Horse of the Fair Competition
Crowds line the streets to watch horse judging and parade of prize winners
Ballinasloe Fair & Festival
Aonach Béal Átha na Sluaighe
Ballinasloe, Ireland
Oct 4 - 11, 2026ConfirmedSource
Each October, the town of Ballinasloe hosts one of Europe's oldest horse fairs, when dealers and travelers fill the green to buy, sell, and show off their horses. Around the centuries-old fair grows a week-long festival of music, markets, and community, deep in the Irish midlands.
Key moments
Parade of Ponies
Families enjoy seeing decorated ponies and riders in traditional attire
Where it happens
Main Street and Racecourse, Ballinasloe
Ballinasloe, Ireland
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Join public festivities; obey fair signage
Respect local boundaries
Respect residents and animal welfare
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: very high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Ballinasloe Fair & Festival
Aonach Béal Átha na Sluaighe
Ballinasloe, Ireland
Each October, the town of Ballinasloe hosts one of Europe's oldest horse fairs, when dealers and travelers fill the green to buy, sell, and show off their horses. Around the centuries-old fair grows a week-long festival of music, markets, and community, deep in the Irish midlands.
AnchorCultural anchor
Oct 4 - 11, 2026Confirmed dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
The fair originated as a major livestock market in the 18th century, known then as Europe’s largest livestock fair. The town’s Gaelic name reflects its history: 'Ford-mouth of the hostings'. It declined mid-20th century but was revitalized after 1948 with a carnival element. The modern festival retains horse and pony competitions (“Horse of the Fair”, “Pony of the Fair”) and a parade, continuing the ancient tradition in a fam...
Key moments to know
Horse of the Fair Competition
Crowds line the streets to watch horse judging and parade of prize winners
Parade of Ponies
Families enjoy seeing decorated ponies and riders in traditional attire
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Join public festivities; obey fair signage
Respect local boundaries
Respect residents and animal welfare
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Oct 4 - 11, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Ballinasloe
Connacht Province
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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