Ballinasloe
Gateway to the West
Ballinasloe is situated 60km east of Galway city and is the largest town in Galway other than Galway City. Famous for the The Ballinasloe Horse Fair held in October which attracts upwards of one hundred thousands punters annually and is the oldest known horse fair in Europe. Ballinasloe can also boast being the birthplace of the great Irish institution that is Supermacs.
Visitors can expect a warm welcome, great food and live entertainment in many of the great pubs in the town that line the impressive streetscapes.
A brief history of Ballinasloe
Ballinasloe (Beal Atha na Sluaigheadh – the Town of the Ford of the Hostings), is an ancient town which increased in importance when Turlough O’Connor, King of Connacht, fortified Dun Leodha (Dunlo) at the beginning of the 12th century. In 1124 he built a stone castle there to command the river crossing.
The town has a population of about 6,000, and is situated in the centre of a district that is steeped in history. Ruined Churches and Abbeys testify to the piety of its people and their steadfastness during Penal Times. Old Forts and castles tell of ancient enmities and of the long struggle between Norman and Irish. The tragic battlefield of Aughrim reminds us of the time when Irish and Anglo-Irish united to fight for the cause of the Catholic Stuarts against William of Orange, and died in their thousands.
Where to stay
Ballinasloe offers a range a high quality accommodation options from hotels, guesthouses and B&B’s.
Book Ballinasloe Accommodation
How to get to Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
Travel by bus on Citylink on their Galway to Ballinasloe commuter service. Ballinasloe being the second largest town of county Galway has regular bus services every day. Alternatively travel by car from Galway taking the M6 motorway west from Galway City.