The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
The highlights of the Fair
THE Puck Fair festival transforms Killorglin town into a hive of activity each year from the 10th to the 12th August. This year is no exception, with a wide range of free family fun on offer over the course of the three days. Here is a handful of the highlights to watch out for at Puck Fair 2018:
Horse Fair – Evan’s Field, Friday 10th August, 6am to 3pm
(Evan’s Field will be open from 6pm on Thursday 9th August to facilitate traders requesting an early set-up)
One of Ireland’s oldest and continuously-run Horse Fairs, this event is synonymous with Puck Fair. Buying/selling horses, ponies, donkeys and equipment starts very early in the morning and continues throughout the opening day of the festival.
Coronation Parade and Ceremony – Puck Fair Stand, The Square, Friday 10th August, 5:30pm to 6:30pm
King Puck finally makes his entrance with an event surrounded with all the pomp and ceremony befitting the Regal Ruler of Ireland’s oldest festival! The parade includes vibrant floats, marching bands, colourful characters and entertainers, which lead the parade through the town in anticipation of the Coronation of King Puck.
Dethronement Parade and Ceremony – Puck Fair Stand, The Square, Sunday 12th August, 5:30-6:30pm
The Puck Fair 2018 celebrations will culminate with the Ceremonial Dethronement of King Puck, and his subsequent release back to freedom in the Kerry Mountains. Following a colourful parade, the King is brought down from his lofty perch to say good-bye to his loyal subjects and to be fully relieved of his duties. Jake Carter at Puck Fair – The Square,
Sunday 12th August, 9:45-11:45pm
Fresh from his Dancing with the Stars win, musician Jake Carter will take to the stage to add a touch of stardust to the Puck Fair festival as it draws to a close for another year.
Fireworks Display – Sunday 12th August, Midnight
Visitors to Puck Fair are invited to gather in the town centre to watch the stunning fireworks display as they wave goodbye to the 2018 festival.
To view the full schedule of events, visit www.puckfair.ie/ schedule