All Souls' Day is the quiet centre of the Irish year: thefeast when the living pray for the souls still being purified, and the last surviving thread of a much older idea. Long before the Church set a date, Irish communities marked the turning of the year with offerings, doorways left open,and meals set for those who had gone.

In this episode of Ireland: Fact or Folklore, we follow theevidence. What does the Church actually teach about purgatory — and what did it inherit? Why is November 1st All Saints and November 2nd All Souls? And how much of what we now call "the month of the dead" is medieval Irishtradition, and how much is folklore built on top of it?

We look at the medieval danse macabre and the Irish waketraditions, the prayers for the departed that survive in rural Ireland, and the honest answer to the question everyone asks: did the Church take over a pagan feast, or did something else happen entirely?

Ireland: Fact or Folklore separates what is true aboutIreland from what is legend — and meets the people whose lives became stories.

Read the companion article: https://cosyinireland.com

The Cliffs of Moher are famous. But what is beneath your Feet.

In Irish folklore, hearing her cry meant someone was about to die. Witness the eerie presence of the Banshee in this chilling animation. This short film is not for the faint of heart, as it delves into the dark and mysterious world of a creature so feared that you're warned not to look at it. The Banshee is a figure of dread, and gazing upon it might just curse you with an unforgettable terror. With its haunting atmosphere and gripping storyline, this animation is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. So, if you dare, watch at your own risk, but remember: don't look at the Banshee. This creepy animation is part of our shorts series, designed to provide you with a burst of fear and adrenaline. Enjoy, if you can. Subscribe for more.