Wealth of local history behind annual Castleisland horse fair
THERE will be a different beat on the street here on Thursday when the centuries old ritual of the November 1st horse fair takes centre stage.
The last of its kind in a town which made its name and reputation from such gatherings, there really is an unavoidable feeling of earthiness from the day. It bursts with atmosphere and it packs the local public houses and restaurants for the day.
A fine day is a real boon to the longevity of the fair as it can survive to close to 5pm if the weather is any way favourable.
A few years ago the day was the worst you could imagine with prolonged, heavy downpours every couple of hours against a backdrop of a cold, sticky old drizzle and it was over by lunchtime.
There have been efforts, over the years, to date the event and most have proved impossible. The one certainty is that it dates from the establishment of the castle here in 1226 because, as a trading post it had everything going for it.
It had water and wood and stone and, as horses were a vital part of any such stronghold, it it fairly certain that trading would have been part of the scene of the day.
Here’s hoping for a fine and bountiful day for the town as it’s the last big event until Christmas. If you have no business in town that day, do use the bypass as you’ll be stuck in traffic for hours otherwise.