The Halloween custom of carving grotesque faces into hollowed-out turnips and using them as lanterns was once widespread across Ireland and Britain. On Halloween night, these lanterns were set atop walls, fences, or gates, left glowing in graveyards, or hung swinging from trees to startle passers-by after dark.  In Ireland, the turnip lantern was known as ‘Jack of the Lantern’ or ‘Jack-o’-Lantern’, and it was closely associated with an old folk tale.

Join Brendan McGowan, Museum Education Officer, as he tells the story of this old Halloween tradition. Afterwards, carve your own traditional turnip lantern with artist and arts educator Vicky Smith. All materials are provided.

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 families with children aged 6 to 12 – please specify child’s age when booking. 

If you cannot attend the workshop, have a go from home by following these online INSTRUCTIONS.

[Images: 1. A Turnip Lantern, 1940s, © National Museum of Ireland.  2.  A modern day Turnip Lantern, © Brendan McGowan]

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.