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History and Historical Sites of North Mayo

Ballina Town

Ballina was founded in 1723 by Lord Tyrawley but there is no doubt that the settlement on the banks of the Moy existed long before the early 18th century.

The original name of the town was Belleek or in Irish, Beal Athà an Fheàda, and today there is still a part of Ballina called Belleek along with Belleek woods. The modern day town has a population of 8,500 and is the gateway to North Mayo and West Sligo.

Historically, Ballina developed as a Market Town, serving the relatively populous and industrious farming hinterland of North Mayo/ West Sligo. It is the traditional trading centre for a region extending from Blacksod in the West, Eastwards to Swinford and North to Dromore West/ Skreen.

A region with a population of in excess of 40,000 people. Situated astride a major river, the Moy, which is tidal to the town centre, Ballina served as an important trading port for the region and was thus ''connected'' to the wider world.

It still retains the capacity to handle vessels of up to 1000 tonnes d.w.t. and has a functioning Harbour Authority. These locational and historical factors gave Ballina its essential character, reflected in its layout and buildings - a centre for practical trade and commerce, a working town, yet conscious and protective of its exceptional environmental endowments.