Ballinasloe
Ballinasloe (Béal Átha na Sluaighe in Irish) is a town in County Galway in the Republic of Ireland. The town is situated east of Galway city, in the western part of the midlands of Ireland. The population is approximately 6,000.
The town developed as a crossing point on the River Suck, a tributary of the Shannon. The Irish placename — meaning the mouth of the ford of the crowds — reflects this purpose. The latter part of the name suggests the town has been a meeting place since ancient times.
The Ballinasloe Fair is one of the oldest horse fairs in Europe, dating back to the 1700s. Today the fair is still held, as a "fair and festival" attracting up to 100,000 visitors from all over the world.
The N6 road passes through the town, which is also served by the Dublin–Galway railway line.
- See also: List of towns in the Republic of Ireland
External link
Categories: Ireland geography stubs | Towns in Galway