Description
Long ago in Ireland, all the fires of the old year were extinguished at sundown on October 31st and a single blazing bonfire was lit at the epicentre of the annual feast – Samhain had begun at the Hill of Ward (Tlachtga). At this time, when summer and harvest receded and the darker time of winter began, the known and the unknown would meet and dance in the flickering light of the celebratory flames.
This very special, intimate fire lighting ceremony will be accompanied by live music from Sibéal Ní Chasaide. Sibéal is one of Ireland’s foremost sean-nós singers and is from the Ráth Chairn Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area) in County Meath.
Púca festival is proud to present a celebration of Irish heritage with a fire lighting ceremony at Tlachtga, Athboy Co Meath on October 31st followed by a procession to the festival’s finale, a spectacular fire and musical celebration at the Fair Green in Athboy.
Replicating the traditions of the earliest Samhain celebrations, the embers from the fire lit at Tlachtga (The Hill of Ward) will be carried to ignite the final festival fire at the Fair Green.
Once the new fire is burning the celebrations in the Fair Green will ensue with a Morrigan inspired fire performance alongside the rhythmic beat of the Hit Machine drummers. Samhain Fires finale will close with innovative and exciting band Kila, click here for more info
The Púca Festival Finale at the Fair Green is a free event and is open to all.
Map of the Closing Procession
To see the full route of the closing procession, you can download our map using the link below :
Closing Procession Route
Terms and conditions
Due to capacity constraints at the site, tickets to the fire lighting ceremony at Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) from 5pm to 6.30pm are capped at a limited number.
Outside of this event, the Hill of Ward can be enjoyed and connected with by booking a tour or foraging walk throughout the 3 days festival
Due to the rainy weather we are experiencing, please wear appropriate rain gear, footwear and clothing. As it will be dark, torches and headlamps are also welcomed.