Up to two thousand people are expected to descended on East Clare over the course of the day for the annual Spancillhill Fair.
Trade is brisk at the renowned equestrian event this afternoon with strong interest from dutch buyers.
Gardaí are advising of delays on approach routes to the venue up until 4 o’clock this afternoon and that diversions will be put in place later to ease traffic flow if necessary.
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Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry is there:
Banter and bargaining are the order of the day in Spancilhill.
Dating back around three centuries, it’s one of Ireland’s most historic and popular horse fairs.
Interest in this year’s event is huge, with visitors and buyers from Europe and the UK, and the US, including an Amish group from Pennsylvania.
Pat Hannon of Spancilhil Fair Association says the event is a mecca for horse traders.
With thousands of people and horses present in Spancilhil today, the welfare of animals is a concern.
Clare County Dog Warden Frankie Coote is on site and says the condition of the animals there has never been better.
