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Get ready to experience Halloween like never before at the Púca Festival, on from October 30th to November 2nd! Celebrating the roots of spooky season, Púca brings Ireland’s Samhain traditions to life with jaw-dropping fire shows, live music, and eerie storytelling in some of the country’s most magical spots. If you’re up for a celebration filled with myth, mystery, and a whole lot of fun, this is the place to be. Here’s what’s on! The Púca Procession Four supernatural nights of music, comedy, and Halloween spectacle await you in the historic town of Trim and its magnificent castle grounds, all free to attend and open to the public. The highlight? The Púca Procession – The Gathering of the Spirits on Saturday, November 1st. This free, public procession  will weave together outdoor theatre, street performance, and traditional music in a wild celebration of Samhain lore, nature, ancestry, and the looming darkness. As the veil between worlds thins, be prepared to witness shape-shifting spirits and otherworldly creatures emerging to join the revelry this year! The procession will transport you into a world where tradition meets creativity, telling the age-old story of the veil between worlds in a new way. A live traditional Irish music score will bring the procession to life, featuring the talents of local Meath musicians, sean-nós singers, ancient horns, and a chorus of singers. Come dressed in a disguise of nature foraged locally and bring along a hag stone (a stone with naturally occurring holes) to safely see who is Púca and who is not. Following this spellbinding procession, the celebration continues at Trim Castle, where the ever-popular Pyro Collective will light up the night with a breathtaking fire display. Lighting of the Samhain Fire The town of Athboy is steeped in the ancient traditions of Samhain, with historical records pointing to Tlachtga, or the Hill of Ward, as a significant gathering place during this time. On the eve of Halloween, Friday, October 31st, as the sun dips below the horizon, the Fair Green in Athboy will come alive with the ceremonial lighting of the Samhain Fire.  This is a public event and tickets are not required. This powerful ritual serves to honour ancestors and bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds. The flames will symbolically link the landscapes of Tlachtga, Tara, Loughcrew, Tailteann, and Uisneach, carrying messages to those who have passed before us. Starting at 5:15pm (subject to change) , the ignited fire will signal the beginning of a night of music and celebration, featuring captivating performances by the renowned Irish band Kíla and the fire artistry of the Pryo Collective. Their performances will add to the vibrant energy of the night, creating an unforgettable experience for all. Join the community of Athboy as they embrace the spirit of Samhain, celebrating their heritage and the power of tradition. The Púca Harvest Market Here, you can explore the art of wood sculpting, discover the secrets of Neolithic bread making, or indulge in the age-old pastime of board games. From learning about archaeology to intricate willow sculpture, the Harvest Market is like a portal! Déise Medieval Village Come and explore how our ancestors from over 2000 years ago survived the cold winter nights that followed Samhain. Learn how they cooked and the foods that they ate. Spinning & Weaving From a sheep in the field to the clothes on your back, the story of everyday work with wool. Spinning, dyeing and sophisticated weaving made the Irish Celt’s renowned as a well-dressed people. Samhain Festival Food What did our ancestors eat at the Samhain Festival? Our food display shows a typical Samhain feast in Ireland featuring seasonal foods such as fruits, nuts, grains and meat from the ever-popular homely pig. Learn about the old tradition of leaving out a plate of colcannon to feed those from the underworld who were wandering the earth on all hallows night or peel an apple to find your future partner! Cooking Display Púca’s resident homemaker will keep the fires burning and keep the cold out of the whole village with a hearty meal made from authentic ingredients and cooked in the traditional way over an open fire. Boardgame & Pastime Display There is no Netflix or XBox…what to do? Play Bran Dubh, an ancient and popular board game something akin to draughts or try your hand at the original version of skittles called Kubb. Health & Hygiene Not for the faint hearted! The ancient Irish lived a hard and risky life, failing to dodge a sword or plough would mean a visit to the local healer…. Sometimes it might be best to let nature take its course. Wandering Wise Woman Talk with our wise woman on how she took care of the people of the village when they were ill using herbs and homemade remedies. Arrow Making & Fletching Used for hunting and warfare, the bow and arrow have a long history. Different arrowheads have different uses, and to this day the Longbow is still considered a formidable weapon. Ancient Bread Making Join us at our Ancient Irish bread making workshop. How did we make bread before we could just pop to the shops to buy some? A workshop to join in making neolithic bread – thrashing the grain, milling, kneading dough and baking on a raised oven. This workshop is interpretively guided by historical records and artefacts. An Gobha Pendant Workshop Learn how to hand-craft pieces from the forge of Tom King, ‘An Gobha’, or shop some of the pieces made at his forge in the heart of the Boyne Valley. These creations are all hand-made from mild black steel. Live Music & Entertainment There will be musical performances by top stars like Blindboy, Block Rockin Beats & Groove Armada DJ set , as well as entertainment from The 2 Johnnies (with Chasing Abbey & Mark McCabe) . Additional Information & Tickets The Púca Festival will take place from October 30th to November 2nd, bringing Halloween spirit to life across three main locations in Ireland: Trim , County Meath: Home to one of Ireland’s largest and most famous Norman castles, this town is a focal point for the festival. Athboy , County Meath: A place deeply connected to the ancient Samhain rituals, Athboy’s Hill of Ward is where the Celtic new year was once celebrated. Drogheda , County Louth: With its mix of history and modernity, Drogheda is another key location for festival events. There’s a variety of events, and many are free to attend! However, some of the larger shows, tours, and banquets require tickets. Here’s a general breakdown: General Admission : Free entry to many of the street performances, light installations, and markets. Ticketed Events : Prices range from €10 to €50, depending on the event. For example, guided tours and fire shows generally start at around €15, while certain music acts can cost upwards of €50. Be sure to book early, as many events have limited capacity! You can purchase tickets directly through the Púca Festival website and keep an eye on any updates regarding new events or availability.

Located at the tip of the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal , lies a place of breathtaking beauty and undeniable charm - Malin Head . This remote destination, often referred to as the "Banba's Crown," is an exquisite gem that deserves a spot on every traveler's bucket list. Here are several compelling reasons why you should make the journey to Malin Head. 1. Stunning Natural Scenery: Malin Head is renowned for its rugged coastal landscapes, towering cliffs, and pristine beaches. The dramatic cliffs, such as Hell's Hole and Banba's Crown, provide awe-inspiring views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. The contrast between the turquoise waters and the emerald-green fields is a sight to behold. 2. Northern Lights Spectacle: If you're lucky enough to visit during the winter months, Malin Head offers a unique opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in all their glory. The clear, unpolluted skies and the northern location make it one of the best places in Ireland to catch this mesmerising natural light show. 3. Star Wars Connection: Film buffs and fans of the Star Wars franchise will appreciate the fact that Malin Head served as a location for the filming of "Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi." Walking the same paths as Rey and Luke Skywalker adds an extra layer of excitement to your visit. 4. Historical Significance: Malin Head has a rich history, with ancient forts, ruins, and Martello towers dotting the landscape. The signal tower at Banba's Crown, built in 1805, once served as a defense post during the Napoleonic Wars. It's a fascinating place to explore and learn about Ireland's past. 5. Thriving Wildlife: The diverse ecosystem of Malin Head is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the seabird colonies that inhabit the cliffs, while dolphin and whale sightings are not uncommon. Keep your eyes peeled for seals basking on the rocks as well. 6. Coastal Walks: Malin Head offers a variety of walking trails that cater to all levels of hikers. The famous "Inishowen 100" scenic drive circles the peninsula, offering numerous opportunities to stop and admire the stunning vistas. For a more immersive experience, tackle the exhilarating "Malin Head Trail" that winds along the rugged coastline. 7. Friendly Locals: The people of Malin Head are known for their warmth and hospitality. Visiting this part of Ireland is a chance to engage with the local culture, enjoy traditional Irish music, and savor delicious seafood in the welcoming local pubs. 8. Peacefulness and Solitude: Unlike some of Ireland's more crowded tourist destinations, Malin Head remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. This means you can enjoy the calmness of this beautiful spot and truly connect with nature without the hustle and bustle of larger tourist hubs. Malin Head is a charming destination that combines natural beauty, rich history, and a warm community spirit. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a Star Wars enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Malin Head has something special to offer every traveler. So, pack your bags and prepare to be stunned by the magic of Ireland's northernmost point - Malin Head awaits your discovery.