Kicking off the festival in the Púca Big Top are headliners Gavin James and King Fishr on October 31. With both performers bringing their own catalog of chill, acoustic ballads, it's a great way to ease yourself into the festival. For those fancying an Oíche Shamhna (Halloween) of Irish trad, make your way to the Darnley Lodge Hotel in Athboy for Ruaile Buaile. A self-proclaimed 'twisted trad band', the five-piece group will put their own spin on old Irish classics as well as some latest hits. 

If you can't stay away from a great tribute act, head to the Darnley Lodge Hotel on November 1 for a night of Classic Beatles. From "Hey Jude" to "Come Together", you won't be able to get the hitmakers out of your head. For avid Freddie Mercury fans, Trim Castle Hotel will host a Qween and Dublin Gospel Choir on the same night. Imagine energetic 1970s rock blended with the classical voices of the angels. 

Check out the homecoming of native Kildare band Bell X1 on November 2. Snag some tickets and enjoy soaking up their eclectic discography in the Púca Big Top.

Throughout the festival, the Swift Cultural Centre will act as the base for all things comedy. Breaking in the stage on November 1 is comedian Neil Delamere with his special Achilles Neil, where he'll put his spin on life's absurdities.  

On November 2, Irish comedy heroine Deirdre O'Kane will bring down the house with her hilarious style of chaos. 

Fresh off of their sell-out tour, comedy duo DirtBirds will finish the comedy portion of the festival on November 3 with their new show, Girls World Tour.  With a mix of stand-up and skits, their performance will keep you on your toes. 

What’s a Halloween celebration without a little spectacle? Experience the unique Sorcas na Samhna - Celtic Circus. With special effects, dancing and more, it’s a circus experience you’re unlikely to have had before, and performances for the whole family are happening across the entire weekend at the Fair Green in Athboy.

For a circus with a kick, the adults-only Samhain Circus sees magic meet mischief with creepy cabaret, high wire acts, burlesque, fire performances and more from October 31 November 2. Expect to laugh, gasp and maybe even blush inside the Samhain Circus tent at the Fair Green Park.

There's a reason why Panti Bliss is the darling of the Irish drag scene. Join the legend for a night of eccentric fun in the Knightsbrook Hotel on November 2. Later that evening, keep the good vibes going and head to Brogans Bar and Hotel for Davina Devine, one of Ireland's biggest drag queens, and dance along with the fantastic Caberet showgirl and her posse of guests.  

Ancient Music Ireland will take over the Swift Cultural Centre on November 1 to bring you through the many phases of Irish history, all through the medium of song. 

Get another taste of Irish mythology at the Trim Porchfields between October 31 and November 3 with the Beyond the Veil Púca Trail. If you're a fan of ghost stories, follow guide Cynthia Simonet on a haunted walking tour through the eerie streets of Trim and learn all about the mythology and folklore of the historic festival. 

For a further deep dive into the history of the area, join one of the Heritage Tours of Tlachtga running daily throughout the festival. Now known as the Hill of Ward, this cross-section of Athboy is steeped in old Irish lore, from its connections to a sun goddess to its significance as an ancient feasting site.  

The festival hubs of Trim and Athboy are both well-connected by means of public transport, so feel free to ditch the car for the weekend. For international visitors flying into Dublin Airport, Bus Éireann run hourly services from the airport to both locations. If you're starting your journey from Dublin, Drogheda, Navan, Slane, Kells or Mullingar, there is also a dedicated festival coach, but keep an eye out for any possible changes to routes or timetables.

For those travelling from Dublin city by train, take the Sligo train from Connolly Station until you reach Enfield, which is a 36-minute bus from Trim. This train leaves every 30 minutes. During the festival, you can hop on a dedicated shuttle bus will transport you to and fro on the hour, every hour.