Group of Friends Itinerary
Gather your friends and celebrate Halloween where it all began. From spectacular fire shows and immersive folklore experiences to live music, delicious food and unforgettable nights out, this two-day itinerary is packed with the very best of Púca Festival 2026. Explore the festival hubs of Trim and Athboy, uncover the traditions of Samhain, and create lasting memories together in the Home of Halloween.
Day 1 - Trim
A captivating blend of tradition, craftsmanship and ancient Irish heritage
Discover a vibrant blend of food, crafts, and folklore at the Púca Harvest Market in Trim. At this impressive market visitors can experience Irish Wood Sculpting, Willow Workshop, Pendant Workshop, Fidchell, Sustainability Tent and Talks, Accessibility Tent, local food vendors and artisan makers fill the air with the scents and tastes of the season.
Venture into the eerie Trim Porchfields for a Samhain storytelling experience unlike any other. Visitors will embark on a quest to uncover the otherworldly spirits and mischievous Púca is lurking beyond the veil.
Learn first-hand how to safely navigate encounters with shapeshifting creatures and spirits, discerning who to trust and who to avoid in this realm of shadows. Prepare for a chilling journey into the heart of ancient folklore and prepare to be captivated by tales that will send shivers down your spine.
Púca Procession: The Gathering of the Spirits
Atmospheric Samhain procession through the heritage town of Trim
This authentic procession blends outdoor theatre, street performance and music in a wild celebration of Samhain lore, nature, ancestry, and the looming darkness. As light turns to darkness and the veil thins, so too will the visions of otherworldly, shape-shifting spirits on their journey through the original home of Halloween.
Enjoy grandstand seating for a unique view – Procession Parade Seating Book Now
Púca Big Top (Headline Show)
Start your evening entertainment with one of Púca Festival’s biggest acts under the magical Big Top. Expect high energy, incredible performers, and a night you’ll never forget. See pucafestival.com for event details.
Day 2 - Athboy
Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) Heritage Tour
Explore the authentic origins of Halloween at Tlachtga (Hill of Ward)
Tlachtga (The Hill of Ward) in Athboy is cited as one of the earliest sites of Halloween. Unearth the story of the authentic origins of Halloween in Ireland with a guided walking tour of the site.
Learn all about the celebration of the Celtic new year, which involved lighting fires, feasting on the harvest, music, gathering and storytelling. Delve deep inside the history and the folklore of the origins of Halloween and its links to Tlachtga.
A captivating blend of tradition, craftmanship and ancient Irish heritage
Soak up the Samhain spirit at the Athboy Púca Market, where crafts, local food, and folklore-inspired fun await. With heritage demos, family-friendly surprises, and a warm village vibe, it’s the perfect daytime outing before the evening’s festival events.
Meet the spirits of Samhain & explore the folklore that lives beyond the veil
Join “CRAICLY STORIES” at PÚCA for a high spirited banquet celebrating Irish ghost stories and Samhain traditions. Hosted by CRAICLY founder, Jane Gormley, the evening will bring the legendary warmth of an Irish welcome at a traditional long-table Hallowe’en lunch, followed by an intimate CRAICLY storytelling performance blending folklore with myth and true reflections from a group of storytellers personal, real life ghostly encounters.
A ceremonial recreation of the ancient Samhain fire lit here by our ancestors over 2,000 years ago
The town of Athboy is steeped in the ancient traditions of Samhain, with historical records pointing to Tlachtga, or the Hill of Ward, as a significant gathering place during this time. On Halloween, Saturday, October 31st, as the sun dips below the horizon, the Fair Green in Athboy will come alive with the ceremonial lighting of the Samhain Fire.
This powerful ritual serves to honour ancestors and bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds. The flames will symbolically link the landscapes of Tlachtga, Tara, Loughcrew, Tailteann, and Uisneach, carrying messages to those who have passed before us.
Join us for a Traditional Irish Night of Feasting, Music and Dance!
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of traditional Irish music, dancing and a delicious Samhain four-course banquet. Immerse yourself in the magic of Irish culture as legendary musicians take the stage at the Darnley Lodge Hotel, filling the night with lively tunes and haunting melodies. Enjoy traditional Samhain food, warm company, and the enchanting atmosphere of Samhain in Athboy – a perfect way to round off this special night of folklore and festivity.
Extend your stay in the Boyne Valley Region – Visit www.discoverboynevalley.ie
Please Note: This itinerary is intended as a suggested guide to help you plan your visit to Púca Festival. Event dates, times, locations and descriptions are subject to change. Many experiences require advance booking and are subject to availability. For the latest programme information, ticket availability and updates, please visit www.pucafestival.com.
