Everything you need to know heading to this year’s event
The Coronas, The Stunning, The Waterboys and a spectacular street procession are among the highlights as Púca Festival returns to the Royal County this week, bringing four days of Halloween celebrations to Trim and Athboy.
Running from Thursday 29th October to Sunday 1st November, the festival combines live music, comedy, fire performances and immersive experiences with the ancient Irish traditions of Samhain.
Visitors heading to Trim will also have the new pedestrian bridge linking Trim Castle with the Porchfields open after a long renovation, improving access between two of the town’s key locations just in time for the festivities.
Here is a day-by-day guide to the main attractions, along with everything else you need to know before heading along.
What’s on each day
Thursday 29th October - Opening night
Púca gets underway at the Big Top in Trim with The Stunning, Sharon Shannon Big Band and Mundy, with support from Fin Furey.
Comedy fans can head to the Swift Cultural Centre, where Enya Martin will kick off the weekend with her stand-up show.
Friday 30th October - The Gathering of the Spirits
One of the festival’s signature spectacles, the Púca Procession, takes over the streets of Trim from 6pm. The event brings folklore, music and theatrical performances together in a celebration of Samhain.
The Coronas, supported by Róisín O, perform at the Púca Big Top, while Hothouse Flowers take to the stage at Trim Castle Hotel. John Colleary will also perform at the Swift Cultural Centre.
Saturday 31st October - Halloween night
The Lighting of the Samhain Fire takes place at Fairgreen in Athboy at 5.30pm, offering a chance to experience one of the festival’s central traditions.
In Trim, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, High Stool Prophets and Mark McCabe, with special guest Janet Devlin, will perform at the Púca Big Top.
Other highlights include Davina Devine’s Halloween Drag Brunch and Jerry Fish and the Electric Sideshow Cabaret at Trim Castle Hotel, Qween and the Dublin Gospel Choir at Knightsbrook Hotel, and Shane Daniel Byrne at the Swift Cultural Centre.
Sunday 1st November - Closing night
The Waterboys headline the final night at the Púca Big Top, bringing the four-day festival to a close.
Beyond the big names
There is plenty to explore away from the main stages, with this year’s programme offering opportunities to discover the folklore, crafts and customs behind Halloween.
New for 2026, daytime workshops will take place at the Púca Big Top, including Mummer Mask Making with the Fingal Mummers, where visitors can learn about traditional Samhain disguises and create their own straw creation. The venue will also host the Trim Autism Friendly Town Accessibility Disco.
Trim’s Porchfields will host the festival’s biggest-ever Harvest Market, featuring local producers, artisan makers, Boyne Valley products and Samhain-inspired crafts.
In Athboy, the Living History Village and Ancestral Garden at Fairgreen will feature storytelling, battle demonstrations and encounters with Ireland’s past.
Visitors can also try traditional skills such as willow weaving, woodwork, blacksmithing, Ogham carving, súgán chair making and butter making.
Genealogy workshops, guided foraging tours, Heritage Tours of Tlachtga, Samhain Circus and the Beyond the Veil: The Púca Trail offer further ways to explore Ireland’s cultural heritage.
What to wear
October weather can be unpredictable, so warm layers, a rain jacket and sturdy waterproof footwear are recommended. Although many performances take place indoors, markets, tours and several workshops are outdoors.
Check the festival’s social media channels for weather updates, and avoid footwear or costumes that could restrict movement or visibility.
Getting there and getting around
Púca takes place across two locations, Trim and Athboy, with a free shuttle bus running hourly between the festival hubs throughout the weekend.
Festival coaches will also be available as ticket add-ons, connecting visitors with locations including Dublin, Navan, Drogheda, Slane, Cavan and Mullingar. Bus Éireann operates services to both towns from Dublin and other parts of the region.
Those travelling by car should check the festival website for parking information and plan their journeys in advance.
Tickets must be booked online, and visitors can find the full programme, festival maps and transport details here.
Whether you are heading along for the headline acts, the Halloween procession or the chance to experience Ireland’s ancient Samhain traditions, Púca Festival offers plenty to discover across four days in Trim and Athboy.