Beside the picturesque River Moy in County Mayo, Ballina is a wonderful place to visit.
This town can charm you with its history, culture and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil escape Ballina has everything for everyone!
So join me and explore the top ten attractions and activities that make Ballina a must-visit destination!
Belleek Castle
Belleek Castle is one of the hidden gems in Ireland. You will find this treasure in Belleek Woods, a short drive from Ballina, Co. Mayo. It just cost only €10 per adult for the castle tour.
This aged old Belleek Castle was actually built in 1831. The building was commissioned by Sir Arthur Francis Knox-Gore and designed by architect John Benjamin Keanes. Back then, it cost £10,000!
The Knox-Gore family lived there until 1942. Then around 1950’s, the house was purchased by Mayo County Council. The interesting fact is, after that, this castle was used as a sanatorium for female patients who were suffering from tuberculosis.
Later on, a Merchant Navy officer Marshall Doran purchased it. And this guy travelled the world and made a huge collection of fossils, armour and other artefacts. These have lovingly been curated into the fantastic museum.
Around 1970, Marshall restored the property and opened it as a hotel. You can enjoy all his work on the castle tour. There are many references to sailing and ships. In fact the bar is also fitted out as if it is a ship. There are a bunch of other rooms including the Medieval Banquet Hall, the Spanish Armada Bar, and the Marshall Doran Collection which is home to a superb collection of mediaeval armour. You will fall in love with this stunning building for sure!
Also, there is a beautiful place to dine. You can have their afternoon tea and select the rest of the item from their website.
The town’s greatest treasure is open 7 days a week.
Connacht Whiskey Company
If you are stuck on a rainy day in Ballina and don’t know what to do then the Connacht Whiskey Company can be a great shout!
We all know Ireland is the heaven for pub lovers. But in Ballina, you can learn about your drinks from Connacht Whiskey Company!
In this tour, you can enjoy the samples of some of the finest whiskeys from the region.
This place is nestled on the banks of the River Moy. The independently owned craft Irish whiskey distillery offers guided tours, tastings, and a lovely gift shop. You can book your tour at 12:30 PM and 3:30.
Belleek Woods
If you love nature then Ballina has the best thing to offer! Here, you will find the famous Belleek wood, which is Europe’s largest urban forest! Spanning over 1,000 acres, this enchanting woodland offers winding trails, ancient ruins, and serene riverside walks.
The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. More than two million trees were planted by the Knox Gore family in the 19th century, mostly Oak, Beech, Ash, Sycamore, Chestnut, Lime, Willow and Yew, Here, you will find several trails that will take you through picturesque Irish woodlands.
Along the many pathways, you will discover the abundance of native wildlife and flowers such as Iris, Foxglove, and Primroses. Roaming around nature, some historical features including Horse’s Grave monument will come along.
People also called this forest the children’s paradise! For a perfect family day out, Belleek forest can be the best choice. As there are thousands of trees to climb, ducks to feed, trails to explore, rare red squirrels to spot, and many more! Like Hogwarts, your kid can race up and down the hills, or cycle the track by the river and peek through the trees.
In this place, Belleek Woods Fairy Trail is another beautiful spot. Here, you will see tiny little fairy houses, high in the trees and hidden in tree roots. Colourful and miniature, each house reflects the character of its tiny resident!
This clean and tidy place with wildlife singing from the trees is a great place to clear your head and de-stress.
Jackie Clarke Collection
Visiting Jackie Clarke Collection can be the most fascinating site visit if you love to explore historical collections. This remarkable museum has an extensive collection of artefacts and documents of Ireland’s struggle for independence. From rare manuscripts to iconic memorabilia, the exhibits offer a fascinating insight into the country’s past.
Also you will get to see some rare books and newspapers, autographs, letters, posters, prints, photographs, and much more. Some of the items that you will find here are associated with famous people from Irish history such as Michael Collins, O’Donovan Rossa, and Wolfe Tone.
It has over 100,000 items spanning 400 years.
This charming red brick 19th Century Victorian building is situated on Pearse Street in Ballina, on the banks of the River Moy. Visitors can also check out the Collection’s impressive heritage garden. This museum can be the perfect place to visit on a rainy day!
Downpatrick Head in Ballycastle
Another great place to explore in Ballina is Downpatrick Head in Ballycastle. In the castle tour, you can get to enjoy the finest collection of Jurassic fossils. The Marshall Doran collection at Belleek Castle is full of Mediaeval Weapons and Mediaeval armour of Ireland. Imagine standing in front of these rare and precious artefacts!
You will also get to see Grace O’Malley “The Pirate Queen’s” bed, the last wolf shot in Connaught, and other curiosities. There is also a holy well and a stone cross, and a small building that used to serve as a lookout post in WW2. A wonderful experience for all ages!
This breathtaking coastal landmark is just a short distance away from Ballina. Here, you can enjoy the dramatic sea cliffs, sea stacks, and natural arches carved by the relentless forces of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ballina Arts Centre
Beside these historical sites, Ballina is also famous for arts and culture. And you can indulge yourself into a stunning setting of exhibitions, theatre performances, concerts, and films right here in Ballina.
The Ballina Arts Centre hosts a wide range of arts events catering to all generations. It presents traditional showcases as well as interactive experiences in various art forms such as music, dance, and visual arts. They offer a wide range of events and have hosted many international and local celebrities.
The most important thing is, the centre provides immense support to local and national independent artists. Not only that, they have an attractive multipurpose building that affords breathtaking vistas of the River Moy! Learn more from their website.
North Mayo Heritage Centre
The North Mayo Heritage Centre is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of this region. The best thing is, since 2019, this centre has been awarded the An Taise Green Flag.
This place is located within the Enniscoe House, 2 miles away from Crossmolina in Mayo.
This centre provides Genealogical research for the North Mayo Diasoira with access to over 1.2 million records. Over the year, the centre organises many cultural programmes, events, workshops and exhibitions.
The place is the home of many small museums where you will find a bunch of artefacts from North Mayo. The Victorian Organic Garden is also worth visiting! The garden is one of the oldest in the country.
To be honest, the Enniscoe house itself is one of the most beautiful Georgian mansions in the region. To get the best view of Lough Conn, don’t miss the spot! Their looped walks are open all year round. Plus if you want to organise any gathering, then their self contained conference room is always available.
The centre is currently closed to the public but it will reopen within April 2024. Here are all the details that you need to know!
The River Moy
Beside the heritage centres, there are lots of fun activities you can do in Ballina! For example fishing on the River Moy.
River Moy is Known as one of the best salmon fishing rivers in Europe. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a novice enthusiast, try your hand at fly fishing! You can rent all the necessary equipment for fishing from them. The local guides are also available to make your trip more enjoyable.
The staff can also tell you where you can obtain the required angling licence. The best time to go fishing for salmon on the River Moy is when it’s raining. It will be best if you can visit during July! There is even an annual salmon festival in Ballina that takes place every July.
The Ceide Fields
The Ceide Fields can give you the vibe of a Neolithic landscape. This place is known for the world’s oldest field systems. There is an archaeological monument set against dramatic rock formations.
You can enjoy the best views ever from the viewing platform on the edge of the 110-metre-high cliff. Plus you will get to see the remains of stone field walls and megalithic tombs, and audio-visual shows on the guided tour.
Surfing!
Want to take a dare for surfing? Then the 7th Wave Surf School is right there to help you! This friendly, family-run surf school caters for all ages! Beside the children, the adults can also enjoy and relax in this fun atmosphere.
Besides, Enniscrone’s gentle waves make it perfect for beginners and it’s just a short 15 minute drive from Ballina. Here, all instructors are fully ISA qualified. Also, full insurance and all equipment is included. Your kid can take part in a surf camp, take individual lessons, or the family can just hire gear and give it a go yourselves!
There is another place named Tonn Nua Surf School in Glosh beach. This breathtakingly stunning beach is in the Mullet Peninsula, Co. Mayo, Ireland. It will take only a 15-minute drive from Belmullet Town.
During the months of July and August, you can join the summer camps of Tonn Nua Surf School. So take your kid and join in this surf adventure!
From the wine testing, to surfing, Ballina captivates visitors with its timeless appeal. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a relaxing escape, this charming town has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the hidden gems of Ballina, Ireland. You’ll be enchanted by its beauty and warmth, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
