Fairs in Ballinasloe

There is no record of any event of national importance taking place in this school area. As the name Beal Átha na Sluagh indicates, there was a ford on the river Suck at this point of its course and as was the case with many other fords on Irish rivers a settlement grew up at the point where people met to cross the river. The name further suggests “gatherings” and the town has long been noted for its fairs, particularly the October fair, but whether the gatherings gave rise to the fairs or the fairs caused the gatherings it is now impossible to ascertain.

Collector: William P. Ward

Informant: Unknown

Place: Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Footnote: Duchas, http://www.duchas.ie