Ballina Named Autism Friendly Town 2026
Ballina has been officially recognised as an Autism Friendly Town, earning national recognition at the AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards 2026.
The honour was presented at a ceremony in Dublin City Hall, where communities from across Ireland were celebrated for their commitment to creating inclusive, accessible environments for autistic people and their families.
One of Five Towns Nationwide to Achieve Status
Ballina is one of just five towns nationwide to receive Autism Friendly Town status this year, alongside Terenure, Enfield, Arklow and Blarney. The designation reflects the significant efforts of local organisations, businesses, community groups and volunteers in making the town more welcoming and supportive for all.
Community Engagement Award
In addition to this achievement, Ballina was also presented with the Community Engagement Award, recognising its exceptional work in fostering inclusive public spaces and encouraging meaningful participation across the community.
This recognition highlights Ballina’s dedication to understanding, accessibility and acceptance, with the town demonstrating measurable progress through training initiatives, collaborative planning and ongoing inclusion efforts.
Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, commented on the achievement:
“Ballina’s recognition as an Autism Friendly Town is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication of the local community. This accolade not only reflects a strong commitment to inclusivity, but also enhances Ballina’s appeal as a welcoming destination for visitors of all abilities. Accessible and inclusive tourism is increasingly important, and this milestone further positions North Mayo as a place where everyone can feel comfortable, supported and inspired to explore.”
The Autism Friendly Towns programme, led by AsIAm, supports communities to take meaningful, practical steps toward inclusion. It helps ensure autistic people and their families can fully participate in everyday life. Achieving this status requires a coordinated local effort, including the development of a three-year action plan, delivery of autism awareness training, as well as clear evidence of progress across a range of inclusion measures.
A Community-Led Initiative
Ballina Autism Friendly Town is a community-led initiative driven by a shared vision of creating a more inclusive Ballina for all. The committee brings together autistic adults, parents of autistic children, professionals and community members, ensuring that lived experience and practical insight are at the heart of its work.
A key part of the initiative is the development of Autism Friendly Champions . These are local businesses, clubs and organisations that have committed to supporting accessibility and inclusion within their own spaces and services. This growing network is helping to embed inclusive practices across the town in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Making Events More Inclusive
Throughout the year, the group works closely with event organisers to make community events more autism and disability friendly. This includes both smaller local gatherings and larger-scale events such as the Ballina Salmon Festival, ensuring that more people can participate comfortably and confidently.
Through ongoing training, awareness-building and collaboration, the initiative continues to enhance accessibility, supporting both residents and visitors and strengthening Ballina’s reputation as a leader in inclusive tourism and community development in County Mayo.
Looking Ahead: Building an Inclusive Ballina
Looking ahead, the group aims to further expand awareness, increase participation, and to ensure that inclusion remains central to the town’s future development. (Read more about Ballina Sensory Park here). This recognition is not just a milestone, but part of an ongoing journey toward a more inclusive Ballina for all.
To learn more about the initiative or to get involved, visit: Ballina Autism Friendly Town or to contact a member of the committee, please email: [email protected]