Ballinasloe Horse Fair to kick off with lunging event

This year’s world-famous Ballinasloe Horse Fair will kick off in the town tomorrow with the traditional lunging event.
The annual fair, one of the oldest and largest in Europe, dates back to the 18th century and attracts up to 80,000 visitors from around the world every year.
The 9-day festival is considered one of the most important social and economic events on the Ballinasloe calendar.
This year’s fair promises a range of activities for all to enjoy, including equestrian events, craft markets, vintage displays, live music, a soapbox derby and fireworks displays.
Previously, it had been feared that the fair would have to be downsized this year amid fears of a repeat of controversial scenes at last years event.
However, recent agreements mean it’s ‘business as usual’ for this years fair which will kick off tomorrow with the traditional lunging event alongside a range of musical performances.