Get ready for one of Ireland’s oldest and most exciting traditions – the Ballinasloe International October Fair & Festival!
Set to take place from October 5th to 12th, 2025 (dates yet to be confirmed), this year marks the 303rd anniversary of the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Held annually in the charming town of Ballinasloe, County Galway, this event is a must-visit for horse lovers and families alike. Whether you’re a fan of horses, music, or just looking for some family fun, Ballinasloe has something special in store for everyone!
A Celebration of All Things Equestrian
At the heart of this festival is the Ballinasloe Horse Fair, the longest-running horse fair in Europe. With its roots deeply embedded in equestrian culture, this event draws in over 85,000 visitors every year, making it one of Ireland’s premier festivals. People from all over the world flock to Ballinasloe to experience everything from show jumping to pony rides, and of course, the famous horse sales.
The fair takes place over several days, with the main equestrian events held on Sunday, October 5th, Monday, October 6th, and Saturday, October 11th. Visitors can expect to see an incredible variety of horses, including the majestic Connemara Pony, speedy trotting ponies, and the magnificent Irish Draughts.
A Week of Non-Stop Fun and Festivities
While the horse fair is the star of the show, the festival offers so much more than just horses! Over the course of the 8-day event, the town comes alive with music, fireworks, and an array of fun activities for all ages. Some highlights include:
- Street Stalls & Vintage Parades: Discover unique crafts, delicious local food, and antiques while soaking in the festive atmosphere. The vintage parade is a must-see, offering a charming look at the past.
- Tug-of-War & Competitions: Teams battle it out in good-natured tug-of-war matches, a thrilling event for both participants and spectators.
- Arts & Crafts: From handmade jewelry to local artwork, the festival showcases a rich variety of creative talent. You’ll also find arts and crafts activities for all ages, making it a perfect spot for families.
- Music & Live Entertainment: Dance and sing along to live music performances throughout the festival, with local bands and artists taking center stage.
- Fireworks Display: End your day with a bang! The fireworks over Ballinasloe are a spectacular sight, lighting up the sky in celebration of the fair.
The Equestrian Community at its Best
Ballinasloe has a long-standing connection to the Irish Traveling Community, who have been an integral part of the horse fair for generations. Their participation brings an authentic and welcoming vibe to the event, making it feel like a true community celebration. For the Irish Traveling Community, the Ballinasloe Fair holds significant cultural importance, much like the renowned Appleby Horse Fair in England.
The fair itself takes place on the historic Fairgreen, a six-acre site in the heart of the town. This is where the famous horse sales and events like racing and show-jumping take place. The second weekend of the festival is especially important, with Country Fair Day on Saturday, October 11th being the highlight for many of the local rural population.
Kids Day: A Family Affair
Looking for a fun-filled day for the kids? Don’t miss Kids Day at the Ballinasloe Fair on Sunday, October 12th! This is the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a day of free entertainment and exciting competitions. Highlights include:
- Arts & Crafts Competitions: From Best Fairy Garden to Lego Displays, there’s plenty to keep the young ones busy.
- Junior Bakery Contest: Little chefs can show off their baking skills in this sweet competition.
- Magic Shows & Balloon Modelling: Prepare to be amazed by the magic tricks and enjoy some balloon animals to take home.
- Dog Show: Watch as local pups show off their talents in this heartwarming competition.
- Junior Tractor Derby: Don’t miss the Junior Tractor Derby at 4 PM, where kids can race their mini tractors in an exciting showdown!
Plus, there are plenty of prizes up for grabs, ensuring that every child has a blast at the fair!
The History Behind the Fair
The Ballinasloe Horse Fair is more than just a festival – it’s a rich part of Ireland’s history. The town’s name itself, Ballinasloe, comes from the Irish phrase “Béal tha na Sluaghe,” which translates to “Ford-mouth of the Hostings.” The fair dates back centuries, and while the exact origins are unclear, it’s believed to have been a key gathering point for nearby clans in ancient times.
By the late 18th century, the fair was already a major event, with The London Times reporting that the fair sold 65,758 sheep and 6,565 bullocks in a single year! Described as “the grandest in the British Empire” and “the largest of its kind in Europe,” the fair’s reputation spread far and wide, solidifying its place as one of the most important equestrian events in the world.
What to Expect at the 2025 Ballinasloe Horse Fair
If you’re planning to attend in 2025, here’s a sneak peek at what you can look forward to:
- Horse Sales: Whether you’re in the market for a pony or just love watching top-quality horses on display, the horse sales at the Fairgreen are always a highlight.
- Show Jumping: Thrill at the show-jumping events where riders and their horses demonstrate incredible skill and speed.
- Pony Rides: For those who want to get up close with these magnificent creatures, pony rides are available for the whole family.
- Festival Atmosphere: Enjoy the street stalls, arts and crafts, and various entertainment that make this event feel like a true community celebration.
Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or just looking for a fun, family-friendly event, the Ballinasloe International October Fair & Festival is an experience like no other. Make sure to mark your calendars for October 5-12, 2025, and get ready to be part of a 303-year-old tradition that brings together the best of equestrian culture, community spirit, and family fun.