The Waterboys to headline closing night of Púca Festival 2026

Legendary band The Waterboys are set to headline Púca Festival this Halloween, taking to the stage at the Púca Big Top on Sunday 1st November 2026.

Their headline performance will bring this year’s festival to a close with a spectacular night of music. Audiences can expect Waterboys classics, rediscovered gems, new directions, drama, improvisation and musical fireworks.

The Waterboys have been led by songwriting master Mike Scott since the 1980s and have evolved through numerous line-ups, earning a fearsome live reputation along the way. In concert, they reimagine music from every stage of the band’s career, from early classics such as ‘The Whole of the Moon’ and the landmark album This Is the Sea to the roots-inspired Fisherman’s Blues era.

Following the recent release of Atlantic Rain: The Lost Fisherman’s Blues Recordings - a collection of previously unheard songs and recordings from the legendary Fisherman’s Blues sessions - the band continues to celebrate one of the most transformative periods in its history while looking firmly ahead.

Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Meath County Council, Púca Festival celebrates Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween through a vibrant and contemporary festival experience rooted in the ancient customs of Samhain.

The Waterboys join a star-studded festival line-up featuring recently announced acts The Stunning, Sharon Shannon Big Band and Mundy, alongside The Coronas, with support from Róisín O, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, Highstool Prophets, Mark McCabe, Janet Devlin, Hothouse Flowers, Jerry Fish, Qween and the Dublin Gospel Choir. The comedy programme includes John Colleary, Enya Martin and Shane Daniel Byrne, with further acts and experiences still to be announced.

Beyond the music programme, festivalgoers can discover a host of experiences rooted in Irish folklore, history and tradition, including the Lighting of the Samhain Fire in Athboy, the Púca Procession in Trim, Beyond the Veil: The Púca Trail, Samhain Circus, Craicly Stories, Foraging Tours, Heritage Tours of Tlachtga and the festival’s biggest-ever Harvest Market.

A dedicated programme of workshops will further bring this year’s ‘Between Worlds’ theme to life, offering visitors hands-on opportunities to explore the stories, customs and rituals associated with Samhain and Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.

With further acts and experiences still to be announced, festivalgoers are encouraged to visit www.pucafestival.com and follow Púca Festival across social media for the latest news and ticket information.

Tickets for this event will go on sale Friday 11th September at 10am, with further details to be announced.