Festival Information
The Púca Festival was developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Local Authority stakeholders to tell the story of Halloween’s origins in Irish and Celtic traditions. Samhain was an important event in the Celtic year, celebrating the harvest, and marking the division between the “light half of the year” and the “dark half of the year”. ‘Púca’, a character from Celtic folklore often associated with Samhain, was chosen as the name for the festival. A shape-shifting spirit, Púca would roam the night, changing the fortunes of those that cross it, along with other spirits associated with Samhain, including Boann, Morrigan and An Fear Dearg.
The 2024 Púca Festival promises a thrilling journey through myth, music, food, and folklore. Celebrate alongside the locals in Trim and Athboy with traditional ceremonies and offerings. But the fun doesn’t stop there! The mischievous Púca spirit comes alive with hilarious comedy acts and electrifying musical performances by top stars like Gavin James, Bell X1, The High Kings, Dermot Whelan, and many more. See full line up here.
We have several music and entertainment performances throughout the festival which will be suitable for all ages including circus acts, tours and talks, however the majority of our programme is aimed at adults and older teenagers.
We have several music and entertainment performances throughout the festival which will be suitable for all ages including circus acts, tours and talks, however the majority of our programme is aimed at adults and older teenagers.
Travel Information
Our venues include hotels in Trim and Athboy as well as our own big-top tents and the newly opened Swift Cultural Centre in Trim. Venue information is on the event page and on your tickets.
Festival Parking will be located in the Porchfields in Trim, beside the Harvest Market.
Parking in Athboy is located in Athboy Convent Community Centre.
Bus Éireann runs services between Dublin, Trim and Athboy (Service 111). Visit www.buseireann.ie or view Service 111 timetable Dublin to Trim and Athboy here.
This year we are also running our own festival coach service from key hubs such as Dublin, Drogheda, Kells, Mullingar, Slane and Navan, find out more at our festival coaches pag