The Moy Valley, a paradise of natural beauty in the West of Ireland, is situated between two mountain ranges. It provides an unique blending of spectacular landscape and geological features, combining a marvellous patchwork of colour and unpolluted fish-filled waters, sweeping along the Valley.
It is a region overflowing with outdoor activities. Renowned for its angling, a choice of over 100 game and coarse fish await the angler. The famous river Moy has some of the best fishing in the world. The ex Irish soccer Manager Jack Charlton has found his retreat here in Ballina, its estuary town. Lough Conn, spanning 15 square miles holds an estimate 1 million Trout and the vast expanse of Killala Bay has over 30 species of seafish. Many accommodation premises provide bait, fridge and drying facilities.
The Ox mountains to the East and the Nephin mountain range to the West make the Moy Valley and ideal place for walking holidays. There are magnificent routes along the breathtaking North Mayo coast. Theme walks feature strongly, with the great Famine walks at Bonniconlon and the SculptureTrail along the North Mayo coast reflecting Artists impression of the landscape and folklore of the area. Trained guides can accompany walkers giving commentaries on the areas heritage. They are fully trained in all safety procedures. A week long, or a weekend walking holiday can be arranged as can a casual days ramble.
Enjoy a relaxing game of golf at the18-hole links Championship course in Enniscrone which played host to the Irish championship, or try the scenic parkland course of Ballina.
Awaiting the visitor are a variety of outdoor ventures, Water Sports, Athletics, Cycling Tours, Horse Trekking, Pony Trekking, Pitch and Putt and surfing at Easkey. One can relax in the peace and tranquillity of the clean, unspoilt beaches of Enniscrone, Ross or Lacken.
Step back in time and visit the 5,000 year old Ceide Fields in Ballycastle, one of the oldest enclosed farms in the World. Discover your Family roots at the North Mayo Heritage Centre at Enniscoe near Crossmolina. The Foxford Woollen Mills gives one the opportunity to relive 100 years of sights, sounds and smells of the Woollen Industry as well as buying quality Irish goods in the craft/clothes shop.
The Irish Monastic Heritage is also visible in this part of Mayo. Visit the abbeys of Rathfran, Moyne and Rosserk or the round Tower and ancient Cathedral at Killala. Be enchanted by the Dolmen of the four Maols and St. Patricks Cross in Ballina.
You can also enjoy a hectic social life in many singing pubs, quality cuisine restaurants and energy-sapping nightlife. You are invited to come and experience the charm, warmth and friendliness of the Moy Valley in harmony with the fresh airs, clean waters and unspoilt landscapes.
The River Moy, on which the town of Ballina is built, is one of the most famous salmon angling venues in the world. A variety of fishing on the river Moy is available for all tastes, abilities and budgets, including top class fly water, spinning and worming. The most popular and sought after salmon angling spot is the Ridge Pool which accounts for approximately one-third of the total annual Moy Fishery rod catch. Sea Trout and Brown Trout can also be caught in the Moy.
The salmon angling season usually commences on 1st February and ends on 30th September. Loughs Conn and Cullin are excellent for catches of Brown Trout and this season usually runs from 15th February - 10th October. Detailed information can be obtained from The North Western Regional Fisheries Board, Abbey Street, Ballina.
Sea angling is an added attraction in the Ballina region with opportunities for top class boat and shore fishing within easy reach. The main deep sea angling centre adjacent to Ballina is Killala and boat and skipper hire is available for an enjoyable day's fishing. There are many recognised shore angling spots and some of the best piers, beaches and rocks are signposted.
Golfing is very popular in Ballina and Ballina Golf Club is one of the most scenic 18 hole parkland (par 71) courses in the west of Ireland. Within easy reach of Ballina there is a choice of many other excellent championship courses, most notably two of the top links courses in the world at Carne (Belmullet) and Enniscrone. County Sligo Golf Club (Rosses Point) is another of Ireland's great championship links courses and is only a short and pleasant drive from Ballina. There are also a number of pitch and putt courses in the general Ballina region.
Ballina has it's own Public Swimming Pool (just off Cathedral Road) which caters for children and adults. Enniscrone Beach is only 6 miles away and there are many nice safe beaches along the nearby coastline from which to swim or paddle.
The Moy Valley is an ideal walking venue, featuring several theme walks with a Great Famine Walk at Bonninconlon, the Sculpture Trail which starts in Ballina, The Western Way and the Foxford Way. One can also enjoy the Historical Tour of Ballina (leaflets available from the Tourist Office).
Belleek Wood, situated along the banks of the river Moy, is 200 acres of woodlands and trees with up to 6 miles of forest pathways in an area of immense peace and tranquillity. Take a relaxing walk through Belleek Wood where the only sounds you will hear are the rustling of the trees, the lapping waters of the river Moy and the songs of the birds.
Belleek Woods is situated along the banks of the River Moy directly across from the Quay village. It is one of the largest urban forests comprising 200 acres of woodlands with trees up to 300 hundered years old.
Originally part of the Knox Gore estate, it is now a peaceful haven of up to 6 miles of natural forest pathways, two of which run along the banks of the Moy.
County Library - Ballina Branch
Moyne Poem
North Mayo has one of the greatest concentrations of Stone Age tombs (megaliths) in Europe. It is now known to possess the intact farms of the tomb builders, preserved beneath the bog which covers the region. Tír Sáile has created a trail of permanent sculpture from the Moy Estuary to the Mullet Peninsula marking in a contemporary way this ancient landscape.
Enjoying a strategic position close to the Atlantic coastline of Mayo, Ballina is an ideal base for visiting the many beaches and strands in that region of North Mayo. Rustle up a picnic, pack the swimming togs, the buckets and spades and take the short journey to Ross Strand, Lacken Strand or Enniscrone's sandy dunes .... fun for all the family!
The Ballina Arts Centre, located on Barrett St in the town, has a year round programme of art events and activities for all age groups, as well as many music, theatre, dance and literary events. Many times during the year there are workshops and programmes for children and adults in a wide variety of the arts.
Ballina's Yew Tree Theatre Company are a professional company who perform locally and also tour the country with new Irish and international plays.
Click here for information on a Historical Walking Tour of the town
This annual extravaganza provides entertainment for all ages and tastes. The first major event of this years programme is the renowned Ballina National Heritage Day. For more information and this years programme of events click here: Ballina Salmon Festival
The Father Peyton Memorial Centre at Attymass commemorates Attymass born Fr Patrick Peyton, world famous founder of the Family Rosary Crusade which he founded in 1942 to encourage families to pray together daily especially saying the Rosary. He coined the famous phrase The family that prays together stays together.
Visitors to the centre can experience the multimedia presentation that tells the fascinating story of The Rosary Priest. There is also a photographic exhibition of his life. Spiritual direction and counselling is offered and you can visit the Oratory and Contemplation Garden.
For more information visit the Museums of Mayo Website
Check out these Ballina clubs and organisations.