Have you heard about the legend of the Banshee? Do you know anything about giants, monsters, or what to do if you come across a fairy fort? Irish history is full of folklore and storytelling, and we have a particular grá for spooky stories. Whether you believe them or not, many children in Ireland are brought up with superstitions from long ago, most of which stem from Halloween storytelling. This Halloween, Cahernane Hotel Killarney are embracing our spooky roots with a storytelling overnight package with legendary local Seanchaí Eddie Lenihan. Book your space soon for what promises to be a night you won’t forget.
Eddie Lenihan
We are delighted to welcome the formidable Eddie Lenihan for a unique storytelling experience at Cahernane House Hotel in Kerry. Eddie is one of the country’s few remaining seanchaí, a traditional Gaelic storyteller and historian. Eddie is an expert in stories of the history and heritage of Ireland but we’ve requested his spookiest tales for our Halloween storytelling night. Eddie will tell the residents ancient stories about the myths and legends of Irish folklore as well as some of the Irish fairy stories that he has collected from people over the years. Fairy stories will feature in the session, but you’ll also hear about the screaming Banshee who foretold death, and accounts of saints, monsters, giants, and ghosts, many of which are said to haunt the local area. Some of the stories are not for the faint-hearted and were collected from many years of research so you can be sure of their accuracy.
Irish Myths, Legends, Ghosts, and Ghouls at the Manor
Our storytelling event is a truly unique way to spend Halloween and is guaranteed to make your hair stand on end. The Halloween Storytelling at Cahernane package is available for 2 nights from 31st October and is suitable for families. The storytelling itself is for residents only and is part of a two-night package that includes less scary activities for children. The package includes dinner on one evening in the beautiful Herbert Restaurant, headed by renowned chef Cormac Vesey and his team preparing locally sourced ingredients in a seasonal menu. Enjoy storytelling with Eddie Lenihan in the Drawing Room and a tour of the famous Killegy Graveyard.
The Ghost of Cahernane
Cahernane House Hotel wasn’t always a hotel. It was originally bought as a family residence for Henry Herbert in 1877. It never lost the feel of a stately home or its Victorian Charm and a building that old and grand is sure to have its own spooky stories to tell. Many people have reported seeing the ghost of Gwendolyn Herbert, the daughter of the original owner of the house as she makes her way eerily up the grand hand-carved oak staircase. When a refurbishment was taking place, under layers of paint and wallpaper lay a picture of a duck. The floor was originally the children’s nursery, we know that Katherine Herbert was an excellent painter. A legend is told that many people have painted over the duck, but its image keeps reappearing.
Ghosts of Killarney
Aside from our own spooky story, there are dozens of others to exhilarate guests on the scariest night of the year. There are great places to explore in the area including Muckross House and Ross Castle on the shore of Lough Leane, which are said to have their own ghosts. It’s said that every seven years O’Donoghue himself rises from the lake and circles the shore on a splendid white horse. The legend goes that those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the spectre will have good fortune for the rest of their lives.
We’d be delighted to host you, your friends and family for this very unique celebration of Halloween storytelling this October. Spaces are limited so please book your space soon to avoid disappointment. Make sure to bring your own spooky stories to share around the fire!
