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?
Our exciting programme for 2023 includes The Charlatans, Damien Dempsey, The Waterboys, Macy Gray, Niall Breslin and more and the festival features a wide range of genres including music, comedy, circus, and live podcast shows. Check out our programme page to get your tickets! 2023 programme page
Is the programme suitable for all ages?
We have several music and entertainment performances throughout the festival which will be suitable for all ages including circus acts, tours and talks, however the majority of our programme is aimed at adults and older teenagers. Check out our “All Ages” page to see events suitable to younger viewers.
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 the newly opened Swift Cultural Centre in Trim. Venue information is on the event page and on your tickets.
Where can I find parking information if I'm planning to drive to the festival?
Festival Parking will be located in the Porchfields in Trim, beside the Harvest Market. See Map Here.
Parking in Athboy is located in Athboy Convent Community Centre. See Map Here.
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.
This year we are also running our own festival coach service from key hubs such as Dublin, Drogheda, Kells, Mullingar, Slane and Navan, find out more at our festival coaches page
Will there be any additional transport options from Dublin city centre or other major towns to Trim and Athboy, and between festival hubs?
This year we are running our own festival coach service from key hubs such as Dublin, Drogheda, Kells, Mullingar, Slane and Navan, find out more at our festival coaches page. You can also see the best transport routes to the festival on our travel information page
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 as well as numerous vendors at the harvest market, there will be plenty of options to satisfy festival-goers. 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.
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?
Tickets are on sale now! The 2023 Programme page is where you can to browse individual events and purchase tickets, and sign up for our newsletter to hear about all festival news.
2023 Programme
Is the event accessible?
All events except those taking place on the Hill of Ward are accessible, but please note some of the ground in or around our outdoor events is not always very even.
Further information on event accessibility will be detailed on festival tickets.
Is the festival indoors?
The Púca Festival has a mix of indoor and outdoor events and activities. We suggest that festivalgoers wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately to stay warm and dry in order to enjoy the full variety of the Púca celebrations.