Killorglin Puck Fair

Crowning of a goat and 36 hours of FREE family fun
at the famous Puck Fair

Killorglin Puck Fair, which runs annually from August 10-12, is undeniably one of quirkiest festivals in the world, and it is Ireland’s original and oldest ‘Gathering Festival’.

The main celebration surrounds the crowning of a wild mountain goat as a King in honour of a tradition and heritage that is purported to be ancient, but can only officially be traced back as far back as 1603 when King James I issued a charter granting legal status to the existing fair in Killorglin.

The 3 days of festivities begin on what is known as ‘Gathering Day’, when the main coronation ceremony takes place.  The “Queen of Puck”, who is always a young school girl from one of the local primary schools, crowns the goat “King Puck”. The honour this year has gone to local schoolgirl Ciara O’ Brien.

The Queen and King Puck will then parade through the town, granting residents and visitors alike the ‘Freedom of the Town’ for the duration of the festival and this commences three days of entertainment, music, pageantry and traditions.

The parade is set to be the biggest and best yet with more floats and colourful participants guaranteed to entertain the thousands expected to line the streets on the day, and a new route will ensure spectators have a better viewing area.  The parade will now begin at the Bridge, go through Lower Bridge Street, The Square, Upper Bridge Street and onto Iveragh Road.

Another highlight of ‘Gathering Day’ is the Horse Fair, which is the oldest and longest continually running horse fair in the country.  Buying and selling horses, ponies, donkeys & equipment starts very early in the morning, and continues throughout the opening day of Puck Fair.

The second day, ‘Fair Day’, sees the street markets and craft fairs go into full swing.  You’ll find everything you could possible hope for among the tented stands, from horse tack to fashion, local crafts and tasty produce.  An independently run Cattle Fair, which is not organised by Puck Fair Organising Committee, also takes place on this day from early morning in Langford Street.

The Closing Parade is the main highlight of final day, known as ‘The Scattering’, which leads the goat back to his mountain home. The parade will begin at Iveragh Road, and go through Upper Bridge Street, The Square, Lower Bridge Street, ending at The Bridge.

Killorglin Puck Fair celebrations will close with a breath-taking fireworks display, which gets bigger and better every year.

There’s lots more to see and do over the few days with 36 hours of free entertainment from traditional music and dance sessions, to live open air music, story-telling, workshops, street-theatre, busking, face painting, puppet theatre, a pet show, bonny baby contest, and Ireland’s premier funfair, Euroshow.  And the pubs stay open until 3am!

An estimated 100,000 people will visit the town over the 3 days.   Commenting on the huge economic importance the festival has to the town of Killorglin and the surrounding areas, Sean Kelly MEP, who officially launched the fair, said “Puck Fair has attained iconic status, and has put the town of Killorglin on the map internationally.  It is estimated to be worth in excess of €7 Million and is a huge credit to the voluntary committee who selflessly give up their time every year”.

For a list of all to see and do at Puck Fair see , but for now here’s a taster …..