Ballina

in County Mayo in the West of Ireland

 

Ballina, (gaelic Béal an Átha) home of the famous River Moy, is Mayo's largest town. There is a rich variety of pubs, restaurants and nightclubs in the town, which is famous for its hospitality and excellent accommodation base. Among Ballina's key visitor attractions are the ruins of Moyne Abbey, and Rosserk Friary dating back to the 15th century and the impressive St Muredach's Cathedral stands imposingly on the banks of the River Moy.

Population from Census

• 10,056 (2006)
• 9,478 (2002)
• 6,852 (1996)

Photo: Rosserk Abbey on the Moy Estuary
between Killala and Ballina © Michael O'Sullivan

The River Moy is internationally acknowledged as an exceptional salmon fishery, producing several thousand salmon to the rod annually. The famous Ridge Pool, the salmon anglers paradise, is located in the heart of the town.

Ballina is, of course, the home of the past President of Ireland, Mrs Mary Robinson, and the favourite fishing retreat of the Republic of Ireland's ex Soccer Manager, Jack Charlton.

Each year in July, Ballina ignites into a frenzy of activity with its annual Festival. Over the past four years it has developed into one of Ireland's major festivals, providing a week long feast of free entertainment for the entire family - music, song, theatre, art, heritage, culture and novelty events. Foreign visitors view and experience what is best about Mayo during this spectacular week.

Ballina's Australian Twin

Do you know that there is also a town named Ballina in Australia? Check out these interesting websites for that region:

• Visit Ballina, Australia
• Explore Ballina, NSW

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Presbyterian Church

The church was founded in 1846. The church building, or meeting house, is located in Walshe Street, directly opposite the Police Station. During the Great Famine of 1845-49 and in the subsequent decades the premises were the centre of a great relief effort, coordinated by Rev Thomas Armstrong. The building to the left of the church was formerly an orphanage attached to the congregation. The church is T-shaped, a typically Presbyterian design. The congregation meets for worship in the upper storey of the building. The ground floor, once a schoolhouse, now comprises a suite of halls.

 

Fr Peyton Memorial Centre

The Father Peyton Memorial Centre at Attymass commemorates Attymass born Fr Patrick Peyton, world famous founder of the Family Rosary Crusade which he founded in 1942 to encourage families to pray together daily especially saying the Rosary. He coined the famous phrase The family that prays together stays together.

Visitors to the centre can experience the multimedia presentation that tells the fascinating story of The Rosary Priest. There is also a photographic exhibition of his life. Spiritual direction and counselling is offered and you can visit the Oratory and Contemplation Garden.

For more information visit the website

Historical Tour

For information on a Historical Walking Tour of the town click here

Ballina Street Festival

This annual extravaganza provides entertainment for all ages and tastes. The first major event of this years programme is the renowned Ballina National Heritage Day. For more information and this years programme of events click here

Belleek Woods

Belleek Woods is situated along the banks of the River Moy directly across from the Quay village. It is one of the largest urban forests comprising 200 acres of woodlands with trees up to 300 hundered years old.

Originally part of the Knox Gore estate, it is now a peaceful haven of up to 6 miles of natural forest pathways, two of which run along the banks of the Moy

Golf

Golfing is very popular in Ballina and it has its own 18 hole course (par 71), a Par 3 course and two driving ranges. There is also the Championship Links Course at Enniscrone (6 miles from Ballina), an 18 hole Championship links course at Carne, Belmullet (par 72). and an 18 hole parkland course at Castlebar (par 71).

Swimming

Ballina has it's own Public Swimming Pool which caters for children and adults. Enniscrone Beach is only 6 miles away and there is also a blue flag beach at Ross, Killala (8 miles).

Walking

The Moy Valley is an ideal walking venue, featuring several theme walks with a Great Famine Walk at Bonninconlon, the Sculpture Trail which starts in Ballina, The Western Way and the Foxford Way. One can also enjoy the Historical Tour of Ballina (leaflets available from the Tourist Office) or a stroll through Belleek Wood.

Fishing

The River Moy is one of the most famous salmon angling venues in the world and the most popular spot is the Ridge Pool which accounts for approximately one-third of the total annual Moy Fishery rod catch. Sea Trout and Brown Trout can also be caught in the Moy.

The salmon angling season usually commences on 1st February and ends on 30th September. Loughs Conn and Cullin are excellent for catches of Brown Trout and this season usually runs from 15th February - 10th October. Detailed information can be obtained from The North Western Regional Fisheries Board, Abbey Street, Ballina.

Horse Riding

There are two equitation centres which offer riding lessons, farm rides, tuition and pony care courses for children.

Art Centre

The Estoria Building on Teeling Street, holds Art Exhibitions by different artists and groups of artists each month. This building will soon be refurbished and redeveloped into a Centre for the Arts and will contain an Art Exhibition area, art studios and a coffee shop.

The Moy Valley, a paradise of natural beauty in the West of Ireland, is situated between two mountain ranges. It provides an unique blending of spectacular landscape and geological features, combining a marvellous patchwork of colour and unpolluted fish-filled waters, sweeping along the Valley.

It is a region overflowing with outdoor activities. Renowned for its angling, a choice of over 100 game and coarse fish await the angler. The famous river Moy has some of the best fishing in the world. The ex Irish soccer Manager Jack Charlton has found his retreat here in Ballina, its estuary town. Lough Conn, spanning 15 square miles holds an estimate 1 million Trout and the vast expanse of Killala Bay has over 30 species of seafish. Many accommodation premises provide bait, fridge and drying facilities.

The Ox mountains to the East and the Nephin mountain range to the West make the Moy Valley and ideal place for walking holidays. There are magnificent routes along the breathtaking North Mayo coast. Theme walks feature strongly, with the great Famine walks at Bonniconlon and the SculptureTrail along the North Mayo coast reflecting Artists impression of the landscape and folklore of the area. Trained guides can accompany walkers giving commentaries on the areas heritage. They are fully trained in all safety procedures. A week long, or a weekend walking holiday can be arranged as can a casual days ramble.

Enjoy a relaxing game of golf at the18-hole links Championship course in Enniscrone which played host to the Irish championship, or try the scenic parkland course of Ballina.

Awaiting the visitor are a variety of outdoor ventures, Water Sports, Athletics, Cycling Tours, Horse Trekking, Pony Trekking, Pitch and Putt and surfing at Easkey. One can relax in the peace and tranquillity of the clean, unspoilt beaches of Enniscrone, Ross or Lacken.

Step back in time and visit the 5,000 year old Ceide Fields in Ballycastle, one of the oldest enclosed farms in the World. Discover your Family roots at the North Mayo Heritage Centre at Enniscoe near Crossmolina. The Foxford Woollen Mills gives one the opportunity to relive 100 years of sights, sounds and smells of the Woollen Industry as well as buying quality Irish goods in the craft/clothes shop.

The Irish Monastic Heritage is also visible in this part of Mayo. Visit the abbeys of Rathfran, Moyne and Rosserk or the round Tower and ancient Cathedral at Killala. Be enchanted by the Dolmen of the four Maols and St. Patricks Cross in Ballina.

You can also enjoy a hectic social life in many singing pubs, quality cuisine restaurants and energy-sapping nightlife. You are invited to come and experience the charm, warmth and friendliness of the Moy Valley in harmony with the fresh airs, clean waters and unspoilt landscapes.

Bernie and Noel canavan
Knockmore,
Ballina
Co.Mayo
Tel:(094)9258240
Fax:(094)9258240