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Celebrate the origins of Halloween
As the light wanes, the ancient pagan festival of Samhain comes upon us. This is the Celtic New Year – a time of change and uncertainty when our ancestors extinguished the old year’s flames and welcomed in the new season with a ceremonial fire. This is when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead fades...
Each Samhain, the Púca Festival celebrates the ancient traditions of Samhain and welcomes the strange and mischievous creatures that come forth from the chasm of space and time in some of Ireland’s most historic places; the Hill of Ward, where those ancient fires were first lit, and the heritage town of Trim dominated by a towering Norman fortress.
Púca Festival
Scenes from the Púca Festival in County Meath © Harris PR
Unearth 5,000 years of tradition
Each place has its own distinct character. Athboy celebrates the real Celtic tradition of Samhain. Unearth the authentic origins of Halloween in Ireland with a guided walking tour of Tlachtga. Discover the edible and medicinal bounty of plants growing on the Hill of Ward with a foraging walk.
Meanwhile, the heritage town of Trim and its stunning castle grounds provide a Halloween spectacle with illuminated castle walls and the “Gathering of the Spirits” procession, as well as four nights of music, comedy, fire and feasting.
The name Púca comes from a character in Celtic folklore that appears around Samhain, and changes the fortunes of all those who meet it…
Lonely Planet
Trim Castle, Púca Festival © Allen Kiely
Looking for something different?
We love a festival on the island of Ireland. And we celebrate everything from saints to surfing to Star Wars with a fun, vibrant and year-round line-up of festivals and events. So no matter when you're coming, you'll find an event to help make your trip something special.
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