Halloween was traditionally regarded as the night when the boundaries between this world and the Otherworld grew thin – a night where fairies, ghosts and the dead roamed about freely. In the past, the fear of encountering an otherworldly being led people, mostly adults, to disguise themselves for protection. These ‘guisers’ darkened their faces with soot or wore homemade masks and costumes, and changed their voices to conceal their true identity.

Join Brendan McGowan, Museum Education Officer, as he explores the Halloween tradition of ‘guising’. Afterwards, create your own traditional Halloween mask from recycled materials with artist and art educator Vicky Smith. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring along your own scraps of fabric or other suitable materials.

Admission is FREE, but early booking is advised as places are limited. For bookings, please email Museum@GalwayCity.ie or call (091) 532460.

Suitable for children aged 8–12. Please specify child’s age when booking.

This event is part of Gaillimh Ah-Boo! – a city-wide celebration of Samhain supported through Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween Destination Development Scheme.

[Image: A Traditional Mask, 1950s. © National Museum of Ireland.]