Puck Fair (In Irish Aonach an Phoic, meaning “Fair of the He-Goat”, ‘poc’ being the Irish for a male oat) is one of Ireland’s oldest fairs
Every year a goat catcher goes up into the mountains to catch a wild goat. The goat is brought back to the town and the “Queen of Puck”, traditionally a young school girl from one of the local primary schools, crowns the goat “King Puck“.
On August 10th, The “King” is then paraded through the town before being elevated onto a high stand in the town square for three days. On the 3rd day of the fair, he is brought down to be led back to his mountain home. In the middle of the town square, he is crowned which signifies that the festivities may begin.
The welfare of the goat is of utmost importance to all involved in organising Puck Fair. We have strict protocols in place to ensure this and they are overseen and checked by an independent Veterinary Surgeon. Freedoms of Goat
Read more about the history of puck fair.
Watch King Puck being crowned in 2015
Watch the detronement parade in 2015
Watch King Puck being crowned in 2014
Watch an interview with the Goat Catcher from RTE News in 2013