The latter event includes sale-and-purchase, racing and show-jumping and these are concentrated on a 6-acre site on Society Street - the fair green.

It is now predominantly known as a horse fair, but previously served the range of agricultural interests associated with East Galway and South Roscommon, the hinterland of Ballinasloe.

Traditionally, farmers from the eastern portions of Ireland travelled to Ballinasloe to purchase livestock from western counterparts.

[6] Some reputed stories suggest that the event became more famous after Napoleon allegedly bought a horse there and rode it during the Battle of Austerlitz (1805).

[8] A local land-owning family, the le Poer Trenches, who received the Earldom of Clancarty, shaped much of the 18th and 19th century history of the town.

[citation needed] President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina visited and officially opened the 2018 fair and festival.

[15] The Ballinasloe Fair has a long traditional association with the Irish Travelling Community who regularly congregate there.