GALLERY: Saddling up for the 400th Spancilhill Fair

The historic Spancilhill Horse Fair returned on Thursday having been cancelled for the last two years due to the pandemic.

It was almost mothballed permanently, due to insurance issues, but in April, an eleventh hour intervention by Clare County Council secured its future and paved the way for celebrations this year to mark the 400th anniversary of the world renowned horse fair.

Thursday’s event was as busy and colourful as ever, as our photos show.

A very excited young Collie Considine who had just purchased his first pony at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Ciaran and Gerry Gannon from Tullamore found a leisurely way of getting around during the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Collie Walsh, Quin, Dermot Hackett, Truagh, and Colin Danagher from Ogonnelloe, having a great day out at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Little Liam Cullinan from Kilnamona was disappointed with the price he got for a Shetland pony from Padraig and David Cosgrave at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Enjoying all the fun of the fair at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Budd and Mary Gaffney from Wexford enjoying a seasonal ice cream at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Patrick Hanley, Limerick, bargaining for the price of a pony with Richard Donoghue from Tipperary during the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Kerry visitors Roland Rogers, Tommy Egan, Patrick Gillane chatting to Denis O’Connor, from Ballincollig, about his bicycle at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Dominick Geraghty from Co. Meath had his hands full when attending the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Buyers and sellers enjoying the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Victoria Burns, from Ruan, taking in the atmosphere at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Niamh McInerney, O’Briensbridge, makes inquiries about a pony at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Niamh McInerney, O’Briensbridge, makes inquiries about a pony at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

A horse-drawn carriage looks for customers during the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Colm Moloney from Killanena exercises his horse at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

A horse-drawn carriage looks for customers during the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Aine Glynn and her mum Anne from Crusheen enjoying the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Willie Perrill, Michael Senter, Mylie Cash, Martin Browne, Robert Owens with horse rider Andrew O’Sullivan taking in the atmosphere at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Jack Griffin, Kilmaley, and Joe Sullivan, from Clooney-Quin, looking for a buyer at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Ollie Murphy from Tulla and Gerry Meaney, Crusheen, in conversation at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

James O’Dea from Cranny and Pat Shaughnessy, Co. Galway, taking a rest at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Young Alan O’Donoghue from Limerick looking after his post at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Avril Scally and Kelly Moore with Caoimhe O’Brien and her pony Malachy at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Noel Broggy, Meelick, with Noel Griffin, Ennis, Martin McDonagh, Co. Galway, Caroline Griffin and her son Nathan having a chat about donkeys at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

The 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair drew large crowds to the county. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

John and Tom Kennedy, from Nenagh, with Michael Ryan, Broadford, as he controls his two ponies at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Young Anna Ryan is excited as her dad Lorcan Ryan and brother Larry, make inquiries about a pony to Aaron Staunton from Kinvara at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty

Clare County Council members Clare Colleran Molloy and Pat Hayes with Sean McMahon, Doora, enjoying some refreshments at the 400th anniversary of Spancilhill Horse Fair. Photography by Eugene McCafferty