Events in Ireland.
Fairs and Shows.

The fair was once an essential part of Irish country life, its origins can be traced to the earliest times, when tribal groups came together to trade with each other and conduct the business of the the tribe. This was usually presided over by the King or Ri.

The hiring fairs were usually held twice yearly, at these people hired themselves out for a period of six months to a farmer, who supplied them with board and lodgings and a lump sum at the end of the period. Fairs were an opportunity of the young people of the country to meet, the marriage of sons and daughters of farmers was regarded almost as a business arrangement, there was much haggling between the two families before an arrangement was reached.

Today the tradition is carried on in many Irish country towns, often they are held on a weekly basis usually all that is to be found is cheap imported consumer goods. Probably the most famous fairs are held in Lisdoonvarna in County Clare and the Ballinsloe Horse Fair in County Galway.