A Quick Guide to Ballinasloe

While Ballinasloe is a thriving market town, it isn't one that will detain visitors long - except in October. This is the date for the town's famous Great October Fair, an annual event of horse trading and competition, revelry and general mayhem that has taken place here for hundreds of years and attracts up to 100,000 visitors annually.

Even the town's name reflects this - it means "Mouth of the Ford of the Crowds".

Those with a hard-core interest in Irish or European history will greatly enjoy the Battle of Aughrim Interpretive Centre. The battle, which took place in 1691 between the forces of the Catholic King James II and his Protestant rival for the throne, William of Orange, is hugely significant as it was the decisive in James' defeat and in the taking of the English throne by his rival.

If you are in the Ballinasloe area its worth making a detour to Clonfert Cathedral, built in the 12th century in a highly ornate Romanesque style, which is about 10 miles away.

Things to do and see

A selection of places and activities that are in Ballinasloe or that can be visited while using Ballinasloe as a base. For more activities that may be in reach see our Area Guides.

Thoor Ballylee
A norman tower house typical of many found in Ireland Thoor Ballylee in Co Galway was once home to the poet William Butler Yeats.

The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas
Historic church in Galway city, Ireland with a fascinating history dating back to the 14th century.

Galway Cathedral
Ireland's newest cathedral, in Galway city, has wonderful stained glass windows and interesting architecture.

Inishmore

Delphi Adventure Centre
Delphi Adventure centre is located in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Ireland and provides a range of water sports and mountain activities for both adults and children.

Killary Adventure Centre
Clay pigeon shooting, archery, climbing and orienteering are just some of the activities on offer at Killary Adventure centre.

Leisureland
Indoor activity centre with swimming pools which is a useful rainy day option for the West of Ireland.

Festival and Events

Galway Races Sport | Date: 28th July - 3rd August

Galway Arts Festival Arts Festival | Date: 14th - 27th July

Galway Film Fleadh Film | Date: 8th - 13th July

Clarenbridge Oyster Festival Festival | Date: 12th - 14th Sept

Clifden Arts Week Arts Festival | Date: 18th - 28th Sept

Galway International Oyster Festival Festival | Date: 25th-28th September

Baboró International Arts Festival for Children Arts Festival | Date: 13th - 19th Oct

Clarinbrige Arts Festival 2008 Arts Festival | Date: Oct 10th -12th

Ballinasloe October Fair Festival | Date: 4th -12th Oct

Spirit of Voice Festival 2008 Festival | Date: Nov 6th - 9th

Tour Itineraries

Some tour itineraries which explore in or include Co Galway:

One Day Tour of Connemara
Tour itinerary for a one-day self-drive tour of Connemara, including Clifden, the Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey and Maam Cross.

Shannon to Galway
A half-day tour, suitable as a tour en route for those arriving in Shannon Airport and heading for Galway, but equally doable in the reverse direction.

Walking Tour of Galway City
A short tour around the centre of Galway, City of the Tribes, which could easily be completed in a couple of hours.