Ballinasloe has always served as a meeting point, situated as it is on the River Suck and was commonly a hosting area, for clansmen from local tribes. Indeed its name derives from Béal Átha na Sluaıghe, the Irish for “Ford-mouth of the Hostings”. The town continues to be known for its hospitality to tourists and is well situated as a touring base with great accommodation, restaurants, shops, and a plethora of leisure pursuits within close proximity.
The town is situated on the most eastern point of County Galway and is the largest town in the County with a population of over 7,500 people in both the urban & rural area. The Ballinasloe Great October Horse Fair, held annually during the first week of October, is acknowledged as being one of the oldest fairs in Europe and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Entertainment is at a premium in the town, in its hotels, pub and the Town Hall Theatre. For further details go to www.ballinasloe.ie for a full listing of events in Ballinasloe.
The River Suck, on which Ballinasloe stands, is a tributary of the Shannon River and can now be navigated from close to Shannonbridge right to a state of the art Marina which is within a very short walk of the town centre. Click here for more information about Ballinasloe and our waterways.
Photos by Robert Riddell