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.

Ahascragh Distillery

Top 7 Attractions in Ballinasloe

Ballinasloe, a vibrant town in County Galway, offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors.

• Ahascragh Distillery: Visit Ahascragh Distillery near Ballinasloe, Ireland’s first zero-emission distillery. Tour their historic mill, learn about sustainable spirit production from grain to glass, and enjoy a tasting of their award-winning spirits. The Old Mill Café across the road offers lunch and local history.
• St. Brendan’s Clonfert Cathedral: This ancient medieval church, located in the countryside, boasts a magnificent and delicate doorway. Its serene atmosphere provides a unique historical experience.
• Ballinasloe Library: A haven for book lovers, the library offers a quiet space for reading and research, with access to a wide selection of books, periodicals, and online resources.
• Flowerhill Equestrian Centre: Horseback riding enthusiasts can explore the scenic countryside on horseback through guided tours offered by this renowned equestrian center.
• Ballinasloe Indoor Country Market: This bustling market is a treasure trove of local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods. It’s a great place to sample local delicacies and support local businesses.
• St. Michaels Church: Another historic landmark, St. Michaels Church adds to the town’s rich cultural heritage and offers a glimpse into its past.
• Ballinasloe Golf Club:  An 18 hole, par 72 parkland course renowned for its superb greens in east Galway, founded in 1894 making it one of Connacht’s oldest golf courses.

Ballinasloe Golf Club

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.

Ballinasloe map