Funfairs in Ireland - Links

[Christopher]

The National Fairground Archive at the University of Sheffield contains an article about "Irish Arks and Waltzers" which mentions Bells, Birds, Cullens, Hudsons, McFaddens, McCormicks, Perks and Turbetts. http://tinyurl.com/5uskz3

[BCullen]

It seems the Cullen funfair is still growing strong:
http://www.cullensfunfairs.com/index.html

I found a marriage for this family in 1947 in Aughnacloy, Tyrone, although I don't think these Cullens are from the area. Maybe the groom's family was.

Also interesting that there is a Cullen Amusements in Houston, Texas, USA. Probably not related: http://www.cullenamusements.com/

[heywood]

as a bit of a sideline here:

in Lancashire we always had a 'Wakes' - when the fairground would come to town. My husband said that his mother would refer to the rides as 'trick o' the loobs'. (she was from Mayo).
I then studied 'Playboy of the Western World' and there was a reference to 'trick o' the loops'.  It was a lovely remembrance of her! (she had died by then).

I know it's not really valid but it is a nice memory. 

[Notinpastyet]

On the subject of memory & fairgrounds I remember there used to be a fun-fair in Galway city early 1960,in my mind I always though it was held on Eyre Square-is that a false memory?or am I  right?.Nipy