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5 reasons you’ll love the Púca Festival
Púca Festival
1. It's inspired by Irish folklore
It is said that Halloween is a time of transition, when light becomes dark, the veil between our world and the next comes down and rules can be broken. This is when the Púca comes to life. A púca is a mysterious creature from Ireland's folklore who can change the fortunes of anyone who meets it. It is this spirit of unpredictable energy that inspires the annual Púca Festival, which takes place across the towns of Trim and Athboy in County Meath, in Ireland’s Ancient East.
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Trim Castle, County Meath
2. It takes place in historic locations
The Púca Festival takes place in some of the island of Ireland’s most celebrated sites. The Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) in Athboy, County Meath, was the site of a great Samhain gathering where the ancient Irish lit a fire from which all fires in Ireland were rekindled. And the ruins of nearby Trim Castle, Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman fortress will form the perfect backdrop for spectacular projections, storytelling, music, comedy, food and drink from the 27-31 October.
Púca Festival
3. It's in Ireland – the home of Halloween
The Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) in County Meath was one of the earliest sites to host the festival of Samhain, which celebrated the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. At this sacred place, the Celts extinguished the old year’s flames and lit the ceremonial fire to welcome in the new season.
Púca Festival
4. It's got an amazing line-up of events
Well, it IS Halloween in Ireland, so you should be prepared for anything. Púca presents three breathtaking days and four spectacular nights of music, myth, food, folklore, fire, feasting and merriment across the towns of Trim and Athboy. Contemporary Irish acts reignite Celtic traditions through incredible music and live performances. And when the veil between worlds grows thin, all kinds of spirits and magical creatures may appear as you wander around these ancient places!
Barm brack © Shutterstock
5. And the food is great!
The Boyne Valley has become a hub in Ireland's flourishing artisan food scene. Seeing as the Púca Festival is based in Trim and Athboy, it offers the perfect opportunity to sample the craft beers, farmhouse cheeses and locally produced charcuterie that have helped the region make its mark in the culinary world. Of course, while you're here, you must try out some of Ireland's favourite Halloween recipes, such as barm brack (fruit cake) and colcannon (mashed potato, cabbage and lashings of butter). These foods often contain items that can foretell your future such as a ring (married in a year) or a coin (wealth) so chew with caution!
