What to know before your first horse fair

Updated 29 October 2026

Horse fairs are a long-standing tradition in Ireland, and a good day out whether you are buying, selling or just watching. They are also busy, crowded places with a lot of horses, so a little preparation makes the day easier and safer.

Before you go

• Check the dates with the organiser. Fair dates can move from year to year, and some fairs are rescheduled or cancelled at short notice. On HorseFairs.ie, dates marked confirmed have been checked with the organiser or an official source. Unconfirmed dates have not.
• Save the fair on your phone. Mobile signal is often weak at fair grounds. Install the HorseFairs app and open the fair’s page before you leave, so the dates, map and directions work with no signal.
• Get fair reminders. Turn on reminders for your area to get a notification a week before, the day before and on the morning.
• Plan your journey. Roads near a fair get busy, and some towns close streets on fair day. Use the Directions button on the fair page, and read its parking notes if the organiser has given them.

When to arrive

At many traditional fairs the trading starts early, sometimes at first light, and the best of the dealing can be over by the middle of the day. Check the trading times on the fair’s page. If you want to see the buying and selling, go early; if you are going for the atmosphere and stalls, later in the day is usually quieter.

What to bring

• Strong boots or wellies: fair greens and fields get muddy and are not tidy underfoot
• A waterproof jacket and warm layers, even in summer
• Some cash, for stalls, food and parking
• A charged phone, ideally with HorseFairs saved on it
• Water and snacks, especially with children
• If you might buy: a head collar and lead rope, and a plan for getting the horse home

Staying safe around horses

• Give horses room. Never walk close behind a horse; a startled horse can kick. Pass at a distance, or in front where the horse can see you.
• Watch for horses on the move. Horses are often led, ridden or trotted up and down to show them off. Stay out of the way and keep to the side.
• Ask before you touch. Do not pat or feed someone’s horse without asking the owner.
• Children: keep small children close and hold their hands in crowds. Agree a meeting point in case you get separated.
• Dogs: check the fair’s dog policy first. If dogs are allowed, keep yours on a short lead and away from horses’ legs. Many people leave dogs at home.
• Photos: ask before photographing people up close. If you share photos on HorseFairs.ie, follow the photo and video policy.

If you plan to buy

• Passport and microchip. Horses, ponies and donkeys in Ireland and Northern Ireland must have an equine passport and be microchipped. Ask to see the passport, check that the description and microchip match the animal, and do not buy a horse that has no passport.
• Register the change of owner. After buying, register yourself as the new owner with the body that issued the passport, in good time. Ask them for the current rules and deadline.
• Check the horse. Ask about age, health, vaccinations, behaviour and what it has been used for. See it walked and trotted. If you can, have a vet look at it before you pay, or buy with an agreement that you can.
• Get it in writing. A deal on the day may be sealed with a handshake. Also ask for a simple receipt with the price, date, the seller’s name and contact details, and the passport number.
• Getting it home. Bring a safe, suitable trailer or horsebox. The horse must be fit to travel. If you transport animals as part of a business, you may need authorisation from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (or DAERA in Northern Ireland).
• Selling online instead? HorseSales.ie lists horses for sale across Ireland.

This is general guidance, not legal or veterinary advice. Rules on horse identification and transport change; check with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Republic of Ireland), DAERA (Northern Ireland) or your vet.

Animal welfare

Most people at fairs look after their animals well. If you see a horse that is injured, distressed or being treated badly, tell a fair organiser or steward. In an emergency, contact An Garda Síochána in the Republic or the PSNI in Northern Ireland. You can also report concerns to the ISPCA (Republic) or the USPCA (Northern Ireland).

Respect the fair

Many fairs are long-standing community traditions kept going by local people, traders and families who have been coming for generations. Follow the organisers’ and stewards’ directions, take your rubbish home, and support the local businesses that host the day.