The Oldest Festival in Ireland - The Puck Fair

Puck Fair, or Aonach an Phoic (“Fair of the He‑Goat”), is held every 10–12 August in Killorglin, County Kerry, making it one of Ireland’s oldest non‑religious festivals. The first official licence dates to 1613 under King James I, though many believe its origins lie even deeper in pre‑Christian harvest celebrations.

The story of a lone goat warning local villagers of Cromwell’s advance is one popular legend, thus, the crowned goat symbolizes both heritage and warning.

The Ritual - Goat Capture, Coronation & Crowning

Every year, handlers trek into MacGillycuddy’s Reeks to bring down a wild mountain goat. In a local tradition, the Queen of Puck, usually a young schoolgirl, crowns the goat King Puck, signalling the start of festivities. The goat is traditionally displayed on a high stand for up to 48 hours and then released back into the mountains on Scattering Day (12 August).

The 2022 Heat Controversy: King Puck Removed Due to Heat

In August 2022, record high temperatures in Killorglin prompted organisers to remove King Puck from his enclosure midday, breaking precedent. A Met Éireann station recorded 29.1 °C, and animal welfare concerns reached a peak.

The goat was taken down at around 11:30 a.m., placed in shade with constant water, food, and hourly vet checks. He returned to the stand later that evening when conditions cooled. The Department of Agriculture received 175 welfare complaints and opened a review of the practice moving forward. Local voices, including TD Danny Healy‑Rae, defended the tradition, while animal‑rights groups called for a possible mechanical alternative.

What’s On: Puck Fair 2025 Programme

This year’s Puck Fair runs Sunday 10 to Tuesday 12 August 2025, featuring a packed and family‑friendly schedule of entertainment and tradition.

10 August – Gathering Day

• Early Morning: traditional Horse Fair at Evan’s Field on Tralee Road

• 11:00: Ballad folk music by the Puck Stand

• 11:00 – 3:00pm: street entertainment including Your Man’s Puppets, stilt walkers, acrobats, magic shows, and young musicians across central stages

• 5:00 p.m: the Coronation Parade winds through the town (Bridge → Square → Iveragh Road), followed at 5:30 by the Coronation Ceremony atop the Puck Stand

• Evening: live music (Roots Caboose, The Fogues) and late‑night pub events until 3 a.m.; funfair rides and street markets open all day Puck Fair

11–12 August – Fair Day & Scattering Day

• Day Two (Fair Day): cattle fairs, street food, musical acts, kids’ entertainment, and fairground attractions

• Day Three (Scattering Day): final celebrations leading to the goat’s release and closing ceremonies; vibrant atmosphere throughout town 

• Bars enjoy extended licensing until 3 a.m. each night of the festival, and plastic glasses are mandatory on the streets for safety.

Why Puck Fair 2025 Is a Must‑Visit

• Rich heritage: centuries‑old tradition, spanning storytelling, horses, goats and community.

• Memorable experiences: live street acts, parades, music and a nostalgic horse and cattle fair.

• Family‑friendly: engaging programming across multiple venues and stages.

• Planning tip: book accommodation early—Killorglin welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually.

Tradition with Sensitivity

Post‑2022, organisers have reaffirmed that goat welfare remains paramount. Protocols include shaded rest periods, hourly veterinary checks, and contingency measures if temperatures soar. While tradition endures, adaptations show sensitivity to public concern and animal welfare considerations