participate in the workshop. We would however, recommend coming to at least two full workshops in order to get a good understanding of the materials and to master the construction techniques. If you have any specific accessibility requirements please get in touch with Nenagh Arts Centre, we would love to be able facilitate you.
A lovely opportunity to work with your hands and to learn traditional willow and paper construction techniques. We can’t wait to see you there! Ellen and Hug are theatre-makers, writers and performers based in Tipperary. They are interested in art that interacts with the spaces we inhabit and indeed the people who inhabit them.
The below tickets are for the workshop being held on Saturday 18th October – 2:30pm – 4:00pm

Lantern Making Workshop - Sunday 19th October
2025-10-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Lantern Making Workshops with Ellen Finnerty and Hug Casals – Sunday 19th, 10:00am – 11:30am, €5
↓ Scroll down for tickets ↓
This series of four workshops, each an hour and a half in length, will be led by Ellen Finnerty and Hug Casals. You will be learning how to construct lanterns using willow and paper. It is open and accessible to all ages and levels, but recommended for children aged 7+.
The workshops have an open structure meaning you can come to one and make a simple, small-scale lantern or you can come to all four and work on something larger and more intricate. We will also be working on two larger pieces which anyone will be able to contribute to the making of, so even if you’re just dropping in you can still participate in the workshop. We would however, recommend coming to at least two full workshops in order to get a good understanding of the materials and to master the construction techniques. If you have any specific accessibility requirements please get in touch with Nenagh Arts Centre, we would love to be able facilitate you.
A lovely opportunity to work with your hands and to learn traditional willow and paper construction techniques. We can’t wait to see you there! Ellen and Hug are theatre-makers, writers and performers based in Tipperary. They are interested in art that interacts with the spaces we inhabit and indeed the people who inhabit them.

The below tickets are for the workshop being held on Sunday 19th, 10:00am – 11:30am

Lantern Making Workshop - Saturday 25th October
2025-10-25 14:30 - 16:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Lantern Making Workshops with Ellen Finnerty and Hug Casals – Saturday 25th, 2:30pm-4:00pm, €5
↓ Scroll down for tickets ↓
This series of four workshops, each an hour and a half in length, will be led by Ellen Finnerty and Hug Casals. You will be learning how to construct lanterns using willow and paper. It is open and accessible to all ages and levels, but recommended for children aged 7+.
The workshops have an open structure meaning you can come to one and make a simple, small-scale lantern or you can come to all four and work on something larger and more intricate. We will also be working on two larger pieces which anyone will be able to contribute to the making of, so even if you’re just dropping in you can still participate in the workshop. We would however, recommend coming to at least two full workshops in order to get a good understanding of the materials and to master the construction techniques. If you have any specific accessibility requirements please get in touch with Nenagh Arts Centre, we would love to be able facilitate you.
A lovely opportunity to work with your hands and to learn traditional willow and paper construction techniques. We can’t wait to see you there! Ellen and Hug are theatre-makers, writers and performers based in Tipperary. They are interested in art that interacts with the spaces we inhabit and indeed the people who inhabit them.

The below tickets are for the workshop being held on Saturday 25th October – 2:30pm – 4:00pm

Lantern Making Workshop - Sunday 26th October
2025-10-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Lantern Making Workshops with Ellen Finnerty and Hug Casals – Sunday 26th, 10:00am – 11:30am, €5 per workshop.
↓ Scroll down for tickets ↓
This series of four workshops, each an hour and a half in length, will be led by Ellen Finnerty and Hug Casals. You will be learning how to construct lanterns using willow and paper. It is open and accessible to all ages and levels, but recommended for children aged 7+.
The workshops have an open structure meaning you can come to one and make a simple, small-scale lantern or you can come to all four and work on something larger and more intricate. We will also be working on two larger pieces which anyone will be able to contribute to the making of, so even if you’re just dropping in you can still participate in the workshop. We would however, recommend coming to at least two full workshops in order to get a good understanding of the materials and to master the construction techniques. If you have any specific accessibility requirements please get in touch with Nenagh Arts Centre, we would love to be able facilitate you.
A lovely opportunity to work with your hands and to learn traditional willow and paper construction techniques. We can’t wait to see you there! Ellen and Hug are theatre-makers, writers and performers based in Tipperary. They are interested in art that interacts with the spaces we inhabit and indeed the people who inhabit them.

The below tickets are for the workshop being held on Sunday 26th October – 10:00am – 11:30am

Haunted Sounds Workshop
2025-10-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Haunted Sounds Workshop with Andy Spearpoint, Tuesday October 28th, 11am-1pm, €5 (limited capacity, booking required)
Join musician and sound artist Andy Spearpoint to explore and make strange and spooky sounds! The results will be recorded and turned into a soundscape to be played in the Nenagh Castle garden the next day. You’ll be playing all sorts of strange instruments, voices, electronics and things that go bump in the night!

Stop Motion Animation Workshop
2025-10-29 12:00 - 17:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Stop Motion Animation Workshop with Mike Byrne, Wednesday October 29th, 12pm-5pm, €8 (booking required, limited spaces)
Want to create your very own stop motion animation? Mike Byrne will develop his stop motion animation workshop that will show you the various techniques required to bring your stories to life.
Learn how to create characters and miniature sets using plasticine clay, coloured cards, and other materials. You will also have the opportunity to add sound effects and even voice overs.
It’s a super fun, immersive experience, and once complete, all animations will be shared on Mike’s Youtube Channel.

Mandala Workshop
2025-10-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Nenagh Castle
Mandala Workshop with Mayumi Nakabayashi, Wednesday October 29th, 2pm-4pm, FREE drop-in
Join Mayumi at Nature Mandala Making Workshop! We will create a large circular geometric pattern, or mandala, using natural materials. Following the them of this year’s festival, we will explore the idea of listening – from the sense of hearing in nature to different ways of ‘listening’ as we create an artwork together.
No experience necessary. All ages welcome.

Garden Bathing - Soundscape and Lantern Walk
2025-10-29 16:00 - 17:00 | Nenagh Castle
Garden Bathing – Soundscape and Lantern Walk, Wednesday October 29th, 4pm-5pm, FREE drop-in
Relax and unwind in a special Garden Bathing session, surrounded by a unique soundscape created by Andy Spearpoint. The evening will also feature lanterns made by local participants in a workshop with Ellen Finnerty and Hug Casals.
Come enjoy the atmosphere, the music, and the glow of handmade lanterns in this calm, immersive experience.
Suitable for all ages, under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Far Flung Trio
2025-10-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Far Flung Trio, Wednesday October 29th, 7pm, €5-€20 tickets
An evening with the Far Flung Trio is guaranteed to lift your spooky spirits! Their playful and virtuosic repertoire comprises a dizzying array of styles that would topple any witch off her broomstick.
Join Katherine Hunka (violin), Dermot Dunne (accordion) and Malachy Robinson (double bass) for an exciting, richly musical journey.
“The trio’s enthusiasm and sense of enjoyment in what they were doing simply oozed from the stage, and the audience loved it” – The Irish Examiner
Tickets:
€5 kids
€10 adults
€20 family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids)

Parent/Child Listen and Dance Workshop
2025-10-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Parent/Child Listen and Dance Workshop, Thursday October 30th, 11am-12pm, €5 adults – children free
Join us for Listen and Dance, a joyful workshop designed for children under 10 and their grown ups, as part of this year’s Spleodar Festival.
Inspired by the theme Éist, meaning ‘listen’ in Irish, this playful session blends movement, rhythm, and imagination. Through guided listening and creative dance, you’ll explore sound and connection in a fun, relaxed space. A perfect way to find new dance moves and celebrate Spleodar magic together!
€5 for adults. Children free. Suitable for children under 10 accompanied by an adult. Adults must remain for the duration of the workshop.

Hand Plaster Casting Workshop
2025-10-30 12:00 - 16:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Hand Plaster Casting Workshop, Thursday October 30th, 12pm-4pm, €5
Come and try your hand at plaster casting with Philip Quinn!
You’ll get to make your own plaster creations, exploring shapes, textures, and patterns as you go. No experience is needed – just bring your imagination and have fun getting messy and creative.
€5, suitable for all ages, drop-in

Art/Mask Workshop
2025-10-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Art/Mask Workshop, Thursday October 30th, 2pm-4pm, €5
Join local mixed-media artist Ellie Cullen in Nenagh Arts Centre for a drop-in art workshop, suitable for all ages and abilities!
The workshop will focus on watercolour and oil resist painting, a quick and easy technique that is vibrant and fun. Participants can opt to work on paper or to design a colourful mask during this session. Works will be in response to the theme ‘Éist’ or ‘Listen’, and of course – Halloween.
Ages: 6+

Mobius from the Book of Fire
2025-10-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Nenagh Gaol
Mobius from the Book of Fire, Thursday October 30th, 6pm-7pm, FREE
Join Rogu for a fire performance that combines circus, dance, martial arts and magic. Mobius uses fire, movement and light to tell stories in a clear and striking way.
The show features strong choreography, inventive fire techniques, and an atmosphere that draws audiences in.
Please be aware that this show involves fire. Please follow the guidance of the stewards and Safety Officers at all times.

Battle of the Bands
2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Battle of the Bands, Thursday October 30th, 7pm-8pm, FREE
We are delighted to partner with Music Generation Tipperary to bring you a celebration of our emerging bands, soloists, and musicians of all kinds from across Tipperary.
Are you a young person under 18 and part of a band or a solo performer ? Music Generation Tipperary are looking for soloists or groups of all genres to sign up and rock out at this year’s Battle of the Bands event !
Meet other young musicians for a fun and engaging jam session this Halloween.
↓ If you’re interested in joining in, you can register at the link below ↓:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=JVynwf1lH0qKvRxHsiCCvvu7pNj1l0ZKqgmBbt9n_wlURVlWTkI4TTFPRDQ4TUNIS0Q1V1dGM0VPNS4u
Everyone’s a winner in this battle as it promises to be a highly entertaining musical evening and a highlight of the festival for all the family. This is how to go out with a bang!
Suitable for all ages.

Storytelling with Helena Byrne
2025-10-31 14:00 - 15:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Storytelling with Helena Byrne, Friday October 31st, 2pm-3pm, FREE
Join Helena for a storytelling session full of Irish folklore, including leprechauns, fairy folk and spooky ghost stories. Children will be invited to listen, use their imagination, and take part in the stories as they unfold.
There will be plenty of chances to join in, add ideas, and enjoy the fun of traditional stories retold in a lively way.
Suitable for all ages.

Facepainting
2025-10-31 14:00 - 17:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Facepainting, Friday October 31st, 2pm-5pm, €2 drop-in
Let our talented artist transform your face into a work of art. Skeleton s or witches, scary or fun, come transform with Nenagh Arts Centre – a design for everyone!
Don’t miss out on this colourful and creative experience, and get your face painted ready for Halloween!
€2 drop-in fee.

Treasure Haunt
2025-10-31 14:00 - 17:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Treasure Haunt, Friday October 31st, 2pm-5pm, FREE drop-in

Join us as we transform the town into a mysterious playground of riddles and clues. Navigate through spooky locations, uncover hidden secrets and solve mind-bending puzzles to unlock the ultimate Halloween treasure.

Gather your friends and family for a quest filled with excitement, teamwork and a dash of Halloween magic! Get ready for a hauntingly fun experience like no other!

Suitable for all ages!

Halloween Wreath Making
2025-10-31 15:30 - 17:30 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Halloween Wreath Making, Friday October 31st, 3:30pm-5:30pm, €5
Join Kay O’Donoghue for a relaxed wreath making workshop using natural, seasonal materials. Kay will guide you through the steps to make your own wreath, while also encouraging a slower pace and time to notice the colours, textures and scents of the materials.
The workshop is open to all ages and no experience is needed. All materials are provided. It’s a chance to make something with your hands, learn a few simple techniques, and bring home your own handmade wreath.
Suitable for all ages, under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Witches and Wizards Workshop
2025-10-31 16:00 - 18:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Witches and Wizards Workshop, Friday October 31st, 4pm-6pm, FREE
Geraldine Wisdom will show you how to create Witches and Wizards by twisting coloured pipe cleaners, threading beads, sticking on eyes, cutting fabric, wool, feathers, and paper to make your very own Halloween icon.
Ages: 4-10 years old, under 8’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Drumming and Dance Workshop
2025-10-31 17:30 - 18:30 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Drumming and Dance Workshop, Friday October 31st, 5:30pm-6:30pm, FREE
Urs Wenk of Drum Dance Ireland brings a high-energy and accessible drumming workshop for everyone to enjoy.
Follow the simple but fun moves choreographed by award-winning dance instructor Katrina Galvin ahead of this evening’s parade. So dust off your Halloween costume, fine tune your moves and shake it out!
Suitable for all ages.

Street Parade and Fireworks
2025-10-31 18:30 - 19:00 | Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh, Ireland
Street Parade – Meet at Nenagh Arts Centre, Friday October 31st, 6:30pm-7pm, FREE
Get your costume ready! Step into the enchanting world of Halloween as our vibrant parade takes to the streets! Come together to celebrate the spirit of the season with costumes, lights and music.
Manoeuvre through the streets of Nenagh with our chief Mummer, lots of ghastly ghouls and spooky companions. Be amazed (and terrified!) by the frightening array of masks on display, gathering people as we go and culminating at the CBS School for our annual spectacle.
FREE firework show. Let’s ignite the night sky!
Suitable for all ages.
Parade leaves Nenagh Arts Centre at 6:30pm and processes to CBS School. Fireworks at 7pm at CBS School sports field.
