Every October, County Meath becomes the true home of Halloween as Púca Festival brings the ancient traditions of Samhain to life across the historic towns of Trim and Athboy. Dating back more than 2,000 years, Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the Celtic New Year, when communities gathered for feasting, fires, music, storytelling and celebration as the boundary between the living and the otherworld was believed to grow thin. The festival takes its name from the Púca, a mischievous shape-shifting creature of Irish folklore said to roam the land at this magical time of year.

Today, Púca blends this rich Irish heritage with a contemporary celebration of music, fire, food, folklore and culture. Over four nights, Trim and Athboy are transformed with spectacular events and immersive experiences that celebrate the origins of Halloween in Ireland. If you’re planning a visit to Púca Festival in 2026, the Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth makes an ideal base just a short drive from both festival towns.

Here’s your quick guide to experiencing one of Ireland’s most atmospheric Halloween celebrations.

Tips for Your Púca Festival Visit

• When to Visit: Púca Festival takes place each year over the Samhain period, with events running across several nights that build towards Samhain itself on 31 October and into 1 November. Exact dates, line-ups and timings change from year to year, so check the official Púca Festival website closer to the date.
• Getting Around: The festival spans two towns, Trim and Athboy, roughly 25 to 30 minutes apart by car. If you’re staying outside the immediate area, plan your route between sites in advance.
• Beat the Crowds: Weekend nights, especially Halloween itself, draw the biggest crowds. If you can, arrive early for headline events like the Púca Procession or the Lighting of the Samhain Fire.
• Dress for the Elements: Most of the festival takes place outdoors after dark. Wrap up warm, wear comfortable shoes, and bring something waterproof just in case.
• Book Early: Accommodation in Trim and Athboy is limited and can book out quickly for festival weekend. Staying a short drive away, like at the Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth, gives you more flexibility.
• Getting There: The Glenroyal Hotel is ideally located just across the Meath-Kildare county border, roughly 30 minutes from Trim and 40 minutes from Athboy, making it a comfortable, well-connected base for your festival trip.

For the full day-by-day schedule and ticket information, check the official Púca Festival website, as line-ups and timings can change closer to the date.

Key Info for 2026

• Dates: 29 October to 1 November 2026
• Location: Trim, Co. Meath
• Admission: Ticketed events plus a number of free flagship experiences
• Website: pucafestival.com/locations-trim

Púca Procession

Shape-shifting spirits take to the streets of Trim after dark, accompanied by drums, fire and music, in one of the festival’s most striking free events. It’s the kind of thing that’s hard to describe and well worth seeing for yourself.

Projections on Trim Castle

As night falls, the medieval walls of Trim Castle become a canvas for a spectacular audio-visual installation, transforming the landmark into a vivid display of myth and folklore. It’s free to view and one of the festival’s signature moments.

Athboy: The Birthplace of Halloween

Athboy is considered by many to be the true origin point of Samhain, with traditions in the area dating back more than 2,000 years. The town leans fully into fire, feasting, music and folklore, offering a slightly different atmosphere to the bigger Trim stages, more rooted in tradition and local history.

Key Info for 2026

• Dates: 29 October to 1 November 2026
• Location: Athboy, Co. Meath
• Admission: Ticketed events plus free experiences
• Website: pucafestival.com/locations-athboy

Lighting of the Samhain Fire

Fire performers, storytelling and the lighting of the ancestral Samhain flame mark the turning of the year in this free, atmospheric evening event, held to honour the tradition Púca Festival is built on.

The Pyro Collective

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Athboy Fairgreen and Trim Castle, this immersive outdoor show blends fire choreography, aerial acrobatics and atmospheric effects. It’s a highlight for anyone who wants to see ancient myth reimagined through modern performance.

Why Stay in Maynooth for Samhain?

Trim and Athboy come alive after dark during Púca Festival, but rooms in the festival towns themselves can be hard to come by, and prices tend to climb as the dates approach. The Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth offers a comfortable middle ground: close enough for an easy drive to both festival sites, far enough to give you a proper night’s rest afterwards.

After a night of fire performances and crowds, there’s nothing better than returning to a quiet, comfortable room. Our leisure centre, with two 20-metre pools, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, is a great way to ease tired legs the next morning. Free on-site parking and easy access to major roads mean you can head out to the festival and back without any hassle.

Why Stay With Us for Púca Festival

• 154 spacious, comfortably furnished bedrooms, a proper rest after a night of festival walking
• Full leisure centre, with two pools, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gym
• Two on-site restaurants and a bar, including Arkle Bar, The Enclosure Restaurant and Shoda Market Café
• Free parking on-site, ideal for driving to Trim or Athboy
• A lively town on your doorstep, with Maynooth’s own pubs, restaurants and historic castle to explore

Ready for Púca Festival 2026?

Whether you’re chasing the fire performances in Trim or the older traditions of Athboy, let the Glenroyal Hotel be your base for Ireland’s Halloween homecoming this October.

Explore our rooms and book your stay with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Púca Festival?

Púca Festival is Ireland’s home of Halloween an annual celebration of the Celtic festival of Samhain held in Trim and Athboy, Co. Meath. It blends music, fire, food and folklore across several nights leading up to Halloween on 31 October.

When does Púca Festival take place?

Púca Festival runs every year over the Samhain period, across several nights leading up to and including Halloween night on 31 October, and into 1 November. Exact dates and times change each year, so check the official Púca Festival website closer to the date.

Where is Púca Festival held?

The festival takes place across two historic towns in County Meath: Trim, home of Trim Castle, and Athboy, widely considered the birthplace of Samhain. The two towns are roughly 25 to 30 minutes apart by car.

Is Púca Festival free?

It’s a mix. Several flagship experiences including the Púca Procession, the projections on Trim Castle and the Lighting of the Samhain Fire are free, while other music, comedy and performance events are ticketed. Check the official programme for what needs a ticket.

How far is the Glenroyal Hotel from the festival?

The Glenroyal is roughly 30 minutes’ drive from Trim and 40 minutes from Athboy, with easy access to major roads and free parking on site.

What should I wear to Púca Festival?

Most events take place outdoors after dark, often in cool late-October weather. Wrap up warm, wear comfortable shoes for walking between sites, and bring something waterproof just in case.