Púca Festival and Nua Healthcare Services team up to create accessibility and inclusion initiatives

Púca Festival 2025 has partnered with Nua Healthcare Services, to bring new accessibility and inclusion initiatives to this year’s Halloween celebration.

Supported by Trim Autism Friendly Town, the collaboration focuses on creating welcoming, inclusive, and supportive spaces for festivalgoers of all abilities.

Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Meath County Council, Púca Festival celebrates Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween through a vibrant, immersive, and otherworldly four-day experience.

As part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, Púca Festival will feature an Accessibility Tent and Mobile Sensory Unit at Trim Harvest Market, as well as a Mobile Clad Hub at Athboy Harvest Market.

These spaces, facilitated by Nua Healthcare Services — a leading provider of residential care for Individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions in Ireland — will offer calming and quiet environments for visitors who may feel overwhelmed during the festival.

Nua Healthcare’s Mobile CLaD Hub in Athboy and their Mobile Sensory Unit in Trim will host on-site wellness events and interactive experiences designed to support continuous learning, development, and sensory engagement. These mobile units bring Nua’s accessible resources directly to the heart of the festival, ensuring that all attendees, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy a truly inclusive experience.

These spaces are wheelchair accessible and feature low-arousal zones, mindfulness and wellness areas, and sensory supports thoughtfully designed for neurodiverse visitors or those with complex needs. They offer peaceful retreats where festivalgoers can relax, recharge, and return to the celebrations feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy everything the festival has to offer.

Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events at Fáilte Ireland said:

"Festivals like Púca play a vital role in showcasing Ireland’s rich culture to both domestic and international audiences. They are also important drivers of tourism revenue across the country, particularly in areas outside of traditional tourism hotspots and during the shoulder season, which is why it’s so important to create experiences that are inclusive and accessible to all visitors.

"We look forward to working with Meath County Council, Nua Healthcare Services, and local tourism and hospitality businesses in Trim and Athboy to deliver an unforgettable festival experience this year in Co. Meath.”

JJ Carey, Chief Operating Officer, Supported Living and CLaD Services, Nua Healthcare Services, commented:

“Nua Healthcare Services is absolutely thrilled to once again partner with Púca Festival. Our Mobile CLaD Hub will deliver engaging educational and social activities that blend learning with leisure, while our Mobile Sensory Unit offer tailored supports to enhance sensory experiences for individuals of all abilities.

"It’s wonderful to be part of such a significant step forward in creating inclusive and accessible experiences at a high-profile cultural event. We are proud to play our part in bringing people together to share, participate in, and contribute to community experiences.

"We hope these initiatives inspire other festivals and events across Ireland to recognise the diverse needs of their audiences and to create environments where everyone feels safe, supported, and celebrated.”

Majella Farrell, Head of Economic Development, Meath County Council, added:

“Meath County Council is proud to support Púca Festival’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility. Festivals like Púca not only celebrate our rich heritage and folklore but also ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully experience the magic of Samhain.

"By working with Nua Healthcare Services and local partners, we are helping to create welcoming, sensory-friendly spaces that reflect the warmth and community spirit of County Meath. We look forward to seeing visitors of all ages enjoy a safe, immersive, and memorable festival experience in Trim and Athboy this October.”

Martin Nolan, Púca Festival Director and Founder of MPI Artists, added:

“Púca Festival is a great example of how events can be inclusive for everyone. We’re delighted to have the support of Trim Autism Friendly Town, and through this year’s programme and our partnership with Nua Healthcare Services, the festival focuses on creating welcoming, inclusive, and supportive spaces for festivalgoers of all abilities.

"The Accessibility Tents, mobile sensory units, and wellness initiatives provide supportive spaces, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably. Initiatives like this showcase how accessibility and inclusion can be central to creating meaningful festival experiences for all.”

Melissa Barwell, chair of Trim Autism Friendly Town welcomed the initiative:

"Púca Festival’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, together with its partnership with Nua Healthcare, is an inspiring example of community collaboration. It embodies Trim Autism Friendly Town’s vision of creating a society that is truly ‘inclusive for all.’ Trim and Athboy are fortunate to have many local businesses and community groups championing accessibility, and Púca Festival sits at the heart of these communities. It’s inspiring to see their efforts align with our work to make the area an accredited Autism Friendly Town in partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s leading autism charity. Initiatives like this ensure that people with neurodiverse needs can fully engage with and be part of the festival experience on their own terms, while also setting a powerful example for other towns and events across Ireland."

Púca Festival 2025 comes alive across Trim and Athboy, Co. Meath, from Thursday 30th October to Sunday 2nd November. This year’s theme, Connecting with Our Roots, invites visitors to explore emotional and cultural ties to the land and our ancestral past during Samhain.

Festivalgoers can look forward to a spectacular line-up of performances, workshops, and experiences celebrating Irish myth, music, and heritage. This year’s programme features an incredible mix of acts, including The 2 Johnnies, Block Rockin’ Beats & Groove Armada DJ Set, Blindboy, The High Kings, Chasing Abbey, Mark McCabe, Kíla, Qween & The Dublin Gospel Choir, Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma, Dubliner – The Luke Kelly Story, Jason Byrne, Emma Doran, Young Hot Guys, Davina Devine, and many more.

Visitors to Trim and Athboy can also immerse themselves in a vibrant programme of tours, performances, and workshops. Highlights include Beyond the Veil: The Púca Trail – an eerie, mystical journey through folklore, Samhain Circus, as well as a sensory friendly Circus, Craicly Stories, Foraging Tours, and much more.

Tickets are selling fast. For tickets, updates, and the latest festival news, visit www.pucafestival.com.