King Puck

Killorglin is on the Ring of Kerry tourist route. It was here that we encountered King Puck and learned about the Annual Puck Fair. King Puck is a billy goat. There is a bronze statue of King Puck overlooking the river. The Puck Fair is one of the oldest fairs in Ireland. The fair's origins are obscure, but date back to at least the 16th century, maybe further.

Every year, locals capture a wild goat and bring it to town. The Queen of Puck, usually a school girl, crowns the goat King Puck. The goat is put on display, the town has a three-day party, and the goat is returned to the mountains. In the old days, the goat was probably sacrificed. Nowadays, it is treated like the king it is; although, I'm sure some animal rightists are appalled. 

King Puck was definitely one of the oddities we discovered on our trip to Ireland. It was interesting to learn about the history and significance of the goat and fair. When I first caught a glimpse of the stature, I told Lara we had to go back into town to figure out why there was a statue of a goat on a pedestal overlooking the river. Some day, I'll have to return to Killorglin to go to the Puck Fair. 

We learned that there are many interesting fairs and festivals in Ireland. We learned about the world famous matchmaking festival (in Lisdoonvarna) from our bus driver. People use to come looking for a spouse, now it is mostly just a place to have a good time. This festival might more sense for me to attend, being a 60ish spinster.