_The Fair of Tara._
"The great fairs anciently held in Ireland were not like their modern
representatives, mere markets, but were assemblies of the people to
celebrate funeral games, and other religious rites; during pagan times
to hold parliaments, promulgate laws, listen to the recitation of
tales and poems, engage in or witness contests in feats of arms,
horse-racing, and other popular games. They were analogous in many
ways to the Olympian and other celebrated games of ancient Greece.
"These assemblies were regulated by a strict by-law, a breach of which
was punishable by death. Women were especially protected, a certain
place being set apart for their exclusive use, as a place was set
apart at one side of the lists of mediaeval tournaments for the Queen
of Beauty and the other ladies.
"At the opening of the assembly there was always a solemn proclamation
of peace, and the king who held the fair awarded prizes to the most
successful poets, musicians, and professors and masters of every
art."--See Dr. Sullivan's "Introduction to O'Curry's Lectures."