Cork Nostalgia: Trip to Merries part and parcel of Easter break

With the schools re-opening on Monday after the Easter break , many Cork kids (including big kids) are enjoying a final trip to the ‘Merries’ this weekend.

An afternoon at the funfair is a major highlight of every school holiday in Cork, in both the city and across the county.

And as our nostalgic look back this weekend shows, that has been the case for generations.

Since the early part of the last century, our photographers have been capturing the excitement when the funfair comes to town and the amusements go up.

Just look at the crowds gathering on the Mardyke to watch the wheel being spun in 1915.

Certain names have been synonymous with fairgrounds in Cork over many decades, moving around the city and county.

From Perks in Youghal to Pipers in Crosshaven and Kinsale, the name alone is enough to bring a smile to the faces of young people as soon as they hear they are due to arrive in an area.

In 1931, schoolchildren in Cork were delighted to be brought on a trip to Youghal during their summer holidays.

The amusements have also popped up in many locations around the city over the decades, as shown here with Mayfield Hurling and Football Club hosting a carnival in 1967.

And though the fashions may change, the attractions of a trip to the Merries remains much the same.

The carousels and the swinging boats will be thronged with people again this weekend before the day is topped off with a large swirl of candyfloss.