Banagher Horse Fair – On the Street in 2016 as it was and Should Be!!!

The 2015 Banagher Horse Fair shortly after starting on the Hill of Banagher, on the Main Street where is was, is and will be!

The 2015 Banagher Horse Fair shortly after starting on the Hill of Banagher, on the Main Street where is was, is and will be!

The iconic Banagher Horse Fair will be held in the town on the 18th of September as it has been for centuries, and as it should be.

Horse Fair traders and visitors are more than welcome to stay at Tudor Lodge Bed and Breakfast, which is a short 30 mile drive from Banagher.

Local press are profiling what is Irelands only

Local press are profiling what is Irelands only “unauthorized” Horse Fair, which is being kept alive by locals and national equine enthusiasts.

Traders are encouraged to bring lots of water and fodder for their stock, both from an equine welfare point of view, and to visibly show good care of the animals at the fair.

Traders tell us “We are hoping that there will not be roadblocks like last year. Ensure your paperwork is up to date, don’t believe them if you are told its cancelled, say that you are visiting friends in the town anyway and wish to proceed into town with your stock. Above all, keep calm and quiet and patient, and give yourself lots of time. We are looking forward to a good crowd and a pleasant atmosphere as in previous years!

Those wishing to stay in Banagher itself may find it hard to find accommodation locally, but we recommend Charlottes Way – query quick to see availability.

Keeping the Tradition Alive! - Banagher Horse Fair

Keeping the Tradition Alive!

Memories of past fairs were brought up, a fading tradition that is getting a new life thanks to the support of traders and the encouragement of activists, for what is a totally unorganised event which goes off without a hitch, and no need for committees and all the hassle that such brings.

A bit of hard work, personal responsibility, goes a long way towards keeping going what regulation and legislation had gone a long way to killing off, whether by accident or design.

Its good to see this is not the only tradition of rural Ireland enjoying a comeback, with the excellent campaign to keep cutting family bogs bearing a good harvest of late, thanks to the support of local reps and MEPS, most notably our own Carol Nolan, MEP Ming Flanagan and Michael Fitzmaurice TD to the fore. Dont forget to visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/banagherhorsefair – tell them that we sent you!