History Enthusiasts Itinerary
Step back more than 2,000 years and discover the fascinating origins of Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that gave rise to Halloween. This two-day itinerary takes you on a journey through the historic towns of Athboy and Trim, where sacred landscapes, ancient traditions, captivating folklore and immersive experiences bring Ireland’s rich heritage to life. From exploring the legendary Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) and hearing centuries-old ghost stories to witnessing the spectacular Púca Procession and the Lighting of the Samhain Fire, this itinerary offers an unforgettable insight into the history, mythology and traditions of Ireland’s original Halloween.
Day 1 - Athboy &Trim
Reaching to the Ancestors
Samhain heralds summers end. The last of the crops had been gathered and now came the discerning time of what to cut away and what to carry forward. For our ancestors the darkening days came with a sense of fear and foreboding.Join us as we gather to witness the new day at this potent time, as the seasons change and we begin to turn more inward.Our noon gathering will focus on our Ancestors. Ancestors of this Sacred Land, Ancestors of our Traditions and our own personal Ancestors.
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.
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.
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
Experience the magic of the Púca Procession from the comfort of both tiered and covered seating, offering an unbeatable view of this spellbinding celebration as it unfolds through the atmospheric streets of Trim. Seats are limited and in high demand, so early booking is strongly recommended to secure your place at the heart of the spectacle.
Day 2 - Athboy & 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.
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!
Immerse yourself in the magic of Irish culture for a Traditional Irish Night of Feasting, Music and Dance at the Darnley Lodge Hotel. 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.
