FAQs
Festival Information
What is Púca Festival?
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.
Who is performing at Púca Festival 2023?
We will be announcing our exciting programme of homegrown music and comedy headliners as well as storytelling, live podcasts, interactive games, and an array of other happenings for 2023 soon! Be the first to see our 2023 program by regularly checking our 2023 programme page
Is the programme suitable for all ages?
While our 2023 programme has not been announced yet, as in previous years we will have several music and entertainment performances throughout the festival which will be suitable for all ages, however the majority of our programme is aimed at adults and older teenagers. When the programme is announced you will be able to see all of our “All Ages” events in one place on the all ages page
Do events have a minimum age restriction?
Ticketed events will have a minimum age restriction appropriate to the content and the venue. To find specific details please click through to the Events section of our website to view the events you are interested in.
2023 Programme
Transport/Parking
What are the event venues and where are they located?
Our venues include hotels in Trim and Athboy as well as our own big-top tents and more, there will be more information on all event venues when the 2023 programme is announced.
Where can I find parking information if I'm planning to drive to the festival?
Once our 2023 programme is announced, you will be able to find all information on parking at the festival at our Parking Information Page.
What are the best public transport routes to access the event hubs?
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.
Will there be any additional transport options from Dublin city centre or other major towns to Trim and Athboy, and between festival hubs?
We are currently working on creating a supplementary transport schedule with local providers for the Púca Festival and will update the FAQ page and our social media when it is finalized.
More Information
What food options will be available at the festival?
A great selection of food offerings will be available throughout the festival. With an abundance of locally grown produce and quality food suppliers in the Boyne Valley, there will be plenty of options to satisfy festival-goers. Further details on the food offerings at the festival will be confirmed in due course. We also encourage visitors to support the local restaurants, pubs, and cafes in Trim and Athboy during their time at the festival.
Where can I find local accommodation details?
Trim and Athboy has many accommodation options, everything from top end hotels to B&Bs, self-catering cottages and Airbnb’s are available around the festival hubs of Athboy and Trim. Visitors can search for availability on www.discoverireland.ie
You can find more information on accommodation on our accommodation page which will be further updated when the 2023 programme is announced.
Will Púca Festival be taking place in 2023?
Yes, we are delighted that Púca Festival returns for Halloween 2023, running from 27th – 31st October (subject to license) in the festival hubs of Trim and Athboy, Co. Meath, both steeped in Samhain history.
When can I book tickets for 2023?
While our 2023 Programme has not been announced yet, once it has you may visit the “2023 Programme” page on the website to browse individual events and purchase tickets, and sign up for our newsletter to hear about new acts added to the line-up as they are confirmed.
2023 Programme
Is the event accessible?
All events at the Púca Festival are accessible, but please note some of the ground in or around our outdoor events is not always very even.
Is the festival indoors?
The Púca Festival is a mix of indoors and outdoors, so festival goers should dress to stay warm and dry to enjoy the full variety of the Púca celebrations.