Púca Festival adds The Whistlin’ Donkeys, Mark McCabe & more for huge Halloween Night

Púca Festival continues to build its 2026 programme with The Whistlin’ Donkeys, High Stool Prophets, Mark McCabe and special guest Janet Devlin joining the line-up for a huge Halloween night of live music, big singalongs and Irish favourites.

Hailing from County Tyrone, The Whistlin’ Donkeys will headline the night, bringing their renowned live show to Trim, Co. Meath. The six-piece Irish folk-rock band blend traditional Irish folk with Celtic rock and have built a strong following through their energetic performances and crowd-pleasing repertoire. Having toured extensively across Ireland, the UK, USA, Canada and Europe, they have developed a substantial following both at home and internationally.

Joining the headline act are High Stool Prophets, one of Ireland’s busiest live acts, known for their distinctive blend of folk, country and Irish music; Mark McCabe, the Irish dance music icon behind the legendary Maniac 2000; and special guest Janet Devlin, the Irish singer-songwriter who rose to prominence after appearing on The X Factor in 2011.

Together, the acts will bring a mix of foot-stomping anthems, classic dancefloor hits and much-loved singalong favourites to the Púca Big Top, making for an unforgettable Halloween night at the festival.

Tickets for this event will go on sale Friday 21st August at 10am, with further details to be announced. The performance will take place at the Púca Big Top in Trim on Saturday, 31st October. 

Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Meath County Council, Púca Festival celebrates Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween through a vibrant and contemporary festival experience rooted in the ancient customs of Samhain.

The Whistlin’ Donkeys, High Stool Prophets, Mark McCabe and Janet Devlin join an already stellar Púca Festival 2026 line-up, which includes The Coronas, Róisín O, Hothouse Flowers, Jerry Fish, Qween and The Dublin Gospel Choir, John Colleary and Shane Daniel Byrne, with additional programme announcements to follow in the coming weeks.

Visitors to the festival can also explore a rich programme of experiences inspired by storytelling, tradition and place. Returning festival highlights include the Lighting of the Samhain Fire in Athboy and the Púca Procession in Trim, alongside Beyond the Veil: The Púca Trail, an immersive journey in search of otherworldly spirits; the spectacular Samhain Circus; traditional storytelling with Craicly Stories; guided Foraging Tours; Heritage Tours of Tlachtga (Hill of Ward); and the festival’s biggest-ever Harvest Market, showcasing local food, craft and produce. New for 2026, the Tree Mythology, Ogham & Woodturning Experience invites visitors to discover the folklore of Ireland’s native trees, explore the ancient Ogham alphabet and see the traditional craft of woodturning brought to life through live demonstration.

A dedicated programme of workshops will further bring this year’s ‘Between Worlds’ theme to life, offering visitors hands-on opportunities to explore the stories, customs and rituals associated with Samhain and Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. 

Many more acts and experiences will be announced in the coming weeks, and festivalgoers are advised to keep an eye on www.pucafestival.com and Púca Festival’s social channels for news, tickets and the latest programme updates.

*Púca Festival is subject to license.

Slán go fóill.