OCTOBER 4TH – OCTOBER 11TH 2026

Important Notice: Equine Identification & Transport Requirements

Equine Identification & Transport Guidance for Ballinasloe October Fair

We have been asked by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make the following information available on our website and social media channels — and we are more than happy to oblige.

As part of the safe and responsible running of the Ballinasloe October Fair, it is essential that all visitors bringing equines (horses, ponies, and donkeys) are aware of the requirements surrounding Equine Identification and Traceability.

Requirements for All Equines at the Fair

All equines must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Each equine must have its Equine Passport present at all times.
All equines must be microchipped, as required.

Animal Health Guidance

Horse owners are strongly advised to check their equine’s health before travelling to the Fair:

If an equine shows any signs of illness (for example, fever, cough, or lethargy), please do not bring it to the Fair.
Instead, contact your vet for advice and treatment.

This helps protect not only your animals, but also the wider equine community at the Fair.

Transport Regulations

Journeys over 65 km within the island of Ireland require the transporter to apply for and obtain Animal Transport Authorisation (TYPE 1).
This requirement is in line with EU Regulation 1/2005 and SI 675 of 2006.

Official Guidance

For full details, please refer to the Department’s resource here:
All you need to know: Equine Identification & Traceability

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping maintain the high standards of welfare, safety, and tradition that make the Ballinasloe October Fair such a landmark event.

Notice to Road Users

Galway County Council wishes to advise road users that the Ballinasloe October Fair and Festival 2026 will be taking place from Sunday 4th to Sunday 11th October 2026, and that official car parking areas, road closures, traffic management, and on-street parking restriction will be operated from Saturday, 3rd October 2026 to Monday, 5th October 2026.

Parking Restrictions

Restricted Parking Measures in Ballinasloe Town will commence on Thursday 1st October 2026 prior to the Fair Event.

Residents Only Parking Restrictions will apply to Garbally Drive, Ard Mhuire, Mountpleasant Drive, Sarsfield Drive/Crescent.

Available Parking

There will be parking available on Sunday 4th and Monday 5th October 2026 at official parking areas.

More information is available on https://ballinasloeoctoberfair.ie/ and council’s website www.galway.ie and social media accounts.

Accessible Parking for holders of Disabled Parking Permits will be available at designated Car parks at Society Street.

When the Harris Road is closed or car parking is full at the Showgrounds and Fairgreen, fairgoers will be direct to use the other official Parking, including at the Ballinasloe Mart, The Ballinasloe Mart Car Parl will be open on Sunday 4^th October only.

Traffic Routes to the Fair and Diversion Routes:

Traffic from Galway via R-446 (Old N6).

Traffic approaching Ballinasloe on the R-446 (Old N6) from Galway will reach the Roundabout at Mackney, where

Traffic travelling to the fair will continue towards Ballinasloe via R-446 (Old N6), and
Traffic travelling on towards Dublin via the R-466 can follow an available signed diversion route via the M6 motorway.

Traffic from Ahascragh via R -358

Traffic approaching Ballinasloe on the R-358 from Ahascragh will reach Road Junction of the R-358 with the R-348 at Ashtree Stores, where

Traffic travelling to the fair will continue towards Ballinasloe via R-358 (Sarsfield Road), and
Traffic travelling through Ballinasloe Town or towards Dublin or Galway will follow a signed diversion route via the R-348, L-3412 & R-446.

Traffic from Dublin via the R-446 (Old N6)

Traffic approaching Ballinasloe on the R-446 (Old N6) from Dublin will reach the Roundabout at Beagh, where

Traffic travelling to the fair will continue towards Ballinasloe via R-446 (Old N6), and
Traffic travelling on towards Dublin via the R-466 can follow an available signed diversion route via the M6 motorway.

Full list of Road Closures:

The following roads/streets in Ballinasloe Town will be closed for specific periods from 8.00pm Saturday, 3rdOctober 2026 to 9.00pm Monday, 5th October 2026:

Society Street R348 (From Main Street/Dunlo Street to Harris Road)
Main Street/Bridge Street R348 (From R446 to Society Street/Dunlo Street).
Dunlo Street R904 (From Main Society Street/Top of St. Michael’s Square to R446).
Bolger’s Lane & Marina Carparks (From R446 to St. Michael’s Square)
St Michael’s Square
Jubilee Street L-8607 (From St Michael’s Square to R446)
Dunlo Street R904 (From Main Society Street/Top of St. Michael’s Square to R446)
Duggan Avenue L-86076 and Church Hill
McNevin Avenue
Local Road No. L-8604 at Ard Mhuire

Public Transport

Commuters should check with Bus Operators prior to travelling on bus stops locations in Ballinasloe Town.

Download Car Parking Information and Restrictions

Notice to Fairgoers

Galway County Council and the Ballinasloe Fair and Festival Committee welcome visitors to Ballinasloe to the Ballinasloe October Fair and Festival 2026, which will be taking place from Sunday 4th to Sunday 11th October 2026.

This event is a non-alcohol event, and Fairgoers are not permitted to bring alcohol onto the Fairgreen and its immediate vicinity including car parks and road closures.

Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 the sale of an animal to anyone under 16 years of age is prohibited. Children at the Fair are not permitted to purchase animals and persons offering to sell animals to those under 16 age should be reported to An Garda Siochana.

Fireworks, smoke canisters, bottles, glasses, cans, flags, banners, poles and other similar articles or containers, including anything which could or might be used as a weapon, are not permitted. Fairgoers are not permitted to ignite any fireworks (bangers) in the vicinity of horses.

1722 – 2026

WELCOME TO THE BALLINASLOE FAIR & FESTIVAL

Ballinasloe Horse Fair is held annually in Ballinasloe, the second largest town in County Galway, in the western part of Ireland. It is one of Europe’s oldest and largest Horse Fairs, dating back to the 18th century.

This annual event attracts up to 80,000 visitors from all over the world, with many returning to the town year after year. This festival is one of the most important social and economic events in the life of the town. The town is also renowned for horse and pony riding, show jumping and other equestrian activities which take place throughout the year.

Our History

Our Events

Over the course of 8 days there will be a huge amount of events taking place in the town. There are activities for all ages to enjoy.

Vintage Show & Street Display

Tug of War

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Fireworks

Junior Baking & Craft Competitions

Mare & Foal Competitions

Entertainment Programme

Ballinasloe Fair & Festival Sound Stage

Day	Time	Entertainment	Venue
Saturday October 4th	2:00pm – 6:00pm	Battle of the Band’s Competition	Festival Soundstage
Saturday October 10th	3:00pm	Sean Slattery and the Connections	Festival Soundstage
Saturday October 10th	5:00pm	The Gamblers	Festival Soundstage