The Ballinasloe October Horse Fair is one of the oldest fairs in Ireland. Referred to as the “Great Cattle Fair” of Ballinasloe, at one stage it was renowned as the largest and greatest in all of Europe. The Ballinasloe Horse Fair & Festival takes place in October in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. Known as the gateway to the West, Ballinasloe is situated on the N6, main Galway - Dublin route.