{"product_id":"samhain-myth-landscape-and-the-otherworld","title":"Samhain: Myth, Landscape and the Otherworld","description":"\u003cp\u003eJoin Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland for a special one-day course exploring Samhain – its seasonal significance, sacred landscapes, extraordinary stories and enduring connection with the Otherworld.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will gather at Glebe House, Dowth, on Saturday 7 November 2026, the astronomical cross-quarter day associated with Samhain this year. In the landscape of Brú na Bóinne, we will explore why this turning point in the year holds such a prominent place in Irish mythology and tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy do so many mythological events take place at Samhain? What do the written sources tell us about its assemblies and celebrations? What lies behind the familiar idea of the “thinning of the veil”? And how do Samhain’s traditions connect with modern-day Hallowe’en?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough illustrated talks, storytelling, readings and discussion, we will explore these questions across four sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHAT WE WILL EXPLORE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Samhain and the turning of the year: early written references, including Cormac’s Glossary, the traditional Irish calendar and the astronomical cross-quarter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Gatherings, sacred places and kingship: traditions associated with Brú na Bóinne, Tara and Tlachtga, the Hill of Ward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Samhain and the Otherworld: supernatural encounters, transformation and journeys beyond ordinary human experience in Irish mythology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• From Samhain to Hallowe’en: folklore, seasonal customs and the influences that have shaped the festival over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe day will include selected readings from Anthony’s new book, Ireland: Land of Legend, alongside opportunities to ask questions and share reflections. We will consider both the richness of the traditions and the evidence behind them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo previous knowledge of Irish mythology is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat participants say about our one-day courses\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom five-star Google reviews of Anthony’s Tuatha Dé Danann course at Glebe House, Dowth, on 26 September 2026:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e★★★★★\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“This was such a gorgeous day spent in Dowth with Anthony. He is simply incredibly knowledgeable and makes the past accessible and fascinating.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e– \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnn Ryan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e★★★★★\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“The one day course on the Tuatha Dé Danann at Glebe House was both enlightening and engaging. I found the integration of historical, mythological, and contemporary perspectives to be particularly enjoyable.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e– \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColm McClean\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE DAY’S PROGRAMME\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10–11.30am: Samhain and the turning of the year\u003cbr\u003e11.30–11.50am: Morning break\u003cbr\u003e11.50am–1pm: Gatherings, sacred places and kingship\u003cbr\u003e1–2pm: Lunch and a short guided walk around Dowth\u003cbr\u003e2–3.30pm: Samhain and the Otherworld\u003cbr\u003e3.30–3.50pm: Afternoon break\u003cbr\u003e3.50–5pm: From Samhain to Hallowe’en, with closing discussion and Q\u0026amp;A\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYOUR PLACE INCLUDES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Four teaching sessions with Anthony Murphy.\u003cbr\u003e• Pastries, tea and coffee.\u003cbr\u003e• A short guided lunchtime walk around Dowth, weather permitting.\u003cbr\u003e• Opportunities for questions and discussion throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease bring a packed lunch and suitable footwear and outdoor clothing for the walk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOOKING DETAILS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Saturday 7 November 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTime:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10am–5pm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVenue:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glebe House, Dowth, County Meath\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c\/strong\u003e €195 per person\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCapacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Limited to 19 participants\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin us for a day of learning, storytelling and conversation as we explore Samhain in the heart of the Boyne Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mythical Ireland","offers":[{"title":"One person - full-day course","offer_id":57304097161556,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0603\/7087\/8620\/files\/1790511750863_iex38ec5_e6150abc-1518-479b-b1ff-667f3f85338c.jpg?v=1790513714","url":"https:\/\/mythicalireland.com\/products\/samhain-myth-landscape-and-the-otherworld","provider":"Mythical Ireland","version":"1.0","type":"link"}