Beautiful Ballina

Walking Tour of Ballina and Belleek Castle

Approx Duration: 6 Hours

Discover the wonders of Ballina in a tour of this very historic town! We’ll begin with a visit to the oldest Neolithic site, enjoying panoramic views as we make our way around iconic landmarks and natural sights. To complete the tour, we will then walk through one of County Mayo’s fascinating castles and its grounds. 

We’ll begin in Ballina with a visit to the oldest Neolithic evidence in Ireland. With its beautiful panoramic views, it provides the perfect scenery as we venture down to the river Moy which has shaped this beautiful religion. There’s something there for all the senses with its awe-inspiring visual beauty and the amazing audio of the Salmon weirs. 

The majestic Moy literally defines Ballina and it gets its name from “The Fording Point” or crossing point . It boasts world fame as one of the greatest Salmon fishing rivers in the world. The Moy separates Ballina from Ardnaree ,which also has central place in European History….. more about that later.

The spectacular views will continue as we visit the Ballina Arts Centre. This award-winning, modern building sits on the banks of the Moy, providing beautiful views inside and out. We will get the chance to explore its galleries and exhibitions, enjoying the modern triumphs of Irish artists alongside the impressive Irish landscape. 

Next on our trip, we will stroll past the iconic Humbert monument. I will share the story behind this impressive feature, enabling you to step back in time to 1798 and the arrival of the Visitors. 

Moving on from Humbert we enter the Military part if the town and learn how this influenced the evolution of Ballina, right up to today ,as this old part has been reinvented as a modern 21st Century Business Hub.

Taking our next steps in the heart of Ballina, we will venture into the fascinating collection of Jackie Clarke. The fruits of one local man’s labour, the namesake Jackie Clarke, are showcased in the museum – over 100,000 items spanning 400 years of history! Including items such as an original 1916 Proclamation and letters from figures in the National Land League, this collection is a must-see for any fan of the unique and wonderful. 

SS Crete Boom

After an hour to get lunch in Ballina, we will start the afternoon on a visit to Bunree. Bursting with photo opportunities, there’s plenty to enjoy before we venture to the Quay of Ballina. There, you will get a look at the SS Crete Boom as it languishes in the Moy Estuary. As one of the few concrete ships, this beached wreck adds to the unique beauty of the Moy. 

Connacht Distilleries

Afterwards, we will cross the river to Ballina’s latest gem – the Connacht Distilleries. A tour of this exceptional facility is an optional extra, but it’s well worth a visit either way

Belleek Castle & Woodlands

We’ll complete our afternoon in the amazing Belleek Castle and Woodland. There, we can enjoy a leisurely stroll amongst its many natural pathways and take a tour of the museum with a maritime twist. Finally, to complete our tour, we will finish up in the castle’s award-winning café, the Jack Fenn Café.