2009 Dates: 3th – 10th October 2009

The Ballinasloe Fair is one of Europe's oldest Horse Fairs. It is held in East Galway's principal town on the first week of October each year.

This year’s festival committee are currently beginning to programme a wonderful nine day festival, guaranteed to have something for everyone. From the equestrian events which will take place on Sunday 4th October, Monday 5th October and Saturday 10h October. There will be music on the streets both weekends, street entertainers and indeed our traditional La Gaelach on Saturday 11th October.

Throughout the week, the festival committee will continue on last year’s success and programme a number of activities with the local schools and we look forward in having the future people of Ballinasloe fair get involved in music and crafts.

It is estimated that the fair & festival is worth in excess of €8.5 million to the local economy and the multi nationalists that attend as well as our local community accumulate a total audience of approx. 85,000.

We hope you get the opportunity this year to visit Europe’s Oldest Horse Fair and look forward to meeting with you in Ballinasloe during the nine day event.

The draft programme of events for 2009 will be available late August 2009 – to see a copy of last year’s programme check out www.ballinasloeoctoberfair.com

Programme of Events for 2007

Fair & Festival Committee

In the fifties with horse numbers dwindling and crowds falling, the changing nature in the way in which sheep and cattle were traded caused a sharp decline in the fortunes of the fair. In an effort to stem that decline a local group previously involved in the Ballinasloe Carnival and some members of the Chamber of Commerce, established a Fair & Festival Committee.

This voluntary group attempted firstly, to revive the Fair as an opportunity for the selling of quality animals on the green and secondly, to revitalise the week as a festival occasion for the town and hinterland of Ballinasloe.

Whatever its origins and subsequent fortunes the Fair & Festival continues to be the biggest economic and cultural event in the Ballinasloe calendar. Activities are co-ordinated by the Fair & Festival Company, the Ballinasloe Show Ltd., the Chamber of Commerce and the Town Council. It is hoped that you can visit and savour this truly unique spectacle and the charm of this bustling market town.

As well as the fair Ballinasloe is for Tourism, being located almost in the centre of Ireland it is an idea base for not only sampling the local spot of interest but those of the greater area. Click here to find out more.

As for other things to do whilst in Ballinasloe for Fair Week:

• Golf at the 18 hole Championship Course. Ph: +353 (0) 90 96 42126.
• Pitch & Putt - St. Bridgids Hospital Grounds +353 (0) 90 96 48479.

Accomodation

It is recommended to book early as accomodation close to the town is taken quickly but there is plenty of providers in the outlying areas. Click here for our list that includes Hotels in the town.

Eating Out

There are a large number of places to eat out during the Fair. Click here for an up to date list of pubs as well as a wide variety of Restaurants.

Traffic

With the large crowds attending during the Fair, a certain amount of traffic congestion can be expected, the following information will not only of help to those not wishing to be held up by the fair crowds but also those attending the event. 2008 Traffic Management plan will be posted on www.ballinasloeoctoberfair.com prior to the event.

More Information

You can visit the Ballinasloe October Fair & Festival website on www.ballinasloeoctoberfair.com

Any enquiries regarding the Fair must be directed to the following:
Show Office at +353 (0)90 9642266 or Festival office This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call +353 (0)87 2600802, as all the information available to the staff of this site is already posted here.