Record crowds are expected at the country's oldest horse fair in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, which starts today.
The nine-day long festival is expected to attract as many as 65,000 visitors.
Last year's event was considered a success with record-breaking crowds and brisk horse trading on the fairgreen.
The event was cancelled two years ago for the first time in 280 years due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
Thousands of horses will be sold and the festival attracts visitors and buyers alike from all over the world.
