The circus and its clowns, caravans and colourful big top came to Killarney this weekend to pay tribute to Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, John O'Donoghue.
The 132-year-old Fossett's Circus invited the Minister, who had "elevated the circus to an art form", to a special pre-performance ceremony on Saturday. Mr O'Donoghue's amendment to the Arts Act 2003 included the circus in the list of arts for the first time.
It followed a campaign begun by the late Teddy Fossett in 1973. That amendment placed Ireland ahead of most European countries in recognising the circus as an art form in its own right and not just a subset of theatre.
It also means circuses are able to apply for Arts Council aid. Fossett's Circus has received €285,000 in grants. Robert Fossett, one of six family members involved in the circus, said the funding was crucial to the circus's survival.
Fossetts have 50 staff, 27 trucks and an 850-seat big top, as well as lighting and sound equipment, trailers and living accommodation which have to be transported every week, he said.
Foreign nationals are swelling audiences, many of them coming from countries where there is a long tradition of respect and appreciation for the circus, said Hertr Fossett, mother of Robert Fossett.
However, the circus is facing new challenges. Development around towns and cities has meant many of the old circus sites have been built on and are no longer available.
"Cork has become the first city in Ireland to have a dedicated site set aside for circuses. We believe every city and town should have such a site. We're lucky to have got a site on a pitch and putt course from the Gleneagle Hotel, in Killarney," Mr Fossett said.
Fossett's Circus tours for more than 35 weeks every year, playing to more than 80,000 people - many of whom may never attend any other form of theatre.
Mr O'Donoghue said Fossetts had brought their own special brand of magic to the ordinary people of Ireland.
"Long before cinema was even invented, touring circus was one of the only forms of live entertainment available outside the main cities. Fossett's has become synonymous with magical childhood memories," he said.