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Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Ballinasloe (Irish: Béal Átha na Slua) is a town in the eastern extremity of County Galway that 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. A new public marina has been developed on the river in recent years that allows traffic from the Shannon navigation to access the town.

Ruined Churches and Abbeys testify to the piety of its people and their steadfastness during Penal Times. Old Forts and castles tell of ancient enmities and of the long struggle between Norman and Irish. The tragic battlefield of Aughrim reminds us of the time when Irish and Anglo-Irish united to fight for the cause of the Catholic Stuarts against William of Orange, and died in their thousands.

The Ballinasloe Fair is one of the oldest horse fairs in Europe, bathed in history it dates back to the 700s. Today the ever popular fair is still held, along with a festival that attracts up to 100,000 visitors from all over the world. The town also boasts a successful summer festival called An tSúca Fiain.

Gardens

Birr Castle Demesne

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Golf

Birr Golf Club

Birr, Co. Offaly
Course Type: Parkland

The course at Birr Golf Club has been carved out of natural woodland and eskers and provides a strong challenge for even the most accomplished golfers. Undulating fairways, ridges, hills and hollows represent the nearest inland equivalent to the ...

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Self Catering

The Stone Cottage

Portumna, Co. Galway

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What's On

Ballinasloe Farmers Market - County Galway - Fridays

Ballinasloe Farmers Market

Croffey Centre, Main Street, Ballinasloe, County Galway

Fridays 9am - 2pm

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Tourist Attractions

Clonmacnoise

Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly

Clonmacnoise is an Early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The strategic location of the monastery helped it become a major centre of religion, learning, craftsmanship and ...

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Wedding Venues

The Old Fort

Shannonbridge, Co. Roscommon

In a very pleasant site right at the bridge beside the mighty River Shannon, this restaurant is in a lovingly-restored 19th century fort, and has oodles of character - the old stone walls are several feet thick in places. Churches in the locality ...

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