Ballinasloe occupies a strategic location on the N6
National Primary route linking Dublin and Galway and is one
of the principal gateways to the West. The town owes its
origins to its location as a crossing point on the River
Suck, a tributary of the Shannon, on the boarders of
Counties Galway and Roscommon. It is the largest town in
County Galway after Galway City, and its hinterland extends
up to twelve miles from the town boundary into County
Galway, and up to six miles into County Roscommon. The
population of the town is almost 6,000 with a further 8,000
residing in the environs.
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The Ballinasloe Horse Fair (above right) has its
origins in "The Gathering of the Hostings" dating back to
the High Kings of Tara. Its formal charter was granted by
King George to the Second Earl of Clancarty in 1722. King
George I granted permission for the local landlords to have
a livestock fair in the town's green (oval). By the mid
1800's up to 4,000 horses were exhibited. Many of the horses
were purchased for use on European battlefields. Today, over
80,000 horse lovers visit Ballinasloe during the week long
festivities, pumping 3 million euro into the local economy.
During the fair, the usually quiet town of Ballinasloe, is
transformed into a sea of cars, trucks, trailers, horse
floats and people.
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