Traditionally, Halloween was a time of feasting, and the occasion was marked with special foods and treats in honour of the night. Colcannon, boxty, apple cake, blackberry pies, and pudding all formed part of the fare.

Of all the foods traditionally eaten at Halloween, the brack (bairín breac or barmbrack), or fruit loaf, remains perhaps the most familiar. In Halloweens past, it might contain not only a ring, but also a small silver coin, a button, a thimble, a chip of wood and a rag, each one foretelling the finder’s future.

Join culinary historian Anna O’Donnell as she discusses traditional Halloween fare, delves into the customs associated with the brack, and demonstrates how to make one. Afterwards, sample a freshly-made traditional brack.

Bookings:

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 all ages

[Image: Halloween Table, c. 1935. © National Folklore Collection, UCD.]

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.