How did Puck Fair start?
History. The fair itself is purported to be ancient but can only officially be traced back as far as 1613 when King James I issued a charter granting legal status to the existing fair in Killorglin. Despite this fact, its roots are still unknown, although there are several legends of its origins.
What is the story of Puck Fair?
That the fair is linked to pre-Christian celebrations of a fruitful harvest and that the male goat or “Puck” was a pagan symbol of fertility, like the pagan god Pan. The festival or fair at Puck lasts three days, the 10th, 11th and 12th of August each year. The first day of Puck is known as “the gathering”.
What is Killorglin famous for?
Killorglin is known for the annual Puck Fair festival, which traditionally starts with the crowning of a “king” goat. There is a large bronze King Puck statue on the edge of town close to the bridge.
What is the Puck Fair in Ireland?
Puck Fair, running from 10th – 12th August, is an annual three day, family-friendly street festival that is like no other! Held in Killorgan, Co Kerry each year, a wild mountain goat is crowned king of the town by the Queen of Puck, who is traditionally a young local schoolgirl.
How old is Puck Fair?
In fact, it’s one of Ireland’s oldest ongoing festivals. Puck Fair is an annual celebration that can trace its roots right back to the year 1603 and is firmly embedded in the culture of the town of Killorglin.
Is Puck Fair 2021 Cancelled?
“The annual Puck Fair August 10-12, 2021 and Kenmare Fair Day, August 15, 2021 are cancelled due to Covid-19 public health advice. “We are encouraging all traders and visitors to take notice that unfortunately there will be no events taking place during these annual fairs.
How many people go to the Puck Fair?
The festival, which runs ordinarily in August usually attracts over 80,000 visitors, was said to be linked to the Celtic festival of Lughnasa, which symbolizes the beginning of harvest. The goat was a symbol of pagan fertility. Crowds at Puck Fair, in Killorglin, in the early 1900s (Via: National Archives of Ireland).
IS Killorglin a nice place to live?
Killorglin is an attractive place to live, work and do business in. It has good transport links, a vibrant community, social life and a great cultural heritage.
What is there to do in Killorglin?
Things To Do In Killorglin (and nearby)
- Head off on the Ring of Kerry drive/cycle.
- Plan your visit around the Puck Fair.
- Head for a stroll along Dook’s Beach.
- Brave the chilly water at Rossbeigh Beach.
- Soak up the views at Lough Caragh.
- Take a spin to Killarney National Park.
- Or dodge the crowds and visit the Black Valley.
Is Puck Fair going ahead this year?
The fair is one of Ireland’s oldest and longest celebrated, and is held without fail on 10th, 11th and 12th of August every year with 12 hours of free family street entertainment daily. As previously advised the organising committee wish to confirm that Puck Fair 2020 is cancelled due to Covid-19.
Is Puck Fair Cancelled 2021?
Where does the Puck Fair take place in Ireland?
The Catholic Church in Ireland established the custom of blessing fields at Lughnasadh. The Puck Fair is held each year in early August in the town of Killorglin, County Kerry. It has been traced as far back as the 16th century but is believed to be a survival of a Lughnasadh festival.
Where is the Puck Goat in Killorglin Kerry?
The centrepiece of this festival is a goat (not any old goat but a puck goat). A monument to this infamous goat can be seen by the bank of the river Laune just before the bridge. The origins of this fair or festival are like all things in Kerry subject to debate and discussion.
What happens to King Puck at the Puck Fair?
Description. The goat is brought back to the town and the “Queen of Puck”, traditionally a young school girl from one of the local primary schools, crowns the goat “King Puck”. The “King” is then put into a small cage on a high stand for three days, and on the 3rd day of the fair, he is brought down to be led back to his mountain home.
When does the horse fair take place in Killorglin?
Tradition dictates that a horse fair takes place on the first day and on the second day there is a cattle fair. There are usually many street vendors during the festival who advertise their wares to the large numbers of tourists who come to Killorglin for the fair.