A Scare At Samhain
5
A Scare At Samhain
By Gormú Walking Tours: Storytelling Strolls near Skibbereen, West Cork
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About
This tour is 100% authentic and tells the real story of Samhain from a local perspective. During the tour with your Seán na gealaí guide, you will explore local stories and places behind the bean sí and the púca.
Ages 0-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Hot chocolate and báirín breac
- All Fees and Taxes
What's not included- Tip or Gratuity
- Pick up or Drop off
- Start:
- Leap Community Garden, Brade, Co. Cork, Ireland
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 351608P5- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 351608P5
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- kevinbN7288NB0 contributionsThe Wild Atlantic Way's best experience by far!We don't normally write reviews but we have to here because, quite simply, we had a absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. We had heard about Gormú when it was featured on an Irish television programme called Nationwide so we decided to give it a go. And we were so happy we did! Our guide, Conor, was an amazing story teller, whose knowledge of local folklore and heritage was utterly breath-taking, engrossing and infectious. We were completely hooked from the start as Conor enthralled us with the stories of people and events from history behind the old placenames of local sites and geographical features. As we listened, Conor led us on a lovely meandering walk along the coastline enjoying stunning views of secluded beaches, soaring cliffs and hidden ancient ruins. Conor was genuinely interested in us too and he epitomised that friendliness and connection for which Ireland is so famous, adding another layer of authenticity to our experience. The absolute highlight of the day though had to be the incredible picnic lunch we enjoyed looking out across Castlehaven beach, with the harbour stretching before us and the hidden glade, holy well and ruined Church of the local Saint Barrahane (Bearcán) behind us. Conor's fellow Gormú guide (and wife) Celine had baked the most delicious fresh homemade scones and fruit cake, which along with some very tasty local cheeses, strawberries and patés, we happily washed down with sparkling elderflower drink, tea and coffee. If you have any interestat all in history or heritage, or genuinely crave an authentic experience that captures west Cork's natural beauty, or just simply love to hear interesting anecdotes and stories from the past, this is an absolute must for you! Ten out of ten.... and we will definitely come back for more!Written December 3, 2024
- P1600KNsarac0 contributionsexcellent and informative tourConor was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable, entertaining and approachable. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and the stories despite it being a wet and foggy day. The picnic lunch was amazing - all locally sourced and delicious. All in all a great outing.Written August 11, 2024
- Cork670 contributionsA must do if in the areaFabulous experience and Conor was such a fun and informative guide. The bikes are easy to manage and we really enjoyed the experienceWritten July 23, 2024
- tiffanymC9417JD0 contributionsA real taste of West CorkIt's now starting to become a family tradition when we return to West Cork, to do one of the Gormú experiences. Everything was perfect again this year. Conor's stories are just sublime and bring ever rock and cove to life. The picnic lunch provided was just an amazing showcase of local cheeses, fish and fresh produce that this area is renowned for, all topped off with Celine's home-baking. We can't wait to come back again next summer and do one of their eBike tours!Written July 22, 2024
- LissacahaN0 contributionsPlacenames and their Amazing Stories in West CorkChaith mé lá breá le Conor ag foghlaim faoi na logainmneacha agus na scéalta áitiúla a bhaineann leo. Ba bhreá liom an scéal faoi chath chuan an Gleann Beárchain agus muid ag féasta ar lón blasta de cháiseanna áitiúla agus iasc deathaithe. Mholfainn an turas seo go mór do chách.Written July 8, 2024
- MounFouNomad0 contributionsConor Knows Cork!Howdy All, My wife and I had a wonderful walk in a beautiful part of Ireland with Conor. He taught us so much about the place names and how important these names are for the 1,000s of years that people have been living in southern Cork. Conor is also very attentive. When he saw that my wife was looking at a particular flower, he paused his description of the shoreline place names and described the plant that had grabbed my wife's attention and other nearby plants. He described current conditions and stories as well as ancient ones with clear-eyed details about what is known, what can be reasonably accepted and stories that are fun and informative, but not necessarily factual. While walking and talking you get to see the wonderful coast that transitions from wooded stands to grasslands to a variety of beaches. To top it all off, at the end there is a fantastic picnic! We had a great time that was superlatively satisfying in mind and body!Written June 30, 2024
- Joanne C0 contributionsTow Head at its best !What a wonderful morning spent with Conor on our walking tour of Toe Head ! Conor , a historian and folklore story teller regaled us with stories of the area in an amusing fashion . We just loved listening to him . The fauna , flora and spectacular views were beautiful . This is a must for anyone visiting the area . Enjoy 🤩Written June 25, 2024
- I1876XTianm0 contributionsA unique way to see & learn about West Cork.We've walked with Conor before & absolutely love his passion & encyclopaedic knowledge of all things South West Cork. We did the Place Names walk around Castlehaven, including dramatic coastlines, secret beaches, ancient ruins & glorious flora & fauna - all embellished with tales from local history & folklore. We would absolutely recommend any of Conor's walking (or cycling) tours - they are are both exceptional and unique!Written June 1, 2024
- Dhera_I_will_ya0 contributionsThe nicest scones you will ever taste with enthralling storytelling.We did some of the other Gormú experiences last year, so knew we were in for treat. This experience which is partly a food experience and partly a history experience with a focus on the names of places, did not disappoint. Conor is a local storyteller of some renown and his passion for telling enthralling stories shines through on this tour. We finished with the most delicious picnic which included the nicest home baked soda bread scones ever.Written May 22, 2024
- tadgha20240 contributionsExceptional Storytelling, Paired with Delicious Local FoodsThis is an exceptional food, placenames and history tour and we loved every second of it. Conor is simply an amazing storyteller and opened up a whole new chapter for us to explore on our travels. One of the best experiences we have ever been on.Written May 22, 2024
- Q3256HPcathyb0 contributionsJust a wonderful day in West CorkConor is a most engaging host who clearly loves sharing the rich and fascinating history of his home region. His passion for the local culture and stories is truly infectious, making every moment of the tour both educational and delightful. He was very accommodating, always ensuring our comfort and making it easier for us to partake in this unique experience. The landscape was breathtaking, and Conor’s insights brought it all to life in a way that was both intimate and profound. And oh, those scones! They were simply the best we’ve ever had, a perfect treat that added a delightful touch to an already wonderful day. Highly recommended!Written May 13, 2024
- mariano2970 contributionsExcellent afternoon bike tour.I arranged for my husband to do this tour last Saturday as a birthday present and he absolutely loved it. Conor was so knowledgeable and good humoured and went above and beyond to make it a memorable experience for him (even sourcing him a bike when his own broke down the evening before!). A really lovely way to see the beautiful landscape of west Cork and to learn about the locality.Written April 29, 2024
- NorthStar686785040680 contributionsA Day to Remember: Hiking Toe Head with GormúJust got back from the Toe Head Clifftop Hike with Gormú, and I'm honestly still in awe. This gem of an adventure is led by Conor Ó Buachalla. Conor is a treasure trove of knowledge and stories, making every step through the stunning landscapes of West Cork feel like you're walking through a living history book. The views? Unbelievably breathtaking. We’re talking panoramic ocean vistas, hidden rock pools, and wildlife that make you feel like you've stepped into another world. What set this hike apart was how it felt like more than just a walk. It was a deep dive into the essence of Ireland, with Conor weaving in tales of folklore and introducing us to the Irish language in a way that was both fun and fascinating. Learning about the flora, fauna, and local heroes of the area really connected us to the land. Ending the hike with a relaxing break by the beach, drinking hot coffee and eating Celines homemade oat biscuits, sharing stories and soaking in the scenery, was just perfect. It was a moment of reflection and connection, not just with nature but with fellow hikers who started as strangers and ended as friends. For anyone looking to explore Ireland’s natural beauty with a touch of culture and history, Gormú's hikes are a must. Conor’s passion for and knowledge of West Cork is infectious, making every moment an experience to cherish. Thank you, Conor, for an incredible day. Even without Celine's presence, you made the adventure unforgettable. I’m already looking forward to the next hike, hoping to explore more hidden corners of Ireland with Gormú.Written March 31, 2024
- conorofada0 contributionsWest Cork in wintertime is just amazingBrilliant routes and wonderful stories led by local volunteers right around West Cork. Many highlights across the 12 days this year ('23/'24) and too many people to thank but special thanks to Margaret & Michael Cronin, Paul O'Brien, William Casey, Helen Dempsey, Ann Haigh, Bernie Wilcox, Mary Collins and the many participants who contributed to these charity walks. My personal highlight this year was the amazing talk by Andy Collins at St Edmund's Church after which he showcased Milly Jagoe's prize winning essay as we stood across the road from her grave. GRMA, ConorWritten January 15, 2024
- B6204RQdavidf0 contributionsWonderfully informative and entertaining walking tourWhat a remarkably informative and entertaining walking tour of West Cork and the Wild Atlantic Way! Connor is a wonderful storyteller well versed in the history and lore of the land. He skillfully brings local history to life and shares an intimate narrative of the people, culture and environment during a beautiful walk along the coast. As a visitor from the U.S., I’ve had opportunity to spend time in this part of Ireland but this is the first time I’ve been afforded a glimpse into how this region was central to the development of the country and Europe. Even better, a picnic lunch with hyperlocal food is a scrumptious cap to a delightful day.Written December 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
17 reviews
Excellent
17
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0
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0
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Annabel
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The scare at samhain walk was fun & wholesome. It's an immersive walking & listening/learning experience, within which you're guided through small but scenic woods with various different stops.
At each of which, there was a friendly young teen dressed as an Irish mythological figure, such as a: bean sí, púca, caillech, changeling & more.
We were told detailed backgrounds about them & any local tales and sightings too.
The guide was friendly and well informed.
I went with my mom & really enjoyed it & there were couples & families with kids as well. For those wanting a pretty walk & simple, engaging storytelling experience, I definitely recommend it!
At each of which, there was a friendly young teen dressed as an Irish mythological figure, such as a: bean sí, púca, caillech, changeling & more.
We were told detailed backgrounds about them & any local tales and sightings too.
The guide was friendly and well informed.
I went with my mom & really enjoyed it & there were couples & families with kids as well. For those wanting a pretty walk & simple, engaging storytelling experience, I definitely recommend it!
Written January 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary
Dublin, Ireland12 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Conor weaves an aura of mystery and suspense through reviving and revisiting the tales and customs of our ancestors. All of this whilst guiding the participants through the most beautiful evocative countryside. A truly magical and informative Halloween experience. Suitable for all ages and finishing up with refreshments and traditional báirín breac.
Written November 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dhera Iwill
Waterford, Ireland16 contributions
This tour tells the real story of Halloween and its Irish origins. We learned loads of fascinating local folklore about this. the most Irish of all festivals and was all delivered in a really fun manner, finishing up with a cup of tea and a slice of barm brack was just the icing on the cake.
If you want cheap scary thrills with monsters jumping out from behind hedges with chainsaws, this probably isn’t your tour. However these stories will stay with you and made a much deeper impression on us. Well worth a visit!
If you want cheap scary thrills with monsters jumping out from behind hedges with chainsaws, this probably isn’t your tour. However these stories will stay with you and made a much deeper impression on us. Well worth a visit!
Written November 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DayTrip328571
8 contributions
Absolutely brilliant! Well worth booking on. If you’ve missed it this year, definitely book next Halloween.
Conor is just a fantastic storyteller. So good to hear all the traditions of Halloween and continue them for the next generation
Conor is just a fantastic storyteller. So good to hear all the traditions of Halloween and continue them for the next generation
Written November 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet G
Frankfurt, Germany6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We do not really have Halloween in Germany so it was wonderful to learn about Samhan, Halloween and all the Irish traditions of this festival in such a fun way.
Also some of the scarecrows we saw in Leap afterwards were fantastic. This is an authentic experience and it was great value and well worth the detour we made to see it.
Also some of the scarecrows we saw in Leap afterwards were fantastic. This is an authentic experience and it was great value and well worth the detour we made to see it.
Written October 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie Mc
Cavan, Ireland7 contributions
Loved the local folklore about Samhain and Halloween on this tour and the walk up through Bláth na Gréine to Myross Wood House is so beautiful.
The brack and coffee at the end is a lovely touch. The experience is great fun and well worth a trip.
The brack and coffee at the end is a lovely touch. The experience is great fun and well worth a trip.
Written November 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marian Ó
Cork6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
I went on this walking tour this afternoon with my 7 year old twins. We all absolutely loved the experience. Lots of information, presented in a fun way. It was spooky without being too scary for small kids.
The hot chocolate and barmbrack at the end was the icing on the cake!
Highly recommended this for kids and adults alike.
The hot chocolate and barmbrack at the end was the icing on the cake!
Highly recommended this for kids and adults alike.
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you enjoyed it and it's great to be back in Leap again this year. It really is great fun for us too.
Oíche Shamhna Shona Daoibh!
Conor & Celine
Written October 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Val
Cork, Ireland3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Beautiful scenery and wonderful stories, full of fun. Lovely gentle way to enjoy Halloween. Hot Chocolate too.
Would love something similar with all the stories for the Stone Circle at Roscarberry.
Would love something similar with all the stories for the Stone Circle at Roscarberry.
Written October 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Éabha M
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
This tour was the highlight of our midterm! The scenic views over the harbour added to the atmosphere!! My kids thoroughly enjoyed learning about Irish folklore and the hot chocolate at the end was an incredible addition
Written November 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine O
9 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Loved it a great experience.a great story teller. My son who's 9 stayed listening the whole time as did the other children in the group, even involved the group
Written November 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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