A stunning weekend for Púca Festival
Tens of thousands of visitors flocked to Trim and Athboy over the Halloween weekend to enjoy the Púca Festival that was blessed by the gods and the spirits with wonderful weather.
The four days saw the towns of Trim and Athboy transform into hubs of local art, talent, culture and Halloween fun for almost 64,000 visitors to gather and celebrate Ireland's rich folklore and heritage.
Acts such as the Stunning, Sharon Shannon, Mundy, Coronas, Hothouse Flowers, Whistling Donkeys and The Waterboys delighted audiences in the Big Top in the Porchfields, while comedians taking to the stage in the Swift Cultural Centre included Enya Martin, John Colleary and Shane Daniel Byrne.
The late Glen Hansard was set to headline the festival before his passing earlier this year, with thousands of fans devastated by the loss. The Waterboys’ Mike Scott gave a heartwarming tribute to the late singer during their performance by playing a moving rendition of Bob Dylan's 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door', dedicating the track to Hansard and to his own late mother.
An absolute highlight of the weekend, as it is every year, was the Púca Procession: The Gathering of the Spirits, as mythological creatures and performers marched through the streets of Trim in front of thousands of spectators who travelled from all over the world to watch. Visitors from as far as South Korea and the US lined the streets alongside locals to take part in an ancient celebration that marks the veils in realities becoming thin and supernatural activities taking place.
The procession was lead by the mischievous Púca Mór alongside Scoil Mhuire student Sophia Connolly Deane, whose handmade Halloween costume depicting the mythical Wendigo caught the attention of the festival's Creative Director, Claire Morrissey.
The festival and procession particularly highlighted local talent and community involvement, with hundreds of people getting involved in the workshops, performances and behind the scenes aspects. The faces of the audience alone as the procession took place demonstrated how worth every hour of work was.
Other highlights included the Lighting of the Samhain Fire at the Fair Green in Athboy on Halloween night and the Harvest Market at Trim Porchfields and Athboy Fairgreen. The programme also included comedy, circus, heritage experiences, traditional crafts and immersive storytelling.
From live gigs, to circus acts, to the market featuring workshops, local produce and fair-ground rides, there was something for absolutely everyone over the weekend with a non-stop packed itinerary. Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Meath County Council, Púca Festival truly brought together contemporary entertainment and cultural experiences, inviting visitors to explore the traditions and stories associated with Samhain.
Under the 2026 theme, Between Worlds, this year’s programme explored the connections between past and present, light and dark, and old and new traditions through a diverse programme of events for domestic and international visitors.
An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sarah Reilly, said: “It was a pleasure to attend Púca 2026 and experience first-hand what a special festival it has become. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the festivities and the fantastic atmosphere all throughout the weekend. We are already looking forward to continuing the celebrations in Meath with the Samhain Festival of Food & Culture in Kells this weekend.”
Kieran Kehoe, Chief Executive, Meath Co Council
“The crowds at Púca 2026 were fantastic and, as the festival continues to grow year on year, I am particularly proud to see Púca remain Ireland’s flagship Halloween festival while also attracting increasing numbers of international visitors to Meath. Our county boasts an impressive calendar of festivals and events, and Púca strengthens our reputation as a leading destination for experiential tourism, welcoming people to the home of Halloween to experience the history, heritage and traditions that make this part of Ireland so special.”
Paul Mockler, Head of Business, Festivals and Major Sports Events, Fáilte Ireland, said:
“As a flagship festival in the Ireland Home of Halloween programme, Púca Festival continues to grow every year, bringing ancient Samhain traditions to life through a vibrant programme of music, culture and immersive visitor experiences. The strong attendance in Trim and Athboy this year highlights the festival's appeal and its important role in showcasing the rich heritage, folklore and creativity at the heart of County Meath and Ireland's Ancient East.
“Festivals like Púca are central to Fáilte Ireland's ambition to create compelling reasons for domestic and international visitors to explore destinations across Ireland throughout the year. Through our partnership with Meath County Council, Púca Festival continues to deliver economic benefits for local communities and businesses while strengthening Ireland's position as the Home of Halloween.”
Martin Nolan, Púca Festival Director and Founder of MPI Artists, added:
“Púca Festival 2026 has been a fantastic celebration of Samhain, bringing together music, performance, storytelling and the traditions of Irish folklore across Trim and Athboy.
This year’s Between Worlds theme provided a wonderful thread throughout the programme, connecting the ancient traditions of Samhain with the creativity and energy of contemporary Ireland.
“From the Lighting of the Samhain Fire in Athboy to the Púca Procession in Trim, alongside the music, markets, workshops and storytelling, the festival offered visitors many different ways to experience the spirit of Púca.
“On behalf of the festival team at MPI Artists, I want to thank Fáilte Ireland, Meath County Council, our local partners, community groups, performers, volunteers and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes, as well as everyone who joined us over the four days.
“Their continued commitment and support are what make Púca possible, and we look forward to building on this year’s success.”