A short stroll along the river bank reveals a town with ancient roots and modern amenities. Reminders of tough and turbulent times come in the form of St. Muredach’s Cathedral, an impressive edifice, completed before the Great Famine, which decimated so much of the population in the county soon after construction.
In its capacity as an important commercial town and seaport, Ballina was strategically important in the Rebellion of 1798, when General Humbert’s army, together with Irish Rebel forces captured the town from the British in what was to be a short-lived victory. The Humbert Monument commemorates that troubled path to independence--which took more than another hundred years to come to fruition.
The county’s turbulent as well as quotidian history is captured in a very special collection whose existence is owed to a visionary local fishmonger and history buff. Housed in a former bank building, the Jackie Clarke Collection is the result of Clarke’s collection of what many might have considered detritus--from maps, newspapers and photographs, to political cartoons, diaries and films. His tireless interest in the artifacts of people’s lives unwittingly led to the growth of one of the most important collections in the world, with historical artefacts such as the 1916 Easter Proclamation and the cockade worn on the hat of 1798 rebel leader Wolfe Tone, as well as documents dating back to the 1600s. The museum also offers a unique opportunity to continue recording history in its Sound Booth which invites visitors to share their own memories of Mayo for future generations.
Belleek Castle provides a glimpse at another side of history: the 19th century castle was built in the neo-gothic style popular at the time. Set in a 1,000-acres of woodland and forestry, it sits on the banks of the River Moy, and long before housed a medieval abbey before becoming home to Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Arthur Francis Knox-Gore in the 1830s. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, the longest tourist trail in the world, this hotel with a museum, golf course, fishing amenities and woods with 300-year old trees it is well-positioned for exploring the coastline.
Being on the salmon-rich River Moy, Ballina serves as a hub in the region for anglers from around the world. Some 40 nationalities are purported to be drawn to its waters annually. The Salmon festival is fast becoming one of the the best festivals in the country. For one week every July, the town is a hive of activity, appealing to young and old alike, with a host of events, incorporating music, art and heritage, as well as a variety of cultural activities, showcasing the best of Mayo.
Other worthwhile destinations in the Ballina area include Rosserk Franciscan Friary, which dates back to the 1440s and Moyne Abbey, whose extensive ruins are impressive. Both ecclesiastical ruins were destroyed by the Crown during the zealous reformation years in the 1500s and reward the visitor with atmosphere and architectural interest.