Guide to Ballina, Co Mayo

Ballina is surrounded by some of the best fishing in Ireland – the area abounds in lakes and the River Moy, a renowned salmon fishery, flows through the town. The sight of anglers on the town’s bridges or standing dressed in waders in the river itself is a commonplace.

History of Ballina

Settlement along the River Moy dates back to the Bronze Age, but the town’s monastic origins began in the 5th century when St. Muredach established a church here, laying the groundwork for the future See of Killala.

18th-Century Planning

The modern town was officially established in the 1720s by Lord Tyrawley (James O’Hara), who laid out Ballina as a planned estate town on the west bank of the river to develop local trade and shipping.

“The Year of the French”

Ballina played a pivotal role in the 1798 Rebellion. French General Jean Joseph Amable Humbert landed at nearby Kilcummin with over 1,000 troops, marching into Ballina and capturing the town from British forces to help establish the short-lived Republic of Connacht.

The Salmon Capital

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Ballina expanded across both sides of the Shannon-bound Moy, developing into North Mayo’s principal market town and gaining international fame for the prolific salmon stocks of the River Moy and the famous Ridge Pool.

What to see in Ballina

Fishing on the Moy

St. Muredach’s Cathedral

Dolmen of the Four Maols

Belleek Castle

Rosserk Abbey

Moyne Abbey

St. Muredach’s Cathedral

The spire dominating the Ballina skyline is that of St. Muredach’s Cathedral, built from stone sourced from local quarries. Construction began in 1827 but came to a halt during the Famine before the spire could be added. Work resumed in 1855, and the cathedral was finally completed in 1875.

The Dolmen of the Four Maols

Take a few moments to walk to the back of the railway station to see the Dolmen of the Four Maols, which is actually a kist dating back to the Bronze Age. It is said to be the resting place of four brothers who, acting on behalf of their king, Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin, murdered a bishop who was challenging his authority. The four were later executed for the deed. The Irish word maol means “bald”, referencing the fact that the brothers were monks.

Belleek Castle & The Marshall Doran Collection

The neo-Gothic Belleek Castle is an 18th-century manor house built on the site of a 13th-century tower house. In the basement, a fascinating museum houses the Marshall Doran Collection – a private trove of Jurassic fossils, medieval weapons, and medieval armour. The collection even includes what is reputed to be Grace O’Malley’s bed.

The Doran family still live in part of the castle and run most of it as a luxury hotel and wedding venue. You don’t have to be a guest to visit the museum, and excellent guided tours are available that include a tour of the castle itself. Advance booking for tours is required.

Belleek Woods

Belleek Woods, a vast 1,000-acre woodland surrounding the estate, is a wonderfully peaceful spot and very popular with walkers.

Rosserk & Moyne Abbeys

15th-century Franciscan Rosserk Abbey has a structure and layout that are well enough preserved to offer a great glimpse into medieval monastic life. Highlights include fine early windows, intricate stone carvings and a well-preserved piscina – a stone bowl used for washing vessels during Mass.

The extensive ruins of nearby Moyne Abbey, built around the same time by Franciscan monks, are in poorer condition but still well worth a quick visit.

Tom Ruane Park & Playground

Kids will have a ball at Tom Ruane Park & Playground, with plenty for adults to enjoy too. The play equipment is constructed using sustainable wood, and alongside standard playground gear, there are tennis and basketball courts, a zipline and a maze to get lost in. An array of sports and leisure equipment (balls, rackets, etc.) is even available to use free of charge.

Visitor Information & Map for Ballina

The map shows places in Ballina or within a drivable distance.