Gagan Festivals Informazioni essenziali

Make the most of your visit to Púca Festival 2026 with this four-day itinerary through the Boyne Valley, where Ireland’s ancient Halloween traditions come to life.

Day 1 - Travel to Ireland

Accommodation

Make the most of your Púca Festival experience by staying in one of our carefully selected partner hotels, country houses, cottages or boutique retreats across the Boyne Valley. Whether you’re looking for luxury, a cosy countryside escape, family friendly accommodation or a stylish town centre stay, there’s something to suit every traveller. Many of our accommodation partners are located close to the festival hubs of Trim and Athboy, making it easy to enjoy the celebrations while exploring the rich history, heritage and landscapes of Ireland’s Ancient East. Extend your stay and discover even more of what the Boyne Valley has to offer.

 

 

Discover the Boyne Valley

Discovering the Boyne Valley is an essential part of the Púca Festival experience. Home to over 5,000 years of history, this remarkable region is where Ireland’s ancient stories come to life. Explore world-renowned sites including Brú na Bóinne, Newgrange, Knowth, the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle and the Hill of Ward (Tlachtga), the birthplace of Samhain. Wander through picturesque villages, enjoy riverside walks, savour local food and uncover the myths, legends and heritage that inspired Halloween. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or extending your stay, the Boyne Valley offers the perfect blend of history, culture and unforgettable experiences to complement your Púca Festival adventure.

 

 

 

Samhain Circus (over 18s)

This evening enjoy a night of jaw-dropping, eye-popping, trick-or-treat entertainment.

After dark falls, Samhain circus celebrates the Puca’s proclivity for mischief with the creme de la creme of creepy cabaret, hair raising high wire acts, burlesque and sideshow elements, fire performances and much, much more. Promises to be a night of laughs, gasps, and the best in cheeky cabaret in a beautiful circus tent.

Samhain Circus is part of our 4 day long festival which will celebrate Halloween in the place where it all began over 2,000 years ago. Over 18s Show

Book Now

Trim Castle Hotel
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre Newgrange Aerial View
2025, Púca Festival, Samhain Circus, Performers, Trim Co.Meath 29
2025, Púca Festival, Beyond the Veil Tour, Trim Porchfields Co.Meath 5 (1)
BAZ09613
The Púca Procession, Trim Púca Festival 2024 10 (4)
The Púca Procession, Trim Púca Festival 2024 7 (1)

Day 2 - Trim & Athboy

 Beyond the Veil Puca Trail

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.

Book Now

 

 

Craicly Stories

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. 

Book Now

 

 

 

Púca Procession: The Gathering of the Spirits

 

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.

 

Full Details 

 

 

 

 

Procession Parade Seating

Atmospheric Samhain procession through the heritage town of Trim

 

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.

Enjoy grandstand seating for a unique view

 

Book Now

Day 3 - Athboy

Heritage Tour of the Hill of Ward

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.

Book Now 

 

 

 

Athboy Craft Market
A captivating blend of tradition, craftsmanship 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. 

More Details

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lighting of the Samhain Fire

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. 

Find Out More

 

 

 

 

Púca Festival Samhain Banquet

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. 

Book Now

Puca Festival Hill of Ward, by Photographer A. Martin
2025, Púca Festival, Ancestral Village, Athboy Fairgreen Co.Meath 6 (1)
Samhain Fires Ceremony, Athboy, Púca Festival
WhatsApp Image 2026 07 21 at 1.14.57 PM (1)
Harvest Market, Trim Porchfields, Púca Festival 2024 13
Trim Castle puca projection

Day 4 - Trim

Púca Harvest Market & Depart for Home

A captivating blend of tradition, craftsmanship and ancient Irish heritage

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Púca Festival and connect with Ireland’s ancient past through hands-on activities, captivating displays, sustainability talks and artisanal crafts. Here, you can explore the art of wood sculpting, learn how to hand-craft pieces from the forge of Tom King, ‘An Gobha’, discover the secrets of Neolithic bread making, or indulge in the age-old pastime of board games at the Medieval Village. From learning about archaeology and intricate willow, the Harvest Market is a portal to Ireland’s rich history and culture. Nestled within the festival’s enchanting atmosphere at the Porchfields, Trim, this market is a treasure trove of experiences.

Find Out More

 

Explore the Heritage Town of Trim

Where ancient history meets the spirit of Samhain

Home to the magnificent Trim Castle, the heritage town of Trim is the perfect stage for four supernatural nights of music, fire, folklore and Halloween spectacle. 

Trim is a historic riverside town where layers of ancient heritage, legacy and Irish storytelling meet along the banks of the River Boyne. At the heart of its landscape stands Trim Castle, a towering reminder of centuries of history that has shaped the region. As twilight falls over the town, its streets, river paths and historic skyline become a natural gathering place for reflection, connection and celebration.

More Details

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.