Ballyhaunis
in County Mayo in the West of Ireland
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Bar Manufacturers Kelly
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Contact Tel / Fax: +353 (0) 963 0089 Padraig: +353 (0) 87 2914707 |
Ballyhaunis is the first town you come to in County Mayo as you travel west. It is a busy town, situated amidst a patchwork of green fields, lakes, wild bog and beautiful country lanes. Centrally positioned in the heart of Connaught and only 10km from Knock Marian Shrine and 25km from Ireland West Airport Knock.
Images from Google Street View - copyright © google
Located on the intersection of the N60 and N83, Ballyhaunis has good transport links with daily bus connections to the four provinces and it is also served by the Dublin/Westport Irish Rail link.
Population
In 2006 there were approx 4,700 people living in the Ballyhaunis area. It is currently estimated that there are at least 41 different nationalities represented in the town and that the town population is composed of 65% Irish Nationals and 35% Non-Irish Nationals.
- 1,708 (2006)
- 1,381 (2002)
- 1,287 (1996)
Education
There are good creche and pre-school facilities with a mix of private and community funded care available. Scoil Íosa is the town primary school, with two sections (Junior & Senior) and the long established Scoil Íosa Parent Association is a structure through which parents / guardians and Scoil Íosa can work together for the best possible education for their children. There are also a number of smaller primary schools in the area surrounding Ballyhaunis. The secondary school is a Community School, with over 550 pupils on roll with an anticipated increase of 180 pupils over the next seven years.
Heritage
Ballyhaunis
grew up around the Augustinian Friary, which is an exceptional
building with a fascinating history. The Abbey was owned and
ministered as a place of worship by the Augustinian Friars for
several hundred years up to its closure in 2002 when the order
withdrew from the town. Subsequently the entire Augustinian property,
comprising the Abbey house, cemetery and fourteen acres of land, was
handed over to a local trust. The Abbey Trust is now managed by The
Abbey Partnership on behalf of the community. There are many other
places of archaeological and historical interest, including ring and
stone forts, megalithic tombs and holy wells, the site of an old
castle and church and abbey sites.
Local Economy
Most of the employment in the town is provided by sizeable steel fabrication and food processing industries, supplying the Irish and overseas markets. Ballyhaunis also has construction, distribution, furniture manufacture and a large number of ancillary construction service providers. The remainder of employment is shared between retail, government, financial and professional services. Its central location has long made it an ideal centre of distribution for many businesses.
There are also approx 250 people employed in agriculture but mainly in a part-time capacity.
Places of Worship
There
are several Roman Catholic churches in the area, the largest of which
is St Patrick's Church in the town and the Church of Ireland Parish
Church is in nearby Ballinlough. Ballyhaunis is also home to the
first purpose-built Mosque in Ireland.
Other buildings of interest in Ballyhaunis include St. Mary's Augustinian Friary (see history) and the Convent of Mercy. (photograph:Convent of Mercy)
Community Facilities and Recreation
Anyone settling in the town will find that Ballyhaunis has many community facilities, recreations and sports to occupy their spare time.
Flora and Fauna
For
the walking/cycling enthusiast there is a network of country lanes
around Ballyhaunis that will lead you into areas of great
environmental importance. Walk along by the rolling green fields to
the bog roads and see the wonderful flora and fauna of our rich
countryside where birds can be seen in their natural habitat. The
Annagh/Mannin valley, Knockbrack, Leow and Scrigg are prime examples
of this type of area and are very close by Ballyhaunis.
(photograph:Friary Walk)
Essence of Ballyhaunis
The essence of Ballyhaunis is its friendly people who will take the time to stop and talk to you and make you feel welcome. There is fine accommodation to be found locally in Bed/Breakfasts, Guest Houses and self catering (rental) houses. Good wholesome cuisine is always available and varied entertainment from traditional Irish music and dance to cabaret and disco can be found in the town.
Library
The town library is situated in Clare Street:
Tel: ++ 353 (0) 94 963 0161
Churches
St. Patrick's Parish Church RC
Tel: ++ 353 (0) 94 963 0006
St. Mary's Augustinian Friary RC
Photo of Augustinian Abbey gateway
Many thanks to Marian Hensey for above photographs.
Artist
Bernie
Prendergast has produced the cartoons you find scattered round
this website but her speciality is in Charcoal
Portraits.
Occasionally she also works in pencil, pen and wash so if you like Bernie's cartoons check out her own Web pages.
Bernie is living in Tooreen a few miles from
Ballyhaunis.
