Ballina in North Mayo was recently ranked second in Ireland for work-life balance by Switcher.ie — a remarkable achievement that reflects the town’s vibrant community and lifestyle. But there’s even more to celebrate, as a wave of incredible initiatives is currently unfolding, many working quietly behind the scenes to improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors. These projects are transforming Ballina into a greener, more inclusive, and even more welcoming place for everyone, whether you’re living, working, or just passing through.
From reimagining historic laneways to creating sensory-friendly public spaces, Ballina is leading the way in community-driven development. Here’s a look at five exciting projects that will make a real impact.
1. Ballina Sensory Park – “Beelieve in the Flow”
Work is underway on an exciting addition to Tom Ruane Park – the “Beelieve in the Flow” Sensory Park, designed for people of all abilities. This unique space will feature sensory-friendly equipment and calming environments, offering a safe and inclusive area for play, relaxation, and community gathering.
Brought to life by the Flow Community Project and Ballina Community Clean-up, in partnership with ACT Design and Mayo County Council, this park allows families to enjoy quality time together while children with sensory needs can explore and play comfortably. Its location beside Tom Ruane Park enables inclusive socialising and play for everyone.
This project reflects Ballina’s commitment to accessible urban design and enhances Tom Ruane Park’s reputation as a family-friendly destination. It symbolises Ballina’s community spirit, promoting health, wellbeing, and social inclusion. For more information on the park design visit ACT – Accelerating Change Together and for progress follow their socials linked above.
2. The Cascade Project
Funded by Creative Ireland, the Cascade Project is reimagining Ballina’s historic laneways to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: increased rainfall due to climate change. But it’s not just about climate resilience – it’s about transforming these hidden pathways into vibrant, socially cohesive public spaces that celebrate water and community. Through creative workshops, locals have been sharing their personal experiences with water and public spaces, contributing to a vision of connected, climate-resilient laneways.
The project is exploring innovative ways to adapt to changing weather patterns while enhancing environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and aesthetic appeal.
Following extensive community engagement, the first laneway transformation is set to be unveiled by the end of 2025. We’re excited to see which laneway is chosen and how this project will inspire a new way of thinking about public spaces. Watch this space – big changes are coming! For more information, visit Creative Ireland’s blog.
3. HeritACT – Bringing Ballina’s Cultural Heritage to Life
Have you heard of HeritACT? If not, then you need to! HeritACT is all about bringing Ballina’s cultural heritage to life through community-driven projects that inspire sustainable urban development. As one of only three European sites chosen for the EU-funded HeritACT initiative under the New European Bauhaus (alongside Milan and Elefsina), Ballina is leading the way in blending tradition with innovation.
Exciting and unique upcoming projects that you need to know about include:
- A nature-based solution in the town centre
- An interactive pavilion showcasing Ballina’s rich history through projection mapping
- A temporary recycled structure from Oysters
- An augmented reality experience at the Mineral Water Building
- A 3D Printed Vegetable Garden growing local produce. These initiatives not only celebrate the town’s heritage but also explore cutting-edge ways to enhance public spaces.
Get Involved – Co-Design Ballina Workshop
Community members are invited to shape these exciting developments by participating in the Co-Design Ballina Workshop on March 8th, 2025. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with international designers, share ideas, and contribute to Ballina’s future.
Take some time to visit www.heritact.eu/ballina to learn more about the project, upcoming workshops, and how you can get involved in shaping Ballina for the better. Discover the HeritACT sites in Ballina through 360° images, explore a historical timeline with fascinating photos, and contribute your own stories, values, challenges, and opportunities as part of the Geodesign Workshop preparation.
4. Ballina Autism Friendly Town Initiative
Ballina is on a mission to become one of the most inclusive towns in Ireland, and the Ballina Autism Friendly Town initiative is leading the charge. Local businesses, schools, and community groups are coming together to create a more accessible and welcoming environment for people with autism, ensuring that everyone feels at home in Ballina.
This dedicated effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. Ballina recently received national recognition at the AsIAm Awards, winning both a New Community Recognition Award and a Sensory Accessibility Award. These achievements celebrate the town’s commitment to understanding, support, and inclusivity. It’s a powerful testament to how a community can come together to make meaningful change, setting a benchmark for social inclusion and community care in Ireland.
To learn more and stay updated on upcoming initiatives, visit Ballina Autism Friendly Town on Instagram .
5. The Great Convent Revival
Ballina’s historic Convent of Mercy, built in 1867, is being revived as a vibrant community hub thanks to the volunteer-led Ballina Convent Regeneration CLG. The convent, which closed in 2008, was gifted to the group by the Sisters of Mercy on Easter Sunday 2024, preventing its collapse and ensuring its legacy endures.
Led by the now Senator Mark Duffy, the project has already enabled a partial reopening, with plans to restore the chapel by the end of 2025. Collaborations with UCD and the University of Notre Dame are guiding the restoration, supported by community goodwill, sponsorships, and grants from the LEADER programme and the Historic Structures Fund.
The vision? To create a vibrant and dynamic community hub featuring event spaces, educational facilities, cultural and heritage areas, and a museum honouring the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy. This initiative reflects the spirit of Ballina, where community trust and collective effort are breathing new life into a cherished landmark. We cannot wait to see the completed project!
For more information and to support the initiative, visit the Ballina Convent Regeneration website or follow their updates on the Great Convent Revival Instagram page.
The Power of Connection: IQ Ballina
In addition to the five initiatives mentioned, it is important to remember that Ballina isn’t just transforming public spaces; it’s also redefining how people work and connect. IQ Ballina at the Ballina Military Barracks is an innovative connected hub that allows professionals to balance work and leisure seamlessly. As part of the Connected Hubs network, IQ Ballina which is owned by Mayo County Council and managed through a collaboration between it and Moy Valley Resources provides flexible workspace solutions, making it easier than ever to holiday while staying connected professionally.
Whether you’re a remote worker, a digital nomad, or a local entrepreneur, IQ Ballina offers state-of-the-art facilities, encouraging collaboration and productivity in a vibrant setting. This initiative is helping to shape Ballina as a progressive, flexible, and attractive place to live and work.
Book a workspace or learn more at ConnectedHubs.ie
Get Involved and Stay Updated
These five impactful initiatives are just the beginning. Ballina is buzzing with countless other projects driven by voluntary groups, businesses, and charities working tirelessly to enhance community life. From cultural programmes to environmental campaigns, these initiatives are open and inclusive, inviting locals and stakeholders to get involved and contribute to their ongoing success.
Ballina’s transformation is not just about improving infrastructure or environmental impact. It’s also about strengthening community bonds, fostering inclusivity, and creating a town where everyone feels welcome. It’s an exciting time for Ballina, and we can’t wait to see these projects and more come to life!
