‘Toil and Trouble’ is set to return to Kilkenny for 2026!
The now annual festival delves into the infamous Kilkenny Witch Trials, telling the story of Alice Kyteler and others more than 700 years on from those fateful events of 1324.
Through immersive storytelling and engaging experiences, this year’s programme of events will explore the societal fears, power struggles, and personal stories that shaped this notorious trial.
Here at Rothe House & Garden, we have two intriguing and exciting events taking place, The Cauldron of Curiosities and the ‘Samhain: Witches are wise women’ music and performance.
The Cauldron of Curiosities
Date: Saturday, October 31st
Time: 2pm-5pm
Price: FREE, no booking required, just drop in on the day. Entry on a first come, first served basis.
Age: 4-12 year olds and families. (Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.)
Accessibility information: Unfortunately, this venue is not wheelchair friendly.
Note: Some of this event will be outdoors. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Flat shoes are advised due to cobblestones in the courtyard.
Step inside if you dare! The Cauldron of Curiosities awaits at Rothe House this Hallowe’en with a spine-tingling programme of drop-in activities for children and families.
Play the enchanting Bemusement Games in the Rothe House Courtyard and let DJ Raven’s spooky tunes set the scene. Step into the witch’s laboratory in the Tudor Kitchen with Scientific Sue and uncover the science behind witches’ potions and special effects. Print a folklore and witches themed storybook page with artist Blaise Butler.
With roving performers and free face painting, The Cauldron of Curiosities will prepare little witches and wizards for an unforgettable Hallowe’en.
June McGrane and Fais Moi Rêver presents SAMHAIN: Witches Are Wise Women Music & Performance
Date: Sunday, November 1st
Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm
Price: €15 + €1.50 booking fee – click here to book your tickets
Age: 16+ (Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Accessibility information: Unfortunately, this venue is not wheelchair friendly.
Note: The show contains outdoor elements, please dress appropriately for the weather. Flat shoes are recommended due to cobblestones.
Step into an Otherworld, where stories of the Goddess Tlachtga lighting the first fire at Samhain thousands of years ago meet those of super star impersonators with a fondness for Barm Brack and electric guitar. Where Witches – revealed to be the Bean Fheasa, Bean Ghlúine and Bean Chaointe – prophets, carers and healers, creators, mothers and daughters, masked and unmasked, transformed and disguised dance to the beats of Samhain.
As the veil dividing this world and the otherworld is drawn back, so too is the curtain between ancestral celebrations and today’s multicultural Hallowe’en festivities. Traditions of long ago intertwine with contemporary folklore in a celebration of myth, memory and mischief, weaving a vibrant tapestry of live music, tales and truths, satire, silly pranks, laughter, song, ritual and revelation.
