Ballinasloe Fair - Schedule

300 Years and going strong! To find out what's on - visit our what's on page and filter "Event Type" by Horse Fair

"As Chairperson of Ballinasloe Fair and Festival it is my honour and privilege to extend a Cead Mile Failte to each and everyone of our friends, National and International visitors who have travelled to join with us in celebrating a truly historic event, the 300th year of Europe’s Oldest International Horse Fair and Festival.

Our hardworking Voluntary Committee in conjunction with Galway Co Council, Ballinasloe Municipal Authority, ISPCA, Civil Defence and An Garda Siochana, have worked tirelessly to ensure visitors have an enjoyable & memorable visit to Ballinasloe.

We are custodians of this unique event, described by President, Michael D Higgins as “The Community of the Horse” in his opening address in 2018. It is our duty to maintain this economic driver for Ballinasloe, its hinterland and horse breeders throughout Ireland. In the same address he hoped that UNESCO would recognize its significance, something which we are currently working on as committee. Without doubt it is the Jewel in the Crown of the Heritage of Ballinasloe.

We are truly grateful to Mr. Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services and his team at Galway Co Co, to Cllr Evelyn Parsons and members of the Ballinasloe Municipal Authority for their support.

We could not have put together such an extensive programme of events, without the continued financial support from our sponsors, to them we extend our deepest appreciation and ask that you support them. Also this year we welcome the additional funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gealtacht, Sport and Media and Galway County Council.

The Great October Fair, which officially began in 1722, is so synonymous with Ballinasloe and such a significant event for the horse industry, Let’s all work together to support, improve, strengthen and guarantee it into the future.

On behalf of Ballinasloe Fair & Festival Committee we encourage people to come out and support the great programme of events to mark the 300th year celebrations."

Mal Croffy
Chairperson Ballinasloe Fair & Festival Committee

Sincere thanks to all our sponsors!