Balla
in County Mayo in the West of Ireland
Balla (pronounced Bal) is a central village in County Mayo, on the busy main road (N60) between Castlebar and Claremorris. The town of Balla is located 5 miles east of Castlebar, 10 miles west of Claremorris, 8 miles from Ballinrobe and 6 miles from Kiltimagh. Balla has one very wide main street and the economy of the village survives largely on passing trade.
Balla owes its origins to a monastery established there in the seventh century by St. Cronan, alias Mochua. The site of the monastery is marked by a round tower and a medieval altar.
With its proximity to Ireland West Airport Knock and easy accessibility by road, bus and rail, Balla is an ideal stopping point for both inbound and outbound international travellers.
Set among parklands, hills and lakes, Balla offers you an opportunity to share in the living tradition of rural Ireland, combining the leisurely life of olden days with the comfort and amenities of modern times. The people are warm, friendly and extend a hospitality which must be experienced.
Activities
- Golf - Balla 18 hole par 3 course open all year round
- Fishing - For the fisherman Balla offers central access to a number of salmon and trout fishing lakes
- Walking - a variety of trails and forest walks
- Entertainment - In the evenings you can experience Ceilis, dances, discos and traditional Irish music sessions in the local pubs which give an opportunity to mix with the Irish on a social level and to experience the local lifestyle.
History
The town of Balla holds an important place in the history of Mayo and tradition has it that St Patrick himself rested in Balla. There also existed in the 5th Century the "Tochar Phadraig" which marked the route travelled by St Patrick from Croagh Patrick and which travels through places such as Ballintubber and Mayo Abbey. Today the "Tochar Phadraig" route has been revived and communities along this route are providing facilities which will help visitors explore this beautiful part of County Mayo.
Patrick W. Nally (1856-1891), after whom the Nally Stand in Croke Park is called, was born at Rockstown House, near Balla. He organised two national athletic events in Balla, which inter alia led to the establishment of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884. There is a Celtic Cross to his memory in the centre of the village.
This
picturesque and tranquil town has also many places of historical interest including:
- The Blessed Well - a former place of pilgrimage and worship
- Round Tower
- Balla Bell at the local church
Population from Census
- 586 (2006)
- 443 (2002)
- 316 (1996)
