Free Halloween play explores terrifying Waterford ghost story  

At Waterford Museum of Treasures, a special live performance of a haunting, age-old, Waterford folklore tale is due to take place.

On Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, ‘The Curse of the Dearg Due’, will be a chilling live performance that brings to life Ireland’s first vampire legend.

The nearly 2,000-year-old folk tale takes place in an area that is now Waterford City, and follows a dreaded vampire, the Dearg Due.

The Dearg Due, or Dearg Dur, is said to translate from ancient Irish as the Red Thirst or Red Bloodsucker. Another version of the name is even more chilling, 'An Dearg Dúth' which simply means 'The Red Black' which could be interpreted as living blood that dies.

It is the name given to a young woman who after being locked in a tower, dies from starvation, before rising from the grave to take revenge on the brutal men who mistreated her.

What follows is the story of a young woman betrayed by love and cursed to haunt the living.

It is said that she still haunts the streets of Waterford today!

The story will be vividly retold through a powerful blend of theatre and live music from a local cast and crew.

Actors will vividly reenact the dark, tragic tale, while traditional Irish songs add an eerie and atmospheric backdrop to the performance.

The play stars Aoife O'Connor as the tragic young girl who becomes the terrifying Dearg Due.

David Marchant will star as her true love, whilst Derek Flynn will play the cruel husband who drives her to her awful fate.

This event is part of the Waterford City and County Council's Samhain festival.

There will be two shows per day: Saturday, November 1, at 12pm and 2pm, and Sunday, November 2, at 11am and 1pm.

Admission is free.