Puck Fair facts for kids
The Puck Fair (in Irish: Aonach an Phoic) is one of Ireland's oldest and most famous yearly events. Its name means "Fair of the He-Goat," as 'poc' is the Irish word for a male goat. This exciting fair happens every year from August 10th to 12th in Killorglin, a town in County Kerry.
What Happens at Puck Fair?
Each year, a special group of people travel into the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains. Their mission is to find and catch a wild goat. This goat is then brought back to Killorglin. A young school girl from a local primary school is chosen to be the "Queen of Puck." She has the important job of crowning the wild goat "King Puck."
After being crowned, King Puck is placed in a small cage on a tall stand. He stays there for three days during the fair. On the third day, he is carefully brought down. Then, he is led back to his mountain home. The crowning of King Puck in the town square officially starts the fun! During the fair, local pubs are allowed to stay open later than usual, until 3:00 AM. This is a special rule just for the fair.
Recently, people who care about animals have shared their concerns. Because of this, King Puck is now only displayed on the stand for a few hours each day. He is not kept there for the full three days anymore.
Fair Markets
The first day of the fair is traditionally a horse fair. On the second day, there is a cattle fair. You will also find many street vendors during the festival. They sell all sorts of interesting things to the many visitors. Lots of tourists come to Killorglin to experience the fair.
Puck Fair History
The Puck Fair is believed to be very old. However, it was officially recognized in 1613. That year, King James I gave it legal status. Even though it has a long history, no one knows for sure how it truly began. There are many interesting stories and legends about its origins.
One popular legend tells of a goat that saved the town. During the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell's army was invading Ireland. His soldiers, called "Roundheads," were pillaging the countryside. This goat broke away from its herd and ran into Killorglin. Its arrival warned the townspeople of the danger. They quickly prepared to protect their town and animals. This story is even told in an old Irish song called "An Poc ar Buile" (The Mad Puck Goat).
Some experts think the fair might come from ancient times, even before Christianity. They believe it could be linked to Lughnasa. This was a Celtic festival that celebrated the start of the harvest season. The goat might have been a symbol of good luck and new life.
In 1941, a ballet called Puck Fair was performed. It was based on a poem about the fair. The music was composed by Elizabeth Maconchy.
The Puck Fair was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it returned in 2022! That year, it was very hot. So, King Puck had to be taken down from his stand for breaks to keep him cool.
In 1993, the folk singer Christy Moore released an album named King Puck. The album's main song was also called "King Puck."
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