Puck Fair

Every year in Killorglin, Ireland, a wild mountain goat is plucked from the rugged MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, crowned “King Puck” by a young schoolgirl, and hoisted onto a lofty stand to rule over three days of unbridled festivities. This peculiar yet beloved tradition, dating back centuries, turns the town into a lively spectacle of music, markets, and merriment, with pubs enjoying an extended curfew (much to the dismay of local law enforcement). While the goat once spent the entire festival elevated in his royal perch, modern concerns have granted His Majesty shorter shifts on the throne.Legends whisper that Puck Fair’s roots lie in pre-Christian harvest celebrations, while others claim the tradition honors a heroic goat who once warned villagers of an approaching army. Either way, the festival remains a grand mix of history, folklore, and revelry. With bustling horse and cattle markets, vibrant street vendors, and a truly unique coronation, Killorglin’s Puck Fair is the perfect blend of ancient ritual and good old-fashioned Irish craic!