Puck Fair 2007

Where Kilorglin in County Kerry. The Southwest of Ireland.

Where to Eat Bunkers in Kilorglin town centre has excellent food.



Where to stay I stayed at Bianconis Hotel, good location. Really need to book early. It's expensive. There are hostels & campsites in Kilorglin but difficult to get into. There are quite a few campsites for those interested in that. Book accomodation very early for the Puck Fair.

What to wear Try to avoid animal furs, in particular anything made from goat.

Where to drink Guinness Music Trail Competition. This is a competition between all the pubs for a statue of hurling pioneer Cuchulainn. Pubs are too crowded so expect to spend all day and night on the street drinking from plastic cups. Everywhere is awesome to drink during the Puck Fair.

• The Bagad Sonerien Bro Dreger – from Brittany in France

• Lunasa – from Ireland

• Keltic Kudzu – Celtic fusion from Atlanta Georgia, USA

There will be many other music acts there. You’re best to go pub hopping. You come for the goat but stay for the craic.

Why There are 2 main theories about the origins of this Fiesta.

Puck Theory 1The most accepted version involves the pillaging Roundhead’s Leader Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell was apparently spreading his reach throughout Kerry and were at the foot of the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range.

The Roundheads routed a heard of grazing goats out of the way when 1 special male goat (or puck) went against the Terrifying roundheads.

The special Puck ran against them and then all the way to the nearest village Kilorglin. When the Puck arrived no words were necessary. The villagers gazed upon the exhausted panting Puck.

They realised only one thing could give a goat the energy to run to the village.

Fear

Fear of the Roundheads. This goat gave the village of Kilorgin enough notice to put away their livestock. They were also prepared for what was a surprise invasion. The Puck had saved the village. A 2 horned hero was born. In recognition of this the people of Kilorglin decided to put on an annual fair.

Puck Theory 2 Another theory about the origins of the Fair involve Legend Barrister and Republican Daniel O Connell. O Connell made landlords pay a toll for their goats. The easiest way to do this was organising a Fair. August 10th 1808 a Goat was crowned for the first time in Kilorglin.

Puck Theory 3 This festival is a Pagan ritual and the goat is a fertility symbol for the pagan god Pan.

I think I prefer the first theory.

To Catch a King Puck Every year a group of people go up the mountains near Kilorglin and catch a wild goat. The goat is brought down to town and placed in a small cage on a tall stand. A young local will crown the confused goat. The Pucks silence will serve as an acceptance of the title.

It really is as simple as that !

The Puck Fair has officially started and the town erupts ! Drinking, dancing & as always the great Irish sing songs. This Puck Fair is renowned for it’s mixture of world music with an Irish beat.

Dangers/annoyances On the last night of the Puck Fair the town can fill with kids looking for fights- such was my experience. Having spoken with many other goat worshippers this is the norm. Therefore I advise getting there for the opening and the crowning of the goat.

Airports The best airport to fly into for The Puck Fair is Kerry Farranfore.

Getting There & Around With a population of 1500, you can walk around easily. Kilorglin is located only 20kms from Kerry Airport and train station. I went there by train and got a taxi. There are also a lot of buses, see www.buseireann.ie

Bank/ATM Available but take money with you as the machines run out of money in hours. Didn't look for internet. Wouldn't advise having to use either of these resources as the village is crazy with ques.

Puck Fair 2007 Official Website