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IT’S always a sign that autumn is nigh when Kerry gets in the mood for Ireland’s oldest festival, the one and only Puck Fair. The Killorglin event, which unfolds on August 10, 11 and 12 every year, sees a wild mountain goat crowned king as he goes on to reign over the town for the duration of the festival.

The event has, of course, given rise to the now-well known quip, “where the goat is a king and the people act the goat.

This year’s exciting programme of events was unveiled at a launch on Rossbeigh Beach. Families, day-trippers, weekend revellers and visitors from far and wide are called to court to pay homage to the one true Irish king, who will also rule over the Wild Atlantic Way.

With a lineage that traces back to ancient times, and with no rival in sight, this year’s King Puck commands all the territories, from where the land meets the sea to the rocky outcrops of the Kerry Mountains.

Killorglin’s much-loved Puck Fair is undeniably one of quirkiest festivals in the world, as well as being Ireland’s original and oldest ‘Gathering Festival’.

The pinnacle of the celebration surrounds the crowning of a wild mountain goat as the festival's King which honours a tradition and heritage that is purported to be ancient, but can only officially be traced back to 1603 when King James I issued a charter granting legal status to the existing fair in Killorglin. This coronation ceremony traditionally takes place on the first evening of the festivities in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland. This year’s King Puck is also to be crowned “The King of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Kerry Lynch, aged 12, from Glounaguillagh National School, Caragh Lake has been named as the Queen of Puck Fair, with Bláthnaid Carney from Killorglin as her lady in waiting. Her majesty will be honoured with the crowning of the goat king during the most popular celebration of the Fair.

Prior to the coronation, the King and Queen will be paraded through the town in order to bestow the ‘Freedom of the Town’ upon all in attendance and the festival itself. This marks the beginning of three days of ceremony, merriment, celebration and music.

The 2016 parade promises to be a kaleidoscope of colourful floats and entertainers. The route, which was changed last year, is designed to allow greater viewing opportunities and will begin at the Bridge and follow up through Lower Bridge Street, on to The Square and Upper Bridge Street and finally onto Iveragh Road.

Another popular event on opening day or Gathering Day which features Ireland’s oldest continually running horse fair.

Following on from Wednesday’s commencement ceremonies, Thursday the 11th promises to be equally as fun filled and dynamic, chock-a-block with music and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

The second day of Puck Fair is traditionally known as ‘Fair Day’ and the line up so far includes a number of free workshops for dance, circus skills and a drum & Irish pipe workshop.

Friday, the Final day of Puck Fair for another year, and known as 'Scattering Day ' is action packed and particularly suited to families. A firework display will light up the sky over Killorglin, a fitting way to bid farewell to Puck Fair. For a list of all to see and do at Puck Fair see www.puckfair.ie
 

 
Launching Puck Fair are Deputy Michael Healy-Rae TD, Ruth Albrecht, Tweak, Jess the dog; back, Bláthaid Carney, Killorglin, Declan Mangan, chairman, Puck Festival, Tim O'Shea and members of Afro Trad Ireland, Samuel Kiwanuka and Rosie Healy, Fionnuala O'Dwyer, Diageo, Queen of Puck Fair Kerry Lynch, Caragh Lake, Sean Coffey, Puck Fair Committee. PICTURE: VALERIE O’SULLIVAN