Ballina, located beside the beautiful River Moy in County Mayo, is a fantastic place to visit.
This charming town offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history lover, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Ballina has something for everyone!
So come along and explore the top ten attractions and activities that make Ballina a must-see destination!
Belleek Castle
Belleek Castle is one of Ireland’s hidden treasures. Situated in Belleek Woods, just a short drive from Ballina, this stunning castle is only €10 per adult for the tour.
Built in 1831, the castle was commissioned by Sir Arthur Francis Knox-Gore and designed by architect John Benjamin Keanes, costing £10,000 at the time. The Knox-Gore family lived there until 1942, after which Mayo County Council bought the property in the 1950s. Interestingly, the castle was then used as a sanatorium for female tuberculosis patients.
Later, Marshall Doran, a Merchant Navy officer with a passion for collecting fossils, armor, and other artifacts, bought the castle. His impressive collection is now showcased in the castle’s museum.
In the 1970s, Marshall restored the castle and opened it as a hotel. On the tour, you’ll see references to sailing and ships, and the bar is even designed to look like a ship! Other rooms include the Medieval Banquet Hall, the Spanish Armada Bar, and the Marshall Doran Collection, which boasts a remarkable selection of medieval armor. You’ll fall in love with this beautiful building for sure!
There’s also a lovely spot for dining, where you can enjoy afternoon tea and other treats from their menu.
Belleek Castle is open seven days a week.
Connacht Whiskey Company
If you find yourself stuck indoors on a rainy day in Ballina, the Connacht Whiskey Company is a great option!
Ireland is known for its pubs, but in Ballina, you can also learn about whiskey at the Connacht Whiskey Company. On the tour, you’ll sample some of the finest whiskeys from the region.
Located along the River Moy, this independent craft Irish whiskey distillery offers guided tours, tastings, and a charming gift shop. You can book a tour at 12:30 PM or 3:30 PM.
Belleek Woods
For nature lovers, Ballina has one of the best spots to visit—Belleek Woods, the largest urban forest in Europe! Stretching over 1,000 acres, this magical woodland offers winding trails, ancient ruins, and peaceful riverside walks.
The forest, planted with over two million trees by the Knox-Gore family in the 19th century, features a variety of trees, including Oak, Beech, Ash, Sycamore, Chestnut, Lime, Willow, and Yew. There are several trails through the woods, where you can enjoy the sights of native wildlife and colorful flowers like Iris, Foxglove, and Primroses.
Belleek Woods is often called a children’s paradise! It’s the perfect family outing spot with lots of trees to climb, ducks to feed, trails to explore, and rare red squirrels to spot. Kids can race up and down the hills or cycle along the river, peeking through the trees.
One of the most enchanting spots in the woods is the Belleek Woods Fairy Trail, where you’ll find tiny fairy houses tucked high in the trees and hidden among the roots, each one reflecting the character of its fairy inhabitant.
This peaceful place, with birds singing in the trees, is ideal for clearing your mind and unwinding.
Jackie Clarke Collection
The Jackie Clarke Collection is a must-see for history buffs. This remarkable museum houses an extensive collection of items related to Ireland’s fight for independence. From rare manuscripts to iconic memorabilia, the exhibits offer a fascinating look at the country’s past.
You’ll find rare books, newspapers, letters, photographs, posters, and much more. Many items are associated with famous figures from Irish history like Michael Collins, O’Donovan Rossa, and Wolfe Tone.
The collection spans over 100,000 items and covers 400 years of Irish history.
Located in a charming 19th-century Victorian building on Pearse Street in Ballina, the museum is situated on the banks of the River Moy. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful heritage garden as well! This museum is the perfect place to visit on a rainy day.
Downpatrick Head in Ballycastle
Another must-see spot near Ballina is Downpatrick Head in Ballycastle. During the castle tour, you’ll be able to admire a fantastic collection of Jurassic fossils. The Marshall Doran collection at Belleek Castle showcases medieval weapons and armor, offering a rare chance to see these precious artifacts up close.
You’ll also find Grace O’Malley, “The Pirate Queen’s” bed, the last wolf shot in Connacht, and other unique curiosities. There’s also a holy well, a stone cross, and a small building that once served as a lookout post during WW2. It’s a wonderful experience for all ages!
This stunning coastal landmark is just a short drive from Ballina. Here, you can explore dramatic sea cliffs, sea stacks, and natural arches, all carved by the powerful Atlantic Ocean.
Ballina Arts Centre
In addition to its historical sites, Ballina is also known for its arts and culture. You can immerse yourself in a fantastic range of exhibitions, theatre performances, concerts, and films right here in town.
The Ballina Arts Centre hosts a variety of events for all ages. It offers both traditional showcases and interactive experiences in music, dance, and visual arts. Over the years, many international and local celebrities have performed here.
The centre is also a big supporter of local and national independent artists. With its multipurpose building offering breathtaking views of the River Moy, it’s a great place to visit. You can find out more on their website.
North Mayo Heritage Centre
The North Mayo Heritage Centre works hard to preserve the rich history of this region. Since 2019, the centre has proudly held the An Taisce Green Flag.
Located in Enniscoe House, just 2 miles from Crossmolina in Mayo, this centre offers genealogical research for the North Mayo Diaspora, with access to over 1.2 million records. It also hosts many cultural programs, events, workshops, and exhibitions throughout the year.
The centre is home to several small museums, filled with artifacts from North Mayo. Be sure to check out the Victorian Organic Garden, one of the oldest in the country.
The Enniscoe House itself is one of the most beautiful Georgian mansions in the region. For the best views of Lough Conn, don’t miss it! Their looped walks are open all year round. If you’re planning an event, their self-contained conference room is also available.
The centre is currently closed but will reopen in April 2024. You can find all the details on their website.
The River Moy
When you’re not exploring heritage centres, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy in Ballina! For example, you can try fishing on the River Moy.
Known as one of the best salmon fishing rivers in Europe, the River Moy offers great fishing for both seasoned anglers and beginners. You can rent all the gear you need, and local guides are available to make your experience even better.
The staff will also help you obtain the necessary angling license. The best time to fish for salmon is when it’s raining, and visiting in July is ideal. There’s even an annual salmon festival in Ballina every July.
The Ceide Fields
The Ceide Fields offer a glimpse into a Neolithic landscape. This site is famous for having the world’s oldest field systems, set against dramatic rock formations
You can take in amazing views from the viewing platform on a 110-meter-high cliff. Along the way, you’ll see the remains of stone field walls and megalithic tombs, plus enjoy an audio-visual presentation during the guided tour.
Surfing!
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try surfing, the 7th Wave Surf School is just the place! This friendly, family-run surf school welcomes all ages. While kids will love it, adults can join in the fun too.
Enniscrone’s gentle waves make it perfect for beginners, and it’s only a short 15-minute drive from Ballina. The instructors are fully ISA qualified, and the school provides full insurance and all the equipment. Your kids can join surf camps, take individual lessons, or you can simply rent gear and try surfing together as a family!
There’s also Tonn Nua Surf School at Glosh Beach on the Mullet Peninsula in Co. Mayo, just a 15-minute drive from Belmullet Town.
During July and August, you can join the summer camps at Tonn Nua Surf School. So, grab your kids and enjoy a surf adventure!
From wine tasting to surfing, Ballina offers a little bit of everything, all set against its timeless charm. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, cultural experiences, or a relaxing getaway, this delightful town has it all. Pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the hidden treasures of Ballina, Ireland. You’ll be captivated by its beauty and warmth, leaving with memories to last a lifetime.
