Join me this Samhain in Enniscorthy Castle for an evening like no other! A night celebrating Samhain, the Caileach, and her tree, the Elder! Starting with Elderflower fizz and finishing with your own ink and spell to take home!
- Tastings of Elderflower fizz and Elderberry Cordial from local farm shop Fat Tomato
- Hear the story of the Cailleach, the ancient Celtic Crone Goddess
- Hear about the first Samhain and how it has been celebrated over thousands of years
- Learn how to make wild elderberry ink, and how it was used in Spells in times gone by
- Enjoy a selection of yummy things, all sourced locally and typical of a traditional Samhain Feast!
- Leave with your stomach and mind full!
| Included | Bottle of Elderberry Ink made on the night Willow Wood Quill Recipe Sheets for Elder Tree, uses of the flower, leaves and berries Complimentary artisan Drinks and Food including: Local cheeses and chutneys served on traditional soda bread Barm Brack, a traditional speckled bread or fruit cake Stewed crabapples and honey Cold meats platter Foraged roasted wild hazelnuts from the Courtown area Sloe Gin and Carb apple whiskey taster Foraged wild berry jam and Salt Rock farmhouse butter |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Participants | max 15 |
| Important information | Please arrive on time! |
Further information
Arriving at the castle you will be guided to our temporary workshop area, here lit by candlelight you will be welcomed with a glass of Elderberry Fizz. Over the next three hours you will be transported back in time with tales of the wise Grandmother Goddess of Samhain, and how in time she was reduced to the Wicked Witch of Halloween.
You'll hear stories of other powerful older women in our myths and legends, the original Banshee the Morrigan, Liath Luchrá the female tracker of the Fianna, and the legendary Bean Feasa Biddy Early.
As these stories are told, you will also learn about the Elder Tree, named by the Vikings, the Elder Mother. A magical tree, filled with medicine, music and art!
Lorraine will be demonstrating how to make elderberry syrup and elderberry ink on the night, answering all your questions, and all participants will leave with a bottle of ink and those of you who bring a clean sterile jar can also bring home some syrup to keep you healthy as winter moves in!
Throughout the evening you can return again and again to our Wild Table Buffet, filled with locally sourced and very ofter wild treats! Stewed Crab apples, roasted hazelnuts, generous slices of freshly made cheddar or soft creamy goats cheese. farmhouse butter, traditional Barmbrack and freshly baked soda bread and cold meats
All this in the gorgeous candle lit surroundings of the Enniscorthy Castle, truly a night to remember!
Food for the heart, soul and stomach!
