Púca Festival returns to Athboy as a birthplace of Halloween
Last week's launch of Púca Festival 2025 in Trim offered a striking teaser of this year’s theme, 'Connecting with Our Roots', with a preview of the highly anticipated Púca Procession which includes a new character, Roots, portrayed by Kourtney Pavlov from Broken Theatre, alongside the Aillén and the Cú-Sidhe.
Running from Thursday 30 October to Sunday 2 November in the festival hubs of Trim and Athboy, Púca Festival 2025 celebrates Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween with an authentic, immersive, and otherworldly four-day experience. Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Meath County Council, Púca Festival blends vibrant, contemporary celebrations with deep-rooted traditions, inviting visitors to explore their cultural and ancestral connections during Samhain.
This year sees a new programme highlight, 'Spooky Classics by Candlelight', a one-of-a-kind musical experience where haunting scores from stage and screen are performed live by candlelight at the Swift Cultural Centre, Trim. Taking place on Friday, 31st October, the event brings eerie melodies from Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, Harry Potter, Stranger Things, and more to life, creating an unforgettable night of music and atmosphere.
This complements an already spectacular line-up, now featuring 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.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy vibrant programme of performances, tours, and workshops celebrating Irish myth, music, and heritage. Highlights include Beyond the Veil: The Púca Trail – an eerie, mystical journey, Samhain Circus, Craicly Stories, Foraging Tours, the Boann “Floating Through Time” River Tour, and Heritage Tours of Tlachtga (the Hill of Ward).
The Púca Festival is proudly supported by Meath County Council and NUA Healthcare Services, with Heineken sponsoring the Púca Big Top. The Púca Living History Village at the Trim Harvest Market is sponsored by Drogheda Credit Union Trim Branch, and the Athboy Harvest Market is supported by Le Chéile Credit Union (Athboy Credit Union).
For tickets, updates, and the latest festival news, visit www.pucafestival.com.