Halloween started here. Not the costumes-and-candy version, but the real thing — Samhain, the ancient Celtic new year when the veil between worlds grows thin. And there’s no better place to feel that than at the Púca Festival in County Meath. Read more about Samhain’s real Irish origins if you want the full story.
From 29 October to 1 November, the towns of Trim and Athboy transform with fire processions, storytelling, and rituals that connect directly to traditions thousands of years old. This part of Meath is steeped in that history: Trim lies near the Hill of Tara, seat of Ireland’s ancient high kings, while just outside Athboy stands Tlachtga, the Hill of Ward — the hilltop where, according to tradition, the Samhain fire festival itself first began.
If you’re planning an autumn trip to Ireland, this is the kind of experience that makes the journey worthwhile — not just seeing history, but stepping into it. Meath is an easy drive from Dublin, making Púca accessible even on a short visit.
Originally reported by discoverireland.ie
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