People and Places of North Mayo Video Series

Enjoy a unique insight into the people and stories behind many of the tourism-related businesses in North Mayo. From Ballina to Belmullet, Mayo North Tourism have launched a series of 30 short videos entitled ‘People and Places of North Mayo’.

Each video will give potential visitors a chance to experience the diverse offering in the area through the unique perspectives of the people who live and work here. The short films, captured by local videographer, Fionn Rogers, feature a combination of interviews, behind-the-scenes shots and some of the stunning landscapes of North Mayo.

The series forms part of an ongoing marketing campaign by Mayo North Tourism to encourage and increase the number of visitors to the area in a sustainable manner.  Creation of the video series was assisted by Mayo LCDC ( Mayo LAG), Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company, Moy Valley Resources IRD and Mayo County Council through the Rural Development Programme, which is part-financed by the European Union and the Department of Rural and Community Development.

In the first of Mayo North Tourism’s People and Places of North Mayo series, we visit Caffrey’s Gallery, Garden St, Ballina, Co. Mayo, where Miriam and Ernie Caffrey run a charming art gallery and craft store, specialising in Irish-made craft and design.

In the second video of Mayo North Tourism’s People and Places of North Mayo series, we visit Dave’s Deli & Gourmet Coffee Shop located in the SMA Arcade on O’Rahilly Street, Ballina, Co.Mayo. Owned and managed by Ballina man, David Gill, this is a café to savour!

In this episode we meet Annie Gambrill, the multi-talented owner and driving force behind Killala Woolcraft. Based in Ballycastle, along the stunning Céide Coast in North Mayo, Killala Woolcraft offers a range of demonstrations and classes.

In this episode of our ‘People and Places of North Mayo’ video series, we visit T.Breathnach’s Pub in Ballina, North Mayo. Owned and managed by Tomas Walsh, this traditional Irish pub offers a wonderful atmosphere, efficient and friendly staff and a customary Céad Míle Fáilte.

In this episode of the People & Places of North Mayo video series, we meet Oliver Murphy of Oliver’s Menswear, which is located on Bridge Street in the heart of Ballina town. Established in 1991, it is recognised as a leading menswear shop housing the best of Irish and International clothing Brands.

Continuing our video series, in this episode we meet Úna Forde of The Ballinglen Museum of Art located in the picturesque village of Ballycastle in North Mayo. Úna tells us all about the Ballinglen Arts Foundation and museum which is the first museum devoted to contemporary art in the west of Ireland.

During this video we meet Laura McManus-Andrea, designer, multidisciplinary artist, teacher and owner of LMA Design Services. This is a multi faceted design, workshops and photography emporium based in the Quay, Ballina Co.Mayo.

In this episode of our ‘People and Places of North Mayo’ video series, we hear the fascinating story of the remarkable Céide Fields and we meet with the wonderful Gretta Byrne – Archaeologist and Manager of the award winning, newly renovated Céide Fields Visitor Centre.

In this weeks People and Places of North Mayo video series, we meet David and Rachael Smith, the owners of The Twin Trees Hotel & Leisure Centre in Ballina. The Twin Trees Hotel has 52 bedrooms including a selection of fantastic family rooms. They offer free onsite parking, a leisure club with a 16m swimming pool, kid’s pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gymnasium.

In this weeks episode of ‘The People & Places of North Mayo’ we visit an award-winning North Mayo establishment – The Merry Monk, Ballina. Joe Lavelle, his daughter Gillian and their dedicated, friendly and experienced team have been looking after locals and visitors alike for nearly 25 years!

This week in our People & Places of North Mayo Video Series, we meet Mary Corrigan, the owner of Noo Chocolates, an artisan chocolate company located in the Quay, Ballina in County Mayo. They pride themselves in creating exciting flavours for their chocolates using the fabulous ingredients from the local area. From Lough Mask Gin to Achill Island Sea Salted Caramels, you’ll be sure to find something you love.

In this episode of the People & Places of North Mayo video series, we visit the Father Peyton Memorial Centre and meet with Fr. Steve Gibson and Padraic Walsh. This unique centre is situated in scenic village of Attymass not far from Ballina in North Mayo.

In this week’s episode of the People and Places of North Mayo video series, we visit the gorgeous Erris Coast Hotel in Geesala and meet with the fabulous Deborah O’Sullivan. The Erris Coast Hotel is located in a spectacular setting along the north Mayo shores of the Wild Atlantic Way and is surrounded by panoramic views.

This week in the People and Places of North Mayo video series, we visit the charming Kiosk Cafè and Arch Bar on Market Street in the beautiful and historic Killala in Co.Mayo. Meet the owner Shane Donnelly as he gives us a tour of the premises and explains the significance of the Kiosk as a focal point for the community.

In this weeks ‘People and Places of North Mayo’ episode, Josephine Geraghty gives us a look inside the wonderfully appointed Brú Chlann Lir B&B on the stunning Mullet Peninsular. Her husband Matty helps out when he is not out on the water running Geraghty Boat Charters, taking visitors  fishing or on various sea tours including the breath-taking Inishkea Islands.

Take a visit to Bar Square, Paddy Macs and Times Square Nightclub in the heart of Ballina town. The People and Places of North Mayo met the owner Michael Carr and he tells us all about what it takes to keep your customers happy, and how this has been the key to his businesses success.

People and Places of North Mayo video series took a trip to meet Aiden Anderson of Iceford Stables. Located just 10 minutes from Ballina and surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way, the stables offer an exhilarating day out for all. Whether it’s your first time on a horse or you are an experienced jockey, Iceford has something for you.

In this week’s People and Places of North Mayo video series we meet the legendary Pat Rouse of Rouse’s Bar Ballina. Located in the heart of Ballina town, this traditional Irish family run business has been in existence since 1947. Pat tells us how the bar came about and how the premises itself has been a pub since 1865, making it one of the town’s oldest bars.

In this episode of the ‘People and Places of North Mayo’ video series we visit the Michael Davitt Museum and meet with one of their excellent tour guides Mark Spragg. The museum is houses in the 300 year old, magnificently restored Michael’s church and is located in the picturesque and historic village of Straide, between Ballyvary and Foxford.

In this episode of the People and Places of North Mayo, we meet with Joe Lenehan of Belleek Park, Caravan and Camping. If you are planning on visiting Ballina and North Mayo by caravan or indeed if you are planning on pitching a tent, then check out Belleek Park Caravan and Camping.

In this episode of the ‘People & Places of North Mayo’ video series we meet with Leo Munteanu, the founder of T2 Coffee Van. T2 Coffee Van is a 1976, Type 2 Volkswagen Camper Van converted into a fully equipped Vintage Specialty Espresso Bar. Leo serves speciality coffee and sweet treats throughout large parts of Connacht and always with a smile.

In this weeks episode of the ‘People and Places of North Mayo’ we meet Tony McCready of The Pizza Pod Mayo. Tony & Susan McCready and the team at The Pizza Pod Mayo create their mouth-watering authentic Italian pizza with great love and attention using premium Italian and Irish produce. This family run business brings a slice of Italy to various stunning north Mayo locations including Foxford and The Quay Ballina to name but a few. (locations subject to change, see their social media for details).

In this episode of the ‘People and Places of North Mayo’ we visit Laurence Howard of Belmullet Coast Guard Station. If you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful holiday in an idyllic setting with magnificent sandy beaches on your doorstep and sublime scenery, you will not be disappointed with Belmullet Coast Guard Station accommodation located on stunning Claggan Island in County Mayo.

In this weeks episode of the People and Places of North Mayo we visit Poacher Restaurant in Ballina town. Poacher is an intimate cosy restaurant located discreetly above Heffernan’s Fine Foods, in the buzzing centre of Ballina’s Market Square. Meet co-owners, Yvonne a talented and award winning chef, and Daniel, with his excellent knowledge of food and great taste in wines.

In this week’s People and Places of North Mayo video we meet with Martina Burke from the North Mayo Heritage Centre. Located on the Enniscoe Estate on the grounds of the beautiful Enniscoe House, between Crossmolina and Lahardane in Co. Mayo the North Mayo Heritage Centre is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the region.

In this episode of the ‘People and Places of North Mayo’ we visit The Connacht Distillery and meet with two super team members Milo Molloy and Danika Dempsey. The Connacht Distillery sits on the banks of the beautiful River Moy, Ballina, County Mayo. The Distillery is pleased to be part of the local community and welcomes visitors and tour groups alike. The distillery shop sells bottles of currently available spirits and also regularly hosts a fantastic Cocktails & Vinyl night.

In this episode of our ‘People and Places of North Mayo’ video series, we meet with Declan Caulfield of Belderrig Valley Experience based in Belderrig in North Mayo. Belderrig Valley Experience will give you an immersive look back to the past. Learn how one mans trip to get fuel for his fire, unearthed part of what was to be one of the most culturally significant discoveries of the 20th century, the oldest field system ever uncovered – Céide Fields.

In this weeks People and Places of North Mayo video series, we meet with Declan O Connor from Tonn Nua Surf School. Tonn Nua, meaning New Wave in Gaelic, is based out of Glosh beach, a breathtakingly stunning beach on the Mullet Peninsula, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Only a 15-minute drive from Belmullet Town, Tonn Nua Surf School is the first and only dedicated Surf School in Erris Co. Mayo.

The ‘People and Places of North Mayo’ video series met with Mary Moyles of the Cot & Cobble. This fabulous bar, restaurant and music venue is located along the banks of the river Moy right on the Wild Atlantic Way. Renowned as one of the best places in Ballina to catch a match on the big screen or  to go for a delicious meal, the Cot & Cobble offers the perfect combination of great food, frequent live music and a lively nightlife.