Ireland loves a festival with a bit of character (to put it mildly!!). One of the strangest? The Puck Fair in Killorglin, County Kerry. It’s been going strong for over 400 years, and it’s one festival you won’t want to miss.
When is it?
The Puck Fair runs from the 10th to the 12th of August.
What happens during the festival?
Every year, a goat catcher makes their way up one of the Kerry Mountains to retrieve a wild goat. Then, a local girl is usually chosen to be ‘Queen of Puck’ and crowns the goat ‘King Puck.’ This sets off the festivities! King Puck then spends three days on a high stand overlooking Killorglin town, overseeing the celebrations below. There are about 12 hours of free entertainment every day of Puck Fair. Some of the highlights include the Horse Fair on Day 1 and the fireworks display on Day 3.
When the festival ends, the goat is then safely returned to the mountains. Festivities include live music, a live parade, workshops and street performers.
What’s the story?
So, what’s the history behind Puck Fair? It’s been going on for so long that nobody really knows!! The festival is as wild as the goat who started it all. The first theory suggests that the Puck Fair dates back to pre-Christian harvest celebrations. The wild goat, or “Puck,” was seen as a symbol of fertility – like the pagan god Pan. So, the goat was honoured as a symbol of a bountiful harvest, supposedly bringing good fortune to the land.
But, the most popular theory is one involving Oliver Cromwell, who came to Ireland with his army in 1649. He planned on carrying on ‘’the great work against the barbarous and blood-thirsty Irish.” According to legend, when Cromwell and his men were raiding the countryside, they rounded up a herd of wild goats from the mountains. One of the goats broke free and raced to Killorglin to warn the townsfolk about Cromwell’s arrival. This gave them enough time to prepare the town for defence. As a thank you, the town threw a special festival in the goat’s honour. This festival is now supposedly known as Puck fair and has been held ever since.
Why Go?
The Puck Fair is the heart and soul of Killorglin. It’s a major cultural event that brings the town together for fun, history, and lots of character. Whether you’re there for the music, the goat, or just the craic, you’ll have a blast.
Ready to Experience It?
The best way to truly experience Ireland is to see it for yourself! Contact us today for a quotation, and let us help you plan your trip to Killorglin and the unforgettable Puck Fair.