Smithfield Horse Market

The Smithfield Horse Market is back! The Market has been held in Smithfield Square on the first Sunday of every month for hundreds of years, in fact it has been described as the oldest horse market in Europe. But in recent times the Dublin City Council, plus the Gardai and animal rights groups have tried to ban it. Smithfield has seen an influx of new residents over the last few years with the construction of new apartments in and around the square and not everyone welcomes the disruption, the noise, the hustle and bustle and the litter caused by this monthly event. Also, the Council are upgrading the Square at a cost of millions of Euro and many believe that their vision for the area does not include a horse market. Opinions are certainly divided, but there is no doubt that it draws many curious tourists and onlookers to this unique event.