The time of year has come around again where we are getting ready to welcome visitors from all over Ireland, and the world, to the Spirits of Meath Festival. This year, the festival will run from the 3rd of October to the 9th of November. Expect lots of fun by day, plenty of scares by night and of course great special offers from our accommodation providers so you can enjoy all the festival has to offer.
About the Festival
The Spirits of Meath Festival has been running for over 13 years now and attracts visitors from all over the country. According to legend, Samhain, the ancient Celtic Festival that we now call Halloween, originated here in Co. Meath in the Boyne Valley. Samhain was said to mark the harvest and a time of transition, with feasting and celebration as the long winter nights approached. To this day the Boyne Valley has remained the home of Halloween, the modern equivalent of Samhain. Whether is ‘Fun by Day’ or ‘Fright by Night’, spine-tingling fun awaits for young and old alike. All events in the festival are run by businesses within the Boyne Valley and tickets can be purchased for each event on their own website. Read more about the story of Halloween here.
Fun by Day
The Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival is suitable for all ages. From 0 to 100! From pumpkin patches to nature trails, train rides and everything in between. On the Spirits of Meath website, you will find a calendar of events for Fun by Day aimed at the younger members of the family. Highlights this year include Funtasia’s Pumpkin Patch Festival, Pooka Spooka at Causey Farm, Family Halloween Festival Pumpkin & Fun, Emerald Park! Another Fang-Tastic Season, Pumpkin in the Pines, Pumpkin in the Pines – Make a Pottery Pumkin, Spooktacular Halloween Trick or Treat Trail at Loughcrew Estate, and so much more. Find more on the website here.
Fright by night
For those of you who really want a scare, then there are plenty of activities to choose from during the Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival. Visit Ghosts of the Manor at Rockfield house, After Dark at Emerald Park, Farmaphobia and so much more. Find more events to scare you on our website here.
Púca Festival
October 30th – November 2nd 2025
The mischievous Púca spirit is back, ready to make Halloween truly unforgettable in the heritage towns of Trim and Athboy. Rooted in ancient Samhain tradition yet bursting with contemporary energy, the Púca Festival invites visitors to step into a magical world of folklore, music, storytelling, and spectacle.
Highlights of this year’s programme include electrifying performances from The 2 Johnnies, Block Rockin’ Beats, Groove Amanda DJ set, and many more. But the festival is not all about music, expect comedy, immersive theatre, and authentic Samhain ceremonies that connect the past to the present.
Two of the festival’s most powerful moments are The Púca Procession in Trim (Saturday 1st November, 6pm) and the Lighting of the Samhain Fire in Athboy (Friday 31st October, 5:30pm). These free events are steeped in history and symbolism, evoking the ancient Celtic traditions that gave birth to Halloween itself.
This is Halloween at its most authentic and atmospheric, an unmissable experience in the original home of Samhain.
Lú Festival of Light – Drogheda
October 24th – 27th 2025
Just before the veil between worlds grows thin, Drogheda transforms into an open-air gallery of light and imagination with the Lú Festival of Light.
For four magical nights, the town’s landmarks are brought to life with spectacular large-scale projections. Each site tells a story, blending history, myth, and modern creativity through vibrant animations and dynamic light shows. With displays running every 10–15 minutes, visitors can wander Drogheda’s streets at their own pace, revisit favourite installations, and see the town in a whole new light.
This is Drogheda illuminated, where ancient stories are reborn in dazzling colour.
Samhain Festival of Food & Culture – Kells
November 6th – 9th 2025
Round off the festival season in style at the Samhain Festival of Food & Culture in Kells, County Meath. This celebration of Ireland’s culinary and cultural heritage brings together the very best of Irish food, drink, and tradition.
With a programme packed full of events, including the renowned Sheridan’s Irish Food Fair, you’ll find everything from artisan tastings and cookery demos to live music, storytelling, and cultural showcases.
This is a festival for food lovers and culture seekers alike, a feast for the senses, and a perfect way to celebrate the richness of Irish heritage as the harvest season draws to a close.
Accommodation offers.
A day trip is just too short during the Spirits of Meath Halloween festival. Why not book into one of our luxurious hotels or spend a few nights with our self-catering providers. You will find a full list along with some great special offers here.
Be sure to follow the Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival on social media. They will be running competitions over the next few weeks on Facebook and on Instagram.
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