FAQs
Festival Information
What is Púca Festival all about?
What is Púca Festival all about?
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 2022?
Who is performing at Púca Festival 2022?
We have an exciting programme of homegrown music and comedy headliners as well as storytelling, live podcasts, interactive games, and an array of other happenings. Please visit the Events section of our website for more details and to purchase tickets.
Events Page
Is the programme suitable for all ages?
Is the programme suitable for all ages?
The opening procession in Trim will be a brilliant visual display full of character and colour and we welcome all ages to attend. There will also be several music and entertainment performances throughout the weekend which will be suitable for all ages, however the majority of our programme is aimed at adults and older teenagers. Please visit the All Ages section of our 2022 Programme page to learn more about events suitable for young and old.
Do events have a minimum age restriction?
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.
Events Page
Are there any free events in the programme?
Are there any free events in the programme?
Yes, in addition to our opening procession in Trim and closing ceremony in Athboy, we will be offering a range of free events in both locations including storytelling, musical performances, self-guided treasure hunts, handfasting ceremonies and much more. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for more information and suggested itineraries as events are confirmed.
Transport/Parking
What are the event venues and where are they located?
What are the event venues and where are they located?
Key venues will include the Púca Big Top and the Fear Dearg Marquee located adjacent to Trim Castle; Knightsbrook Hotel and Trim Castle Hotel in Trim; The Hill of Ward and The Darnley Lodge Hotel in Athboy, as well as a host of pubs and smaller venues in both towns. Both festival hubs are just under an hour from Dublin by car or an hour by bus.
Where can I find parking information if I'm planning to drive to the festival?
Where can I find parking information if I'm planning to drive to the festival?
Please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates regarding the festival, including access and parking.
Will there be allocated parking for the main stage events?
Will there be allocated parking for the main stage events?
Yes, parking will be provided in the Porchfields in Trim.
What are the best public transport routes to access the event hubs?
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?
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 communicate it via all our social media channels and update the website in coming weeks.
More Information
What food options will be available at the festival?
What food options will be available at the festival?
A great selection of food offerings will also be available at Jack O’Lanterns Harvest Market in Trim as part of 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?
Where can I find local accommodation details?
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
Will Púca Festival be taking place in 2022?
Will Púca Festival be taking place in 2022?
Yes, we are delighted that Púca Festival returns for Halloween 2022, running from 28th – 31st October in the festival hubs of Trim and Athboy, Co. Meath, both steeped in Samhain history.
When can I book tickets for 2022?
When can I book tickets for 2022?
Tickets are on sale from Friday 12th August. Please visit the Events section of 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.
Events Page
Is the event accessible?
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?
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.