Ballina
Anglers come for the Moy and its salmon, and the river runs right through the town. Ballina stands on the River Moy in north County Mayo.
Best sites to see in Ballina
The Ridge Pool and River Moy
The famous salmon fishery in the centre of Ballina, where the Moy flows between the town's bridges below St Muredach's Cathedral.
St Muredach's Cathedral
The 19th-century cathedral on the east bank of the Moy, the dominant landmark of the town centre beside the Ridge Pool.
Jackie Clarke Collection
A museum on Pearse Street in a former bank building, displaying the historical documents and artefacts collected by Ballina businessman Jackie Clarke.
Belleek Woods
One of Ireland's largest urban woodlands, on the banks of the Moy estuary just north of the town by Belleek Castle, with marked trails.
Where to stand, and when
- The Moy bridges at the Ridge Pool: Early morning often shows anglers fishing the pool below the cathedral in soft light.
- St Muredach's Cathedral from across the Moy: Late afternoon light warms the cathedral's stonework above the river.
- Belleek Woods trails: Dappled morning light suits the woodland paths and the Moy estuary shore.
Ballina through history
Ballina's name comes from the Irish Beal an Atha, the mouth of the ford, at a crossing of the River Moy.
In 1798 French forces under General Humbert landed at nearby Killala and occupied Ballina during the Rebellion of that year.
Ballina is widely known as Ireland's salmon capital because of the quality of salmon fishing on the River Moy.
The town's Salmon Festival, centred on the river and its fishing, has been held each July for many decades.
Practical tips
- You need the correct licences and permits to fish the Moy; arrange them through local tackle shops or fisheries offices before fishing.
- Book accommodation early for Salmon Festival week in July, when the town is at its busiest.
- Belleek Woods is an easy flat walk from the town and pairs well with a visit to Belleek Castle by prior arrangement.
Golf near Ballina
Ballina is the natural base for two of the west's great community links: Enniscrone, about 20 minutes west (€195 at the club's published rate), and Carne at Belmullet, about an hour out on the Mullet peninsula (€195 via the club's booking system), Eddie Hackett's last design, at the end of the world and worth every mile.
Our full guide to golf in Ireland
What's on
No anchor festival is based here, but the Irish year is full: next up nationally is TradFest (20–24 Jan 2027, Temple Bar, Dublin). See the full events calendar