Púca Festival
29th October – 1st November 2026
If you’re planning a visit to Púca Festival 2026, there’s no better place to soak up the atmosphere than McCormack’s Bar, right in the heart of Trim.
Perfectly located on the Púca Procession route, beside the iconic Trim Castle, just a five-minute walk from the Festival Big Top, and only moments from Trim Castle Hotel, McCormack’s is the ideal place to eat, drink and celebrate throughout one of Ireland’s most exciting Halloween festivals.
Whether you’re calling in before the festivities begin, looking for somewhere to relax between events or keeping the celebrations going late into the evening, you’ll find a warm welcome, great pints, live music and plenty of Halloween spirit waiting for you.
Celebrate Halloween Where It All Began
Long before pumpkins, costumes and trick-or-treating, Ireland celebrated Samhain—the ancient Celtic festival that marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter.
Widely recognised as the birthplace of Halloween, the Boyne Valley has celebrated these traditions for thousands of years. During Púca Festival, those ancient stories come to life through spectacular performances, music, folklore, food and fire, transforming Trim into an unforgettable celebration of Irish culture and mythology.
As darkness falls, the legendary shape-shifting spirit of Púca roams the streets alongside other mythical creatures, inviting visitors to step into a world where folklore, history and modern entertainment come together.
There’s simply no better place to experience Halloween in Ireland.
Across four incredible days, Trim comes alive with experiences for visitors of every age.
Free Events
One of the biggest attractions is the spectacular Púca Procession, where towering performers, drumming, music and breathtaking fire displays wind through the streets of Trim before arriving at the historic castle.
Witness the powerful Lighting of the Samhain Fire, an unforgettable Halloween night celebration featuring storytelling, music, dance and fire performances that honour Ireland’s ancient traditions.
As night falls, Trim Castle becomes the canvas for an incredible projection show, bringing myths, legends and supernatural tales to life across the medieval walls.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can also enjoy the thrilling performances of The Pyro Collective, combining aerial acrobatics, fire choreography and spectacular visual effects against the stunning backdrop of Trim Castle.
Best of all, these headline outdoor events are completely free to enjoy.
Ticketed Experiences
Alongside the free programme, Púca Festival also offers an exciting selection of ticketed events.
Enjoy live performances from leading Irish artists including The Coronas, Jerry Fish’s Electric Sideshow Cabaret and Enya Martin, alongside an incredible programme of immersive experiences throughout the weekend.
Visitors can also enjoy:
- Storytelling performances
- Heritage walks and guided tours
- Burlesque and cabaret shows
- Banquets celebrating Irish food traditions
- Wellness experiences and meditations
- Family workshops and creative activities
- Folklore talks and cultural events
Whether you’re visiting with family, friends or as a couple, there’s something happening around every corner.
Why McCormack’s is the Best Place to Be During Púca Festival
Location is everything during a busy festival weekend—and you won’t find a better spot than McCormack’s.
We’re:
- On the Púca Procession route
- Right beside Trim Castle
- Just a 5-minute walk from the Festival Big Top
- Only moments from Trim Castle Hotel
- Surrounded by the festival’s biggest attractions
That means you can enjoy the festival without worrying about travelling across town. Pop in before an event, warm up with a drink afterwards or spend the evening enjoying the lively atmosphere with us.
Live Music, Great Pints & Irish Hospitality
The celebrations don’t stop when the festival events end.
Throughout the Púca Festival weekend, McCormack’s will be buzzing with live music, great craic and the welcoming atmosphere we’re known for.
Whether you’re enjoying a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, meeting friends before the procession or looking for somewhere to continue the celebrations after a concert, McCormack’s is where locals and visitors come together.
No Halloween weekend in Trim is complete without a visit.
Make a Weekend of It in Trim
Púca Festival is the perfect excuse to explore everything Trim has to offer.
Take time to discover the magnificent Trim Castle, stroll along the River Boyne, wander the historic streets, explore local cafés and shops, and experience one of Ireland’s most charming heritage towns before enjoying an evening of music, folklore and celebration.
With so much happening throughout the weekend, you’ll soon discover why thousands of visitors return to Trim for Púca Festival every year.
See You This Halloween at McCormack’s
Whether you’re visiting for the spectacular Púca Procession, the magical projections on Trim Castle, a concert in the Big Top or simply to experience the unique atmosphere of Halloween in its spiritual home, make McCormack’s Bar part of your Púca Festival experience.
Join us from 29th October – 1st November 2026 for great music, great company, unforgettable craic and one of the best locations in Trim.
We’ll have the pints ready.
