Ireland’s Home of Halloween
The Púca Festival celebrates Samhain in the very landscape where Halloween was born. Held across the historic towns of Trim and Athboy in County Meath, in Ireland’s Ancient East, Púca brings together music, comedy, storytelling, food, folklore and fire ceremonies to mark the ancient turning of the year. It takes its name from the Púca, the shape-shifting spirit of Irish myth said to roam the countryside at Samhain.
This is the festival for travellers who want the meaning behind Halloween rather than the commercial version of it. The Boyne Valley has observed Samhain for more than two thousand years, and Athboy, home to the ancient ceremonial Hill of Ward, is regarded as the birthplace of Halloween. Púca lights the Samhain fire in the same place it has been lit for millennia.
When It Happens
Púca Festival 2026 runs from 29 October to 1 November, Thursday to Sunday, spanning the Halloween weekend across Trim and Athboy.
Two signature moments anchor the programme every year:
- The Lighting of the Samhain Fire in Athboy, a torch-lit ceremony on the ancient ceremonial hill that opens the festival and connects it to two thousand years of tradition.
- The Púca Procession in Trim, a spectacle of fire, costume and performance through the medieval streets beneath Trim Castle.
Alongside these, the festival stages live music, comedy, immersive experiences and food events across both towns, with a line-up of Irish artists announced each year.
What to Expect
- Two historic towns, one festival. Events run in both Trim, famous for its Norman castle, and Athboy, home of the Samhain fire, a short distance apart in County Meath.
- A mix of free and ticketed events. Street spectacle, processions and the fire ceremony draw big free crowds, while concerts, banquets and immersive experiences are ticketed and sell out.
- Heritage at its heart. Storytelling, folklore walks and living-history experiences make Púca a cultural festival as much as a Halloween party.
- Food and drink feature strongly, with feasts and tastings that lean into the harvest theme of Samhain.
- Dress warmly for the outdoor ceremonies, which happen after dark in late October, and book tickets and accommodation ahead as Halloween weekend is busy.
Make a Trip of It
County Meath is the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, a short drive from Dublin and packed with heritage: the passage tomb of Newgrange, the Hill of Tara and Trim Castle are all close by. Púca slots naturally into a wider Ireland trip that combines ancient sites with the modern craic of the festival. Our Grand Tour of Ireland and Highlights of Ireland tour take in the Ancient East and beyond.
On a Great British Trips itinerary we build the Púca dates and the surrounding Boyne Valley sites into one seamless trip, with tickets and hotels arranged in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Púca Festival?
The Púca Festival is Ireland’s celebration of Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival from which Halloween descends. Held in Trim and Athboy in County Meath, it combines fire ceremonies, a street procession, live music, comedy, food and folklore over the Halloween weekend.
When is the Púca Festival 2026?
Púca Festival 2026 runs from 29 October to 1 November, Thursday to Sunday, across the towns of Trim and Athboy in County Meath.
Where is the Púca Festival held?
The festival takes place in Trim and Athboy, two historic towns in County Meath in Ireland’s Ancient East, roughly an hour from Dublin. The Samhain fire is lit in Athboy and the main procession runs through Trim.
Why is Meath called the birthplace of Halloween?
The Boyne Valley has marked Samhain for more than two thousand years, and Athboy’s ancient Hill of Ward was a ceremonial gathering place for the lighting of the Samhain fire. Halloween grew directly out of that Samhain tradition, which is why the area is described as the home of Halloween.
Do I need tickets for the Púca Festival?
Many of the signature moments, such as the fire ceremony and the street procession, are free to watch, while concerts, banquets and immersive experiences are ticketed and often sell out. Booking ahead is recommended, especially over the Halloween weekend.