Let me tell you about Ballinasloe, the little grey-skied town that has been my home for the last 10 months, and will be for just another two.
It is a town where old man who owns the small shop, knows everyones names and will come out of his store to personally let you know that you have missed your bus. It is also a town where the bus is always and consistently 25 minutes, except for that one time of course. It is a town where the streets are practically empty after 7pm. Life for me orbits around the hospital and the small group of final-year-almost-doctors that like me, chose to do their 1 year placement here.
For 51 of the 52 weeks in a year, it is hushed, muted toned, peaceful town.
But then there is one week where this little town is transformed into a place I can’t even recognize! The Annual Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Yes, this quaint Irish town is home to Europe’s oldest Horse festival.
I have never been a horse festival before, so this was a special experience I wanted to share with you!
Continue reading “An evening walk through the Ballinasloe Horse Fair”