International Visitors
Be part of Samhain celebrations with a visit to Ireland’s Ancient East, where traditions, folklore and stories come alive at the unforgettable Púca Festival in County Meath. A perfect stop on your Irish adventure!
FAQ's
About Púca Festival
What is Púca Festival in Ireland?
Púca Festival is Ireland’s authentic Halloween festival, celebrating the ancient festival of Samhain, where Halloween began over 2,000 years ago. The festival features live music, comedy, folklore, fire ceremonies, storytelling, and immersive cultural experiences across Trim and Athboy in County Meath
When is Púca Festival 2026?
Púca Festival 2026 takes place from Thursday 29th October to Sunday 1st November 2026, across four days of events and celebrations. Each year, Púca Festival is celebrated on the weekend surrounding October 31st.
Tickets & Festival Events
Do you need tickets for Púca Festival events?
Many Púca Festival events are free, including the Púca Procession, Lighting of the Samhain Fire, and the Púca Harvest & Craft Markets. Ticketed events such as concerts, the Puca Samhain Banquet, Craicly Stories, circus shows, and guided tours and talks must be booked in advance.
Which Púca Festival events sell out?
Popular events that sell out quickly include:
- Púca Procession Grandstand Seating
- Púca Festival Samhain Banquet
- Craicly Stories Long Table Lunch
- Heritage Tours of the Hill of Ward (Tlachtga)
- Big Top concerts and headline shows
Booking early is strongly recommended, especially for international visitors.
Can I attend Púca Festival without booking in advance?
Yes, you can enjoy free events without booking. However, to experience the festival fully, it is recommended to book key ticketed events in advanc
Travel & Getting to Púca Festival
How far is Púca Festival from Dublin?
Púca Festival is located approximately 45 to 60 minutes from Dublin, making it an ideal destination for visitors travelling from Dublin Airport.
How do I get to Púca Festival in Trim and Athboy?
You can travel to Púca Festival by:
- Car
- Rail
- Air
- Public bus services
- Púca Festival Coaches (from Dublin, Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin, Summerhill, Drogheda, Navan, Slane, Kells, Mullingar, Newbridge, Naas, Sallins & Clane to Trim and Athboy)
- Click here to see full travel information
Are there transport options during the festival?
Yes, dedicated Púca Festival Coaches operate from Dublin and surrounding areas, along with a shuttle service between Trim and Athboy throughout the festival weekend.
Do I need a car to visit Púca Festival?
A car is not essential, especially if staying in Trim. However, a car is recommended if you plan to explore the Boyne Valley and surrounding attraction
Accommodation in Trim, Athboy & Meath
Where should I stay for Púca Festival?
Recommended locations include:
- Trim
- Athboy
- Nearby towns such as Navan, Kells, Dunboyne, Kilmessan, Dunsany, Ashbourne, Slane, Drogheda and the wider Boyne Valley region in Co. Meath and Co. Louth.
- View our Púca Accommodation partners here
Should I book accommodation early for Halloween in Ireland?
Yes, Halloween is a busy travel period in Ireland, and accommodation for Púca Festival fills quickly. Early booking is strongly advised.
Festival Experience
What are the best things to do at Púca Festival?
The best way to experience Púca Festival is by combining its signature events with live entertainment, food, and heritage experiences. From ancient fire ceremonies to spectacular street performances, the festival offers a unique mix of culture and celebration across Trim and Athboy.
Top highlights include:
- The Púca Procession
A spectacular parade through the streets of Trim, featuring street theatre, music, and mythical characters. Grandstand seating is available for the best views. - Lighting of the Samhain Fire (Oct 31s)
A powerful and authentic fire ceremony in Athboy, honouring Ireland’s ancient Samhain traditions. - Samhain Banquet (Oct 30th & 31st 2026)
A four-course Samhain feast with traditional Irish music, dance, and storytelling. - Craicly Stories Long Table Lunch
An immersive storytelling experience celebrating Irish folklore and ghost stories. - Live Music & Comedy
Four days of performances from some of Ireland’s best artists and comedians. - Fire & Spectacle
High-energy fire performances across Trim and Athboy. - Samhain Circus & Sorcas na Samhna
A unique and visually striking circus experience for both families and adults. - Tours, Talks & Workshops
Discover the history and mythology of the Boyne Valley with expert guides. - Harvest Market & Food Experience
Enjoy artisan food, crafts, and local produce throughout the festival.
How many days do I need for Púca Festival?
- 1 day: Key highlights
- 2 to 3 days: Full festival experience
- 4 to 5 days: Festival plus Boyne Valley exploration
- See our Sample itineraries here (Link to new itineraries Section)
Is Púca Festival suitable for families?
Yes, Púca Festival offers family-friendly events including the Harvest Market, family circus, workshops, and free performances.
Are there adult-only events at Púca Festival?
Yes, some events such as the Samhain Circus (18+) and burlesque shows are for adults only.
Practical Information
Is Púca Festival accessible?
Yes. Most of our venues and outdoor areas in Trim and Athboy are wheelchair accessible. Where access is limited, alternative arrangements or viewing areas will be clearly signposted and supported by our event stewards.
See more here.
Is parking available at Púca Festival?
Yes, designated parking is available in both Trim and Athboy, all within a short 2 to 10 minute walk of festival events. Key locations include the Porch Fields in Trim and Athboy Convent Community Centre. Please contact our international sales team for coach parking details. Please note that road closures will be in place around key event times, including the Púca Procession in Trim and the Lighting of the Samhain Fire in Athboy.
See more here.
Is there food and drink at Púca Festival?
Yes, the Púca Harvest Market in Trim, Púca Craft Market in Athboy and local restaurants offer a wide range of food and drink, showcasing the best of Irish produce.
See more here.
Where can I find the Púca Festival programme?
The full festival programme will be available on:
www.pucafestival.com
Still Have Questions?
Planning your trip to Ireland for Halloween?
Our team is happy to help.
- Visit: www.pucafestival.com
- General enquiries email: puca@mpiartists.com
- Group Enquiries email: marieclaire@mcpmarketing.ie
Group Travel & Tours
Does Púca Festival offer group bookings?
Yes, group bookings are available for many events, with discounts for groups of 10 or more.
Can tour operators include Púca Festival in Ireland itineraries?
Yes, Púca Festival is ideal for coach tours, cultural groups, and international itineraries. Our team can assist with planning and bookings.
Who do I contact for group travel to Púca Festival?
For group bookings and international sales enquiries, contact:
marieclaire@mcpmarketing.ie
Planning Your Trip to Ireland
What can I see near Púca Festival in the Boyne Valley?
Nearby attractions include:
- Newgrange (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Trim Castle
- Hill of Tara
- Knowth & Dowth
- Loughcrew
- Slane Castle
- Old Mellifont Abbey
- Kells
- Battle of the Boyne
- Slane Distillery
- Boann Distillery
- Click here to view the full list of things to do in Meath
Is Púca Festival suitable for international visitors?
Absolutely. Púca Festival is an ideal experience for international visitors, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate Halloween in the very place where it began. Located less than an hour from Dublin Airport, in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, the festival is easy to access and combines authentic Irish culture, spectacular events, and unforgettable experiences in a truly historic setting.
What should I wear to Púca Festival?
October in Ireland is crisp and atmospheric, perfect for outdoor performances and autumn experiences. Dress for Irish autumn weather with:
- Warm layers
- Waterproof clothing
- Comfortable footwear
Discover Your Púca Events
