Eco Hotels in Ballinasloe
Sustainable accommodation in East Galway's historic fair town. Lowest price guarantee — 1 tonne CO₂ removed per booking. €5 free credit for new members.
Why Stay in Ballinasloe
Ballinasloe is the gateway town of East Galway, straddling the River Suck where it meanders towards the Shannon. For over three centuries it has been known for one thing above all: the October Fair, one of Europe's oldest horse fairs, which still draws thousands of traders, breeders and sightseers to the Fair Green every October. That fair-town energy shapes the place year-round — this is horse country, with stud farms, training yards and riding schools spread across the rich pastureland of the Suck valley.
The town itself is compact and friendly, with a tree-lined main street, the historic Town Parks along the river, and a growing network of green spaces and walking routes. The Suck Valley Way, a 100 km waymarked loop through Galway and Roscommon, passes right through town, making Ballinasloe an excellent base for cyclists and walkers exploring the quiet, little-visited heart of the west of Ireland. Its position on the M6, halfway between Dublin and Galway, means you can be on the Atlantic coast or in the midlands in under an hour.
What makes Ballinasloe special for sustainable travellers is its unpretentious authenticity. This is real, working rural Ireland — livestock marts, family pubs, river meadows and ancient ringforts — without the crowds of the coast. Eco stays here are genuine farmhouses and country hotels rather than glossy resorts, and booking through IMPT means every night removes a tonne of CO₂ while you enjoy some of the best-value accommodation in the west.
Ballinasloe at a Glance
Getting the Most from Ballinasloe
Ballinasloe sits on the M6 motorway roughly 90 minutes west of Dublin and 40 minutes east of Galway city, so it is one of the easiest towns in the west to reach by car. There are regular Bus Éireann and private coach services from both cities, and Ballinasloe railway station is on the Dublin–Galway line with several daily services each way. The nearest airports are Shannon (about 1.5 hours) and Dublin (about 1.5 hours by road, less by train from Heuston).
The town is easy to explore on foot. Start at the Fair Green, where the horse fair has been held since the 18th century, then walk down the main street past the market buildings to the River Suck. Cross to the Town Parks, a lovely riverside amenity with walkways and picnic spots, and follow the Suck Valley Way along the riverbank. In season, the monthly livestock mart at the showgrounds is a fascinating glimpse of rural life, and the local pubs are known for trad sessions, particularly at fair times.
Ballinasloe is also a superb base for the wider region. Portumna Forest Park and Portumna Castle are 25 minutes away on Lough Derg; Clonmacnoise, the great early medieval monastic site on the Shannon, is about 40 minutes; and Loughrea, with its cathedral and lake, is 20 minutes. Galway city's Latin Quarter, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher are all within an hour-and-a-half drive, making this an efficient and affordable hub for the west.
Where to Stay — Areas
Town Centre
The main street, Fair Green and shops — everything within walking distance, with the best pubs, cafés and the railway station nearby.
Riverside & Town Parks
Quiet B&Bs and guesthouses along the Suck and beside the Town Parks, close to the Suck Valley Way and riverside walks.
East Galway Countryside
Farmhouses and country hotels in the lanes around Ballinasloe, 5–15 minutes out, with fields, forests and ringforts on the doorstep.
Loughrea / South Galway
A 20-minute drive south, Loughrea offers lakeside stays and the cathedral town's shops and restaurants.
Hotels in and Around Ballinasloe
The Shearwater Hotel
The town's main hotel, beside the Fair Green, with a leisure centre, pool and spa — a solid base for the area.
Check The Shearwater HotelHodson Bay Hotel
Lakeside four-star on Lough Ree near Athlone, 30 minutes from Ballinasloe, with a spa and watersports.
Check Hodson Bay HotelSheraton Athlone Hotel
Modern four-star on the Shannon at Athlone, midway between Dublin and Galway, 30 minutes from Ballinasloe.
Check Sheraton Athlone HotelRadisson Blu Athlone
Contemporary hotel beside Lough Ree at Athlone with lake views and a spa, an easy drive from Ballinasloe.
Check Radisson Blu AthloneLoughrea Hotel & Spa
Well-regarded four-star in Loughrea, 20 minutes south, with a full leisure club and thermal spa.
Check Loughrea Hotel & SpaGlasson Lakehouse
Boutique lakeside hotel near Athlone, known for its restaurant and terrace overlooking Lough Ree.
Check Glasson LakehouseThings to Do in Ballinasloe
One of Europe's oldest horse fairs, held on the Fair Green since the 18th century. Horse-trading, side stalls and a carnival atmosphere every October.
The Suck flows through town past the Town Parks, a riverside amenity with walkways, tennis courts and picnic lawns.
A waymarked 100 km walking and cycling loop through East Galway and Roscommon, passing through Ballinasloe with easy day sections.
The 19th-century estate and parkland at Garbally, home to Garbally College, set in beautiful grounds at the edge of town.
A 17th-century castle, walled gardens and 500 hectares of forest park on Lough Derg, 25 minutes from Ballinasloe.
Ireland's most important early monastic site — round towers, high crosses and a cathedral on the Shannon, about 40 minutes away.
The 20th-century cathedral with fine stained glass, plus boating and walks on Loughrea Lake, 20 minutes south.
Latin Quarter, Claddagh, the Spanish Arch and Galway Cathedral are 40 minutes west along the M6.
Recommended Walks & Guided Experiences
River Suck Town Walk
4 km · 1 hr · Easy
From the Fair Green down the main street to the river, over the footbridge and back through the Town Parks.
Suck Valley Way — Ballinasloe Loop
12 km · 3 hrs · Moderate
The waymarked Suck Valley Way leaves town northwards along the river; a lovely loop through meadows and hedgerows.
Portumna Forest Park Trails
5–10 km · 1.5–3 hrs · Easy
Waymarked woodland trails among oak, pine and beech at Portumna, 25 minutes away, with lakeshore and castle views.
Nearby Cities & Towns
