Ballina is a charming coastal town. The town has beautiful landscapes, a rich history and friendly people. In here you can find many exciting outdoor activities, peaceful riverside walks and explore local art and history. Plus, here you can find scenic beaches, interesting museums, and unique attractions that you should not miss. Here are our top 10 picks for you, when you visiting Ballina!
Belleek Castle & Woods
Belleek Castle is a neo-Gothic wonder. It was built in the early 19th century. The castle showcases impressive historic architecture with ornate interiors and beautiful rooms. Guide will take you through the Great Hall, fancy bedrooms and the armory museum. There you will see Ireland’s largest collections of medieval weapons and armor. The famous Spanish Armada Bar and Grill will also attract you. This place offering you a unique medieval dining experience with a modern twist.
Tours run daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs €12 for adults, €10 for seniors, and €8 for children. For fully enjoying the castle’s magic the best to visit in the summer when the gardens are in full bloom.
Next to the castle you will find Belleek Woods. It is one of Europe’s largest urban forests. Nature lovers can explore its tranquil 200 acres of trails winding through ancient trees and peaceful clearings. You will see here native wildlife like squirrels, badgers and birds.
Belleek Woods is open daily and it is free to explore.
The Beaches of Ballina
Truly Ballina’s natural beauty shines through its beaches. Let me introduce you to two of Ballina’s best beaches:
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach is loved by locals and tourists. The beach gets its name from the iconic lighthouse that stands on the headland. It gives the area a scenic charm. Surfers enjoy the big waves while others can relax on the shore or go for a walk. Adventure seekers love the strong waves and ocean breeze in here. It is free to visit, but the best time to visit here during the warm spring and summer months.
Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach has gentle waves and a wide sandy shore. It’s a great spot for families to enjoy a calm day out. Kids and adults can safely splash around in the calm waters. You can bring a picnic, relax under a beach umbrella or walk along the shore to collect seashells. This beach is perfect for unwinding in the peaceful coastal setting. Like Lighthouse Beach, it’s free and the best time to visit is spring or summer.
The River Moy
The river is famous for its world-class salmon fishing. Anglers from everywhere come to cast their lines and hoping to catch something big. The soothing sound of the flowing water in here makes the fishing experience even better.
But fishing isn’t the only thing to do at the River Moy. If you enjoy paddling, you can go kayaking. You can also walk along the scenic paths by the river. There are also you will see lush picnic spots where you can have lunch and enjoy the time with your family or friends.
The best thing about River Moy is you don’t need to pay a dime to enjoy the River Moy. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, or walking the trails. The best time to visit depends on what you like to do. If you love fishing, the salmon season from February to September is best for you. For relaxing walks and kayaking summer will be perfect.
Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum
The Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum is full of seafaring history and showcases the area’s rich maritime heritage. Here you will see a variety of naval artifacts, ship models, nautical instruments, and historic photographs.
The museum’s main attraction is the Las Balsas raft exhibit. This exhibit celebrates the daring journey of the Las Balsas Expedition. In 1973, a group sailed three rafts from Ecuador to Ballina (the longest raft journey ever recorded). Visitors can see the original raft, which is the highlights the spirit of exploration.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost €7 for adults, €5 for seniors, and €3 for children. Please check the website for more recent updated.
Jackie Clarke Collection
The Jackie Clarke Collection is a hidden treasure for history lovers. It is the largest archive of historical and cultural artifacts in Ireland. This collection holds over 100,000 items that tell stories of the country’s past. It includes letters, rare books, maps, photographs, and political posters, each offering a unique view of Ireland’s vibrant history.
Jackie Clarke was the heart of this collection. He dedicated his life to gathering these materials to help people learn about Ireland’s history. Visitors can see old manuscripts, early maps, and documents about Ireland’s political changes.
The collection is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Ballina Arts Centre
The Ballina Arts Centre is a lively cultural space for blending local talent and global creativity. As a key part of the town’s arts scene, it offers a space for art exhibits, plays, and workshops. The modern gallery displays powerful local art will give visitors a glimpse into the region’s artistic spirit.
The theatre creates a different kind of magic in here. From captivating dramas to fun musicals- there’s a variety of shows that will suit everyone.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibits are free to visit.
Theatre shows and workshops have different prices. Please check the website here.
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Art exhibits are open during the day for relaxed exploration. For theatre, check the schedule to catch the right show. No matter when you go, the Ballina Arts Centre will still immerse you in the artistic vibe of this charming town.
Big Prawn
In a town with many attractions the Big Prawn stands out. Both tourists and locals love this quirky icon. It towers 9 meters high and celebrates Ballina’s fishing industry. With its bright pink shell and huge size, it’s hard to miss. It’s perfect for a memorable photograph.
It was built in 1989. After renovation it still keeps its original charm.
There is no fee to visit here and it’s opened all day. The Big Prawn brings playful fun to any trip in Ballina. Whether you’re on a family road trip or just curious, remember it’s a must-see.
Thursday Plantation
Thursday Plantation is a special place where you can learn about tea tree oil. It is a working farm and it also offers educational guided tours about essential oils. You can discover here how it’s made from their organic tea trees.
After the tour, you can visit the gift shop. They sell natural skincare products, essential oils, and health items. It’s a great spot to find a thoughtful souvenir or something special for yourself. The staff can help you choose the right product for your needs.
The plantation is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.
Lake Ainsworth
In Lake Ainsworth you can relax, swim and enjoy the natural beauty of Ballina. This freshwater lake is known for its tea tree oil-infused waters. It gives visitors a unique and calming swim. The nearby tea trees add their oils to the water, which some believe has soothing effects for both the body and mind.
Besides swimming Lake Ainsworth is a great place for water sports. You can kayak across the calm waters, paddleboard along the shore. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for families. It has picnic areas all around the lake.
Entry is free here. Early morning or late afternoon is especially nice because the calm waters reflect the soft light.
Ballina Farmers Market
You should explore the lively Ballina Markets. In where the local community gathers to celebrate the region’s flavors and creativity. In the busy stalls you will find fresh produce from nearby farms, handmade crafts by local artisans and unique souvenirs.
You can fill your basket with seasonal fruits, vegetables, homemade jams, and baked goods that bring the taste of the countryside to your table.
The markets happen on every Saturday from 9.00am-2pm.
To get the best experience you should come early when the vendors are set up and the stalls are stocked with fresh goods. It’s also a good time to chat with the local vendors, who are often happy and proud to share stories about their products.
