In the vibrant town of Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland, a short walking tour offers a captivating journey through history, culture, and natural beauty, set against the shimmering waters of the River Moy. Nestled just 25 miles from Knock Airport and a scenic drive from Galway, this 1.
5 to 2-hour stroll through the “Salmon Capital of Ireland” unveils a town rich in heritage and charm, perfect for visitors seeking an authentic taste of the Wild Atlantic Way. Easily accessible by train or car, Ballina’s lively streets and serene riverside make it an ideal destination for a leisurely exploration.
The tour begins at the heart of Ballina, on The Quays, where the River Moy flows gracefully, its banks lined with colourful buildings and historic stone bridges. This picturesque riverside, a focal point for centuries, offers stunning views of St Muredach’s Cathedral, its elegant spire piercing the skyline since its completion in 1855. A ten-minute amble along the Moy’s western bank leads to the Jackie Clarke Collection, a treasure trove of Irish history housed in a former bank on Pearse Street. This remarkable museum, home to 100,000 items spanning 400 years, including rare manuscripts and political memorabilia, invites visitors to step back in time, its free admission and compelling exhibits making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.
From here, a 15-minute walk along the river towards Belleek Woods transports walkers to one of Europe’s largest urban forests, a 200-acre haven of ancient woodlands just 1.
5km from the town centre. The forest paths, part of the Belleek Woods Fairy Trail, wind past historic features like a famine-era wall and a hermitage, while otters, kingfishers, and herons can be spotted along the Moy. The trail’s magical fairy houses delight younger visitors, and the sight of the SS Creteboom, a derelict concrete tugboat from World War I stranded in the estuary since 1937, adds a quirky historical note. A moment’s pause here, surrounded by towering trees and the river’s gentle flow, offers a serene escape.
Continuing the loop, a 12-minute stroll back towards the town centre via the Moy Valley brings walkers to the Humbert Monument on Humbert Street, erected in 1898 to mark the centenary of the French landing at Killala Bay during the 1798 Rebellion. This striking monument, set against the backdrop of Ballina’s sloping streets, offers a glimpse into the town’s revolutionary past, with the French entering through these very lanes. A short detour along Bohernasup reveals the site of a pre-Romanesque church, believed to stand on the ruins of St Patrick’s 5th-century church, adding a layer of ancient spirituality to the tour.
The walk concludes back at The Quays, where the lively atmosphere of Ballina’s main streets beckons with traditional pubs like Rouse’s Bar or the Connacht Whiskey Distillery, where guided tours offer tastings of locally crafted spirits. Spanning roughly three kilometres, this tour captures Ballina’s essence, its historic landmarks, natural splendour, and warm community spirit. Sturdy shoes and a light jacket are recommended for the woodland paths and changeable Mayo weather. For those with extra time, a visit to nearby Belleek Castle, with its neo-Gothic grandeur and medieval artefact collection, or a drive to the Neolithic Ceide Fields, just 20 miles away, deepens the exploration of this enchanting region. Ballina’s blend of history, riverside beauty, and local charm makes this walking tour a memorable journey through the heart of County Mayo.
Ireland county by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Largest town walking tour
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Towns
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Villages
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Ireland’s County Mayo:
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
