As the days shorten and the veil between worlds thins, Ireland once again prepares to celebrate its ancient Celtic roots with the return of Púca Festival 2026. Taking place from Thursday, October 29th to Sunday, November 1st, this magical four-day festival honours the traditions of Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that inspired modern-day Halloween.
Set against the mystical backdrops of Trim and Athboy in County Meath, Púca Festival brings together music, mythology, folklore, art, comedy, fire performances and immersive experiences, all paying tribute to the mischievous, shape-shifting spirit of the Púca.
Whether you're looking forward to live music, spectacular fire performances, the Púca Procession or discovering the ancient origins of Halloween, there's plenty to experience across the festival weekend. Here's what to look forward to at this year's celebration of Celtic magic and mischief.
Thursday, October 29th
The Stunning, Sharon Shannon Big Band & Mundy
The opening day of Púca Festival kicks off with an exciting programme of music, comedy, folklore and cultural experiences across Trim and Athboy.
Music fans can look forward to The Stunning, Sharon Shannon Big Band and Mundy, with support from Fin Furey, while comedian Enya Martin brings laughter to the festival programme.
For those interested in the ancient traditions of Samhain, Thursday offers plenty of opportunities to explore the folklore and heritage of the Boyne Valley. Visitors can experience Beyond the Veil – The Púca Trail, take part in heritage tours of Tlachtga on the Hill of Ward, or discover the natural world through foraging and herbology tours.
Other experiences include meditation at Tlachtga, divining with Gerry Cremin, the Samhain Circus for adults, family-friendly Sorcas na Samhna and traditional craft workshops, including súgán chair making with Eoin Reardan.
With music, storytelling and hands-on cultural experiences, Thursday is the perfect introduction to the magic of Púca Festival.
Friday, October 30th
Friday brings another packed programme of live music, comedy, cabaret and cultural events to the Boyne Valley.
Music highlights include The Coronas, with support from Róisín O, and Hothouse Flowers, while comedy fans can enjoy John Colleary. The programme also features Glamour Ghouls, a burlesque show by Bluebird Absurd.
One of the major highlights is the Púca Procession in Trim, where folklore-inspired characters, music and spectacular performances bring the streets to life. The Pyro Collective's fire performance adds another dramatic element to the celebrations.
In Athboy, visitors can experience the Púca Samhain Banquet and Craicly Stories, celebrating the festival's connection to ancient traditions, storytelling and feasting.
Throughout the day, there are also opportunities to explore the Púca Trail, join heritage tours of Tlachtga, discover the traditions of Samhain through meditation and divining, or enjoy the Samhain Circus and family-friendly circus experiences.
With music, fire and folklore taking centre stage, Friday offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the festival's unique blend of ancient traditions and contemporary entertainment.
Saturday, October 31st
The Whistlin' Donkeys, Highstool Prophets & Mark McCabe
Halloween night brings another full day of festivities, with live music, comedy, cabaret, cultural workshops and family-friendly experiences across Trim and Athboy.
Music highlights include The Whistlin' Donkeys, Highstool Prophets and Mark McCabe, alongside Jerry Fish – Electric Slideshow Cabaret and Qween & the DGC. Comedy fans can catch Shane Daniel Byrne, while the programme also features Mná na Samhain, a burlesque show by Bluebird Absurd.
In Trim, visitors can experience the festival atmosphere through live performances and the wider programme of music and cultural events. Meanwhile, Athboy takes centre stage with the Lighting of the Samhain Fire, connecting visitors with the ancient traditions that inspired Halloween.
The programme also includes the Púca Samhain Banquet, Craicly Stories, Davina Devine's Púca Brunch, a Samhain-themed workshop with Ardú and The Apex Singers, and a range of traditional crafts and heritage experiences.
Visitors can explore the Púca Trail, take part in foraging and herbology tours, join meditation experiences at Tlachtga or discover the stories behind Ireland's ancient customs through workshops and storytelling.
Whether you're planning an evening of live music or looking to immerse yourself in the folklore and traditions of Samhain, Halloween Saturday promises plenty of ways to celebrate in the heart of the Boyne Valley.
Sunday, November 1st
The final day of Púca Festival offers another opportunity to enjoy the music, storytelling, folklore and cultural experiences that make this celebration so distinctive.
Music fans can look forward to The Waterboys, while the programme also features Dark Night of the Silvery Moon, a storytelling experience inspired by the atmosphere and traditions of Samhain.
Visitors can explore the festival's creative and cultural offerings, discover more about Irish mythology and traditional crafts, or take part in experiences celebrating the history and heritage of the Boyne Valley.
Sunday's programme includes the family-friendly Sorcas na Samhna, alongside heritage tours of Tlachtga, the Púca Trail, foraging and herbology tours, meditation experiences and divining.
With events taking place across both towns, Sunday is an opportunity to enjoy any experiences you may have missed, soak up the final day of festival atmosphere and discover more about the folklore woven into this historic landscape.
The festival may be drawing to a close, but the stories and traditions of Samhain live on long after the final performance.
Full festival listing available HERE!
Where to Stay for Púca Festival 2026
Planning to make a weekend of it? Staying overnight in the Boyne Valley means you can enjoy the festival across all four days while taking time to explore the region's historic towns, countryside and attractions.
With events taking place in both Trim and Athboy, there are several accommodation options listed on the Discover Boyne Valley website to consider.
Trim Castle Hotel
Located in the heart of Trim, Trim Castle Hotel overlooks the town's famous Anglo-Norman castle. Its central location makes it an excellent option for visitors looking to explore Trim, enjoy local restaurants and experience the festival atmosphere.
Castle Arch Hotel
The Castle Arch Hotel offers a welcoming base in the historic town of Trim, close to Trim Castle and the town centre. It's a convenient option for visitors hoping to combine Púca Festival with a relaxing break in the Boyne Valley.
Darnley Lodge Hotel
If you'd prefer to stay in Athboy, Darnley Lodge Hotel is located on Main Street in the heart of the town. Its location makes it a useful base for visitors wanting to experience Athboy's connection to the ancient Samhain celebrations.
Decoy Country Cottages
Decoy Country Cottages offer beautiful cottages suited to couples, small families, and large groups alike. It's an option for those looking for more space and a quieter setting after a busy day of festival activities.
These are just a few options to consider when planning your visit. Explore all options here to find more hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation across the region.
With Halloween weekend being a popular time to visit, it's worth booking your accommodation early and checking availability directly with your chosen property.
Getting to Púca Festival 2026
With events taking place across Trim and Athboy, planning your journey in advance will help you make the most of your festival experience.
Travelling by car
Trim and Athboy are both located in County Meath and are accessible from Dublin and the wider east of Ireland. Free parking is available at the Trim Porchfields, while parking in Athboy is limited. Visitors are encouraged to use the festival shuttle to travel between the two towns.
Allow extra time for your journey during the busy Halloween weekend and check the official festival website for the latest parking and traffic information.
Travelling by bus
Bus Éireann operates services to Trim and Athboy from Dublin and other locations across the region. Routes include the 111 from Dublin to Trim and Athboy, the 188 between Navan and Athboy, and the 190 between Navan and Trim.
A dedicated Púca Festival coach service is also planned for 2026, connecting visitors from locations including Dublin, Drogheda, Navan, Slane, Kells and Mullingar. Check the official Púca Festival travel page for more information.
Getting between Trim and Athboy
You don't have to choose between the two festival towns. A complimentary shuttle is planned to operate hourly between Trim and Athboy throughout the festival, with a journey time of approximately 20–30 minutes.
The Púca Festival continues to stand out as one of Ireland's most distinctive celebrations of Halloween and Samhain. Whether you're there for the music, mythology, fire performances, storytelling or cultural experiences, there's something to discover across the festival's four days.
From the Púca Procession in Trim to the Lighting of the Samhain Fire in Athboy, the festival brings Ireland's ancient traditions to life in the very landscape where these stories have been passed down through generations.
All festival details are available HERE!
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