Time to party with the Púca... What's on, where to get tickets, where to eat and what to wear!
Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Trim and Athboy this weekend for the Púca Festival - now firmly establishing itself as one of Ireland's most unique and iconic festivals.
The four-day celebration of Samhain has become a hugely popular annual event, cementing Co Meath's place as the 'Home of Halloween' and attracting the biggest national and international acts including, Damien Dempsey, The Waterboys, Macy Gray, Imelda May, Charlatans and the The Academic. This year's line-up is equally impressive with headliners including Gavin James and Kingfishr, Jenny Greene and Leftfield and Bell X1.
And it's not just the music. Ireland’s top comedians love Halloween too - the Deirdre O'Kane and Neil Delamare shows happening in the Swift Cultural Centre sold out almost immediately.
Over 10,000 domestic and international visitors thronged the streets of Trim to see Púca Festival’s Opening Ceremony ‘Samhain - Night Between the Years’ last year to celebrate the origin story of Halloween in the place where it all began. Thousands more attended the dozens of live events and activities taking place in Trim and Athboy.
"In 2023, Púca Festival welcomed almost 44,000 visitors across the four day festival. Festivals and events like Púca present an excellent opportunity to showcase Ireland's rich heritage and unique culture to both domestic and international visitors. They are also important drivers of tourism revenue across the country, particularly in areas that are outside of the traditional tourism hotspots," said a Púca Festival spokesperson.
With Púca Festival, developed by Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with Meath County Council, just days away festival goers are in for a treat in Trim and Athboy with a diverse range of free events for all ages, as well as a multi-talented and varied festival programme of ticketed events across the two festival hubs.
Music acts for this year's Púca Festival include headliner performances by Gavin James, Kingfishr, Belle X1, Leftfield (DJ Set), Jenny Greene, all performing in the Big Top in the shadow of Trim Castle.
Elsewhere, The High Kings, Mary Coughlan, The Classic Beatles, The Changeling’s Son, Samhain and John Moriarty, Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Tom Dunne & Alan Connor, Cait Ní Riain, Qween and the Dublin Gospel Choir, and Hans Zimmer Experience provides for an eclectic mix of musical performance across a multitude of venues (see pucafestival.com).
In need of a laugh to counteract the ghostlty going ons? Comedy headliners include Neil Delamere, Panti Bliss, Deirdre O’Kane, and The Dirt Birds. The festival will also feature performances from notable Irish artists such as Ruaile Buaile, Emma Langford, and Tom Dunne & Fiachna Ó Braonáin. There will be live podcasts, talks, and storytelling, including CRAICLY, Mind Full with Dermot Whelan, and "Embracing the Spirit of Samhain" with Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald and Regina Sexton.
Thursday Highlights (Oct 31st)
Irish singer-songwriter Gavin James catapulted to stardom with his debut album, “Bitter Pill,” in 2015. His soul-stirring performances and relatable storytelling have firmly established him as a significant figure in contemporary music – making him a highly anticipated headlining act.
Limerick-based trio Kingfishr has emerged as a standout in Irish music, blending grand, atmospheric, and catchy melodies to captivate a wide audience. Following sold-out tours and high-profile festival performances in 2023, Kingfishr is set for a stellar 2024, including two sold-out nights at Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre, a UK tour with Tom Walker, and a support slot for Snow Patrol at Thomond Park.
Friday Highlights (Nov 1st)
Leftfield with special guest Jenny Greene are set to headline Púca Festival Big Top, bringing their innovative blend of house, dub, and techno DJ set to the stage. Formed in 1989, Leftfield quickly rose to prominence with their acclaimed debut album “Leftism,” a cornerstone of dance music that continues to influence artists today.
Joining them on stage will be special guest Jenny Greene, a leading figure in the Irish dance music scene. Known for her dynamic DJ sets and long-running radio show “Electric Disco” on RTÉ 2FM, Greene’s infectious energy and eclectic taste are sure to electrify the crowd.
Meanwhile Qween with the Dublin Gospel Choir in the Trim Castle Hotel promises to be a really memorable event too.
Saturday Highlights (Nov 2nd)
Bell X 1 with special guest Pa Sheehy will be rocking the Big Top with their diverse musical style, lyrical skill, and numerous hit singles, Bell X1 has solidified their position as one of Ireland’s most beloved live acts over the past two decades. Their albums explore a wide range of genres, including pop, alternative, indie, hard rock, post-punk, acoustic, lo-fi, folk-rock, ballad, synth-pop, new wave, and electronica.
Joining the band on the night will be special guest, Pa Sheehy, former Walking on Cars frontman. The indie folk singer, recently released his EP titled “Lost In A ’90s Arcade,” which has caught the attention of many new fans around the globe. Off the back of its success he has secured slots at various major festivals across Europe, including a recent invitation to support Bruce Springsteen at Hyde Park.
Another first for the Festival will be the indomitable Panti Bliss bringing her acclaimed show ‘If These Wigs Could Talk’ to Knightsbrook.
This hilarious and introspective performance delves into Panti’s life – from rural Mayo to the dazzling West End. Expect outrageous stories, passionate arguments, and side-splitting self-reflection as Panti searches for meaning in a changing world.
Sunday Highlights (Nov 3rd)
The Mindful podcast with Dermot Whelan and special guests Eric Lawlor and Willa White will see the award-winning broadcaster combine humour, fascinating conversation, live meditation at his Knightsbrook show - an event not to be missed for those whose minds are, well, full!
And don’t miss...
The spectacular Lighting of the Samhain Fire at Fair Green (Thursday, 31st October) and the Púca Procession in Trim (Saturday, 2nd November), are both set to wow spectators.
The Festival will kick off with a celebration of Irish heritage with an intimate fire lighting ceremony at Tlachtga (Hill of Ward), Athboy, County Meath on October 31st paying tribute to traditional Samhain rituals, followed by a spectacular fire and musical celebration at the Fair Green in Athboy.
Athboy is an important hub of Halloween tradition, with ancient manuscripts telling us that Tlachtga or The Hill of Ward was a site of great Samhain gathering. As the sun sets and the ceremonial fire is lit at Tlachtga on Halloween night, festival goers will gather at the Fair Green in Athboy. The flame procession, led by a specially invited master of ceremonies, will carry the honorary Tlachtga flame, the fire to light us up through the dark season ahead.
This powerful ritual honours the ancestors and bridges the physical and spiritual realms. The flames will act as a symbolic connection between Ireland’s sacred landscapes—Tlachtga, Tara, Loughcrew, Tailteann, and Uisneach—sending messages to those who have gone before us.
As the fire ignites, it will mark the start of an evening of music and celebration, featuring a lively performance by the renowned Irish band Kíla, alongside the mesmerising fire artistry of the Pyro Collective.
With the Púca flame lit and the stage set, the music and revelry ensue.
On Saturday (2nd November) The Gathering of the Spirits, (Saturday, 2nd November 2024) will draw thousands to the streets of Trim.
This free, public event will weave together elements of outdoor theatre, street performance, and traditional Irish music, celebrating the ancient lore of Samhain. As the veil between worlds thins, attendees will witness shape-shifting spirits and otherworldly creatures joining the revelry.
The procession will be accompanied by local musicians, sean-nós singers, and performers, creating an immersive experience where tradition and history meets creativity. Visitors are encouraged to join in on the fun by dressing in costumes inspired by nature and to bring along a hag stone to spot the mischievous Púca spirits! After the procession, the festivities will continue at Trim Castle with a stunning fire performance by the Pyro Collective.
What to wear
While many events will take place indoors, the Harvest Market and some of the tours and workshops are outdoors, and visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Organisers will provide updates daily on the expected weather conditions via social media channels. As it is late October, however, they recommend dressing warmly, with comfortable weatherproof footwear and rain jackets to stay toasty.
Where to eat
As Samhain historically marked the end of the harvest season, Púca Festival embraces the enormous wealth and quality of the local produce on its doorstep in the Boyne Valley with The Harvest Market.
This year's Púca Festival will offer a fantastic selection of artisan food, featuring local producers and their craft. Expect delights like hand-made and hand-painted chocolate bonbons and bars from Bohó Nibz Chocolates. For those with a love for dairy, Barbavilla Dairy will be offering artisan cheeses made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, alongside creamy butter.
For fans of seasonal jams and preserves, Dempsey Jams is the spot to visit, featuring classic autumnal flavours like blackberry, apple, plum, and elderberry. For something savoury, The Birds and the Teas will be serving up delicious homemade relishes that can't be missed. Lastly, Drogheda Honey, will have a selection of honey, beeswax candles, and other natural hive products to sweeten the experience.
The Harvest Market beckons tradition, craftsmanship, and ancient Irish heritage. In the immersive market taking place in Trim’s Porchfields, visitors can explore the art of wood sculpting, discover the secrets of Neolithic bread making, or dive into the age-old pastime of board games. Púca Festival will showcase the very best of Boyne Valley’s offerings, from 40 different food and craft producers, hot food will be served at the market for hungry festivalgoers, the perfect treat before a gig!
The Harvest Market is open from 11am-7pm Thursday 31st October, Friday 1st, and Sunday 3rd November, and from 11am-8pm on Saturday 2nd November, with a daily sensory-friendly hour, between 11am-12pm.
FOR ALL TICKETS QUERIES & INFO SEE PUCAFESTIVAL.COM