Food & Drink

A Weekend of Top-Class Racing, Live Music and Style in the Boyne Valley
 

November brings a fantastic mix of events to the Boyne Valley, from food festivals and live music to theatre, horse racing and the first festive light displays. Whether you're planning a family day out, a night with friends or a weekend break, here are some events to add to your calendar.

There is no better way to celebrate the festive season than a night out with friends or work colleagues at a Christmas party night. From festive dinners and live music to dancing late into the evening, County Meath and South County Louth offer plenty of options for getting together this Christmas.

Halloween has deep roots in the Boyne Valley, where ancient traditions, Celtic mythology and the stories of Samhain have been passed down through generations. Every October, this rich heritage comes to life through The Spirits of Meath Festival, Púca Festival, the Lú Festival of Light and Samhain Festival of Food and Culture bringing music, folklore, fire and spectacular performances to the Boyne Valley.

As the days shorten and the veil between worlds thins, Ireland once again prepares to celebrate its ancient Celtic roots with the return of Púca Festival 2026. Taking place from Thursday, October 29th to Sunday, November 1st, this magical four-day festival honours the traditions of Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that inspired modern-day Halloween.

Every Halloween, the Boyne Valley transforms into a captivating destination during the mid-term break. This stunning corner of Ireland is known as the Home of Halloween, with legend telling us that the ancient festival of Samhain began on the Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) in Athboy thousands of years ago.

There are few better ways to spend an autumn weekend in County Meath than combining a day at the races with a round of golf, good food and a comfortable place to stay.

2nd October – 8th November 2026

Halloween in the Boyne Valley is more than a single night of dressing up, pumpkins and trick or treating. This is the land where the ancient traditions of Samhain have been celebrated for thousands of years, and every autumn the region embraces its reputation as the Home of Halloween with a season of family fun, folklore, food, festivals and plenty of frights.

October is one of the most atmospheric times of year to visit the Boyne Valley. As the days get shorter and autumn settles across Meath and Louth, the region comes alive with music, food, culture, family events and, of course, plenty of Halloween celebrations.

Púca Festival is a celebration of Halloween, folklore, music, culture and the stories that have been part of Ireland for generations. Taking place in the heart of County Meath, it is also a great opportunity to discover the food and hospitality that make the Boyne Valley, and Trim and Athboy, such a welcoming place to visit.