As 2021 draws to a close and we all look forward to the New Year, it’s time to look back on the year that’s been. There has been much unsettlement during the past twelve months but we’re not going to dwell on that in this blogpost. There has been some rays of sunshine amongst the grey clouds
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series came to Downpatrick Head, Ballycastle
Ballina 2023 went live
Ballina 2023 launched their new website and logo with a specially commissioned promotional film that showcased all that is unique and wonderful about Ballina.
Historic Blacksod Lighthouse opened to the public
Back in July the historic Blacksod Lighthouse opened to public for guided tours and is quickly becoming a popular tourist attraction. The lighthouse featured on the second series of ‘No Place Like Home’. For tour information visit their website.
Minister Noonan announced a partnership with Enniscoe House in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo
The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan T.D., in July announced a partnership agreement with Enniscoe House in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo.
It will see the establishment of a new Nature Reserve on the site and a programme of joint management between the owners, the Kellet Family, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to provide for the conservation, education and enhancement of the estate.
Meet Ireland’s youngest licensed female falconer
Anna Baraldini from Foxford County Mayo is possibly Ireland’s youngest licensed female falconer. Two years ago as part of her school work experience programme Anna applied to Mount Falcon Estate in Ballina to gain experience working in the Mount Falcon Estate gym.
Within hours at her arrival at Mount Falcon Estate Anna was enticed by the magnificence of the raptors and owls in the Mount Falcon Estate Aviary. Read more here.
RETRO Cannonball returned to Ballina
The North Mayo welcomed Cannonball Ireland back to Ballina back in August 13th for Retro Cannonball. The weather wasn’t on our side but that didn’t put a dampener on anyone’s mood!
There was significant funding announced…
Some of the funding announced this year were:
- €200,000 is to be allocated for further improvements for the Monasteries of the Moy Greenway between Killala and Ballina and Turlough Greenway.
- €50,000 has been allocated to the Céide Coast Community to carry-out engineering and environmental reports for the Wild Atlantic Way Céide Coastal Path. This path it is hoped will take visitors from the Céide Fields to Downpatrick Head in Ballycastle.
- €100,000 in funding has been secured for Mayo County Council to develop A ‘Town Centre First’ masterplan for Killala.
- €65,000 was allocated for Ballina Sensory Garden
- €140,000 was allocated for Pearse Street Ballina under the Historic Towns Initiative
- €501,160 was allocated in order to develop the tourism hub: Áras Scéal an Atlantaigh Fhiáin in An Eachléim in the Barony of Erris.
What to look forward to in 2022…
The Céide Fields visitor centre re-opens in spring with a brand new, interactive, visitor experience and will definitely have to be on anyone’s travel list in 2022!
The Mary Robinson Centre is due to open in 2022. The Centre will be Ireland’s first Presidential Library which will foster women’s leadership, gender equality & human rights.
#HomeToMayo in May; The Home to Mayo festival will see a series of events running throughout the month of May 2022 incorporating existing festivals along with participatory experiences across towns in the county and in particular Ballina-Home to Mayo, running over the weekend of 27th, 28th & 29th May 2022.
As the Seanfhocail (old Irish saying) says; “Bailíonn brobh beart” / “A little gathers to a lot.” We here at Mayo North Tourism are optimistic about the coming year(s) ahead. Stay up to date in the New Year by keeping an eye on our website and following us on our social media platforms.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at Mayo North Tourism.
