Balla
in County Mayo in the West of Ireland
We
invite you to the West of Ireland and in particular to Balla
for what we hope will be a special holiday experience.
Balla is the geographical centre of County Mayo and its
location provides a central base for anyone needing access
to the rest of the county and indeed the West coast. Easily accessible by road, bus and rail, with its proximity
to Knock International Airport, Balla is a peaceful and
suitable stopping point for both inbound and outbound
international travellers.
Population from Census
- 586 (2006)
- 443 (2002)
- 316 (1996)
Balla, set among parklands, hills and lakes 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 and Entertainment on offer include:
- Golf - enjoy the unique 18 hole par 3 course open all
year round.
- Walking - a variety of trails and forest walks to
suit the Sunday stroller or the experienced hiker.
- Fishing - Balla offers the fisherman access to a
chain of lakes which have an abundance of salmon and
trout as seldom found elsewhere in Ireland.
- 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. An added attraction can be the distinctive sound of the local Pipe Band and the annual "Balla Hyper Festival" held at the end of July which is a major summer holiday event for visitors and locals alike.
History
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
The town of Balla holds an important place in the history of the county 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.
