When Halloween comes around, there’s one place in Ireland where the atmosphere feels a little different. Trim, Co. Meath has history, folklore and plenty of stories woven into its streets – and every autumn, Púca Festival brings that magic to life.
From 29 October to 1 November 2026, Trim will once again become one of the main stages for Púca Festival, with music, folklore, fire, performances, food and plenty of Halloween mischief taking over the town.
And right in the middle of it all is McCormack’s Bar.
Located beside Trim Castle and directly on the Púca Procession route, McCormack’s is perfectly placed for anyone spending the Halloween weekend exploring Trim. We’re just a five-minute walk from the Festival Big Top and moments from Trim Castle Hotel, making it an easy place to call in before the festivities, stop off between events or settle in for the evening.
So, is McCormack’s the home of Halloween?
We might be a little biased, but we certainly know how to celebrate it.
Púca Festival 2026 Comes to Trim
Púca Festival takes place from Thursday 29 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, bringing four days and nights of Samhain-inspired celebrations to Trim and Athboy. The festival celebrates the ancient Irish traditions behind Halloween through music, folklore, mythology, food, fire and performance.
And there’s plenty happening right on McCormack’s doorstep.
One of the standout events is the Púca Procession, taking place in Trim on Friday 30 October. As darkness falls, music, drumming, fire and larger-than-life performers will make their way through the streets in a spectacular celebration of folklore and Samhain. The procession is free to attend and is scheduled for 6pm.
Then there’s the Lighting of the Samhain Fire, a celebration of ancient traditions featuring fire performers, storytelling, music and dance. Trim Castle itself also becomes part of the spectacle, with an audiovisual projection show bringing myths, folklore and supernatural stories to life across the medieval walls.
The Pyro Collective will also bring fire choreography, aerial acrobatics and spectacular visual effects to the festival, with Trim Castle providing the dramatic backdrop.
And the best part? Several of these major outdoor experiences are completely free.
Music, Comedy, Folklore & More
Púca isn’t just about one big Halloween night. Across the four-day festival, Trim will be filled with music, comedy, cabaret, storytelling and immersive experiences.
The 2026 Trim programme includes performances from The Coronas, Hothouse Flowers, The Waterboys, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, Highstool Prophets, Mark McCabe, Jerry Fish and Qween, alongside comedy and other performances.
There are also plenty of ways to experience the folklore and history behind Halloween, from cultural events and storytelling to the Beyond the Veil – The Púca Trail, an eerie walking experience through Trim Porchfields exploring Samhain folklore and the spirits said to roam beyond the veil.
Whether you’re coming for the music, bringing the family along for the free outdoor events or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, there’s plenty to discover around Trim.
Why McCormack’s Is the Perfect Púca Stop
When there’s this much happening around town, location matters.
McCormack’s is right beside Trim Castle, on the Púca Procession route and just a short walk from the Festival Big Top. That means you can easily call in for a drink before heading to an event, take a break from the festival action or come back afterwards and keep the evening going.
And you don’t have to wait until the main events begin to get into the Halloween spirit.
Trim itself is a brilliant place to explore during the autumn months. Take a stroll along the River Boyne, wander through the historic streets and take in the views around Trim Castle. When the leaves start to turn and the evenings draw in, the town takes on an especially atmospheric feel — exactly the sort of setting you want for a Halloween weekend.
After a walk, there’s nothing wrong with finding somewhere warm, ordering a drink and watching the world go by.
That somewhere could be McCormack’s.
Make a Day of It in Trim
If you’re travelling to Trim for Púca, why not make a full day of it?
Start with a wander around the town and take in the historic sights before heading towards Trim Castle. Follow the River Boyne for a relaxing autumn walk, explore the festival markets and events around the Porchfields, and soak up the atmosphere as Trim gets ready for another night of Púca.
The Púca Harvest Market at the Porchfields will bring together food, crafts, traditional skills and activities inspired by Ireland’s heritage, giving you plenty of reasons to spend some time exploring before the evening celebrations begin.
And when hunger inevitably kicks in, there’s Hall’s Pizza at McCormack’s.
Pizza, Pints & Halloween Plans
Sometimes the most important part of a festival itinerary is figuring out where you’re going to eat.
That’s where Hall’s Pizza comes in.
Open at McCormack’s from Friday to Sunday, Hall’s Pizza serves up favourites including Margherita and Pepperoni, alongside a monthly special, cheesy garlic bread and garlic dip.
It’s an easy option when you’re looking for something to eat before heading back out into the festival, or when you’ve spent the day walking around Trim and fancy settling in with a pizza and a pint.
Because let’s be honest — after a few hours of Halloween festivities, a hot pizza and a cold pint sounds like a fairly good plan.
The Craic Doesn’t Stop When the Festival Events Finish
Púca might bring the big performances, fire displays and folklore to Trim, but the atmosphere doesn’t have to end when the official events do.
At McCormack’s, we’ll have our own plans for the Halloween weekend, with live music, drinks, food and plenty of craic throughout Púca.
Whether you’re dropping in for a quick drink, meeting friends before a festival event or looking for somewhere to continue the night afterwards, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting.
And with McCormack’s sitting right beside Trim Castle, you really don’t have to go far.
So, Is McCormack’s the Home of Halloween?
Well, we’ll let you decide.
What we do know is that Púca Festival, Trim Castle, autumn walks, live music, pizza, pints and a town full of Halloween atmosphere make for one very good weekend.
From the moment the first Púca events begin to the last pint of the weekend, McCormack’s is right in the middle of it.
So if you’re heading to Trim for Púca Festival 2026, put McCormack’s on the itinerary.
We’re right beside Trim Castle. We’re on the Púca Procession route. And we’ll be ready for the craic.
Púca Festival 2026
29 October – 1 November 2026
Trim & Athboy, Co. Meath
Keep an eye on McCormack’s website, Instagram and Facebook for our full Púca weekend plans, music line-up and everything else we have in store for Halloween.