We’ve put together a list of ten places to visit near Ballina – within 20 kilometres of Ballina town – perfect for a half day trip if you’re staying here!
Feel the sand under your feet at Enniscrone beach
Just 13.7 km from Ballina, over the border in Co. Sligo, Enniscrone is the classic seaside town, offering an incredible vast strand, a pier and cliff walks.
Soak up the peace and tranquility at Rosserk Friary
Franciscans Friars settled in Rosserk (9.2 km from Ballina) in the 15th Century on the edge of Killala Bay where they established a Friary. Rosserk Friary is one of Mayo’s best preserved ecclesiastical ruins. It’s also an ideal place to explore safely with children.
Photo © Gareth McCormack
Head out walking in Bonninconlon
Bonniconlon (9.5km from Ballina) boasts a wild beauty and is an ideal walking/cycling base. Lough Talt, a mountain lake with some of the most stunning views in Ireland, is around 9km from the village.
Discover the Saints & Sinners of Moygownagh
The unique Saints and Sinners Tour is a self-guide smartphone app, which guides visitors around fourteen wonderful heritage sites in Moygownagh (15.4km from Ballina)
Explore the Prebaun Loop in Foxford
Description: Trail-head / official start point is located at the parish church in the town-land of Attymachugh (20 km from Ballina), Foxford, Co Mayo.(OS Sheet 32, G327 074)
What to Expect: Country lanes, bog tracks and hillside, taking in sections of the Foxford Way.
Try your hand at Geocaching
Geocaching is like a treasure hunt, “Cachers” use a GPS to locate Geocaches hidden in landmarks across the World. There are a plethora of Geocaches to be discovered across Ballina and North Mayo. Formore information please visit Geocaching Ireland. Start discovering!
Step into nature along the Enniscoe Loop
Visitors may access the Enniscoe Loop (18.4 km from Ballina) walk through The North Mayo Heritage Centre and Gardens. This Loop walk is dog friendly but remember dogs must remain on a leash and owners must be responsible at all times.
Book a Stand Up Paddleboarding session with Harbour Sup n Sail
Harbour SUP n Sail is dedicated to SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding). They have two bases at Enniscrone Pier and The Quay Ballina. To book a session call/text Mikee on 0860315737.
Have a family picnic on Ross beach
Ross beach (16.7km from Ballina) is blue flag beach located in Killala. Why not pack the boot of your car and head down to Ross to enjoy a family picnic, or why not support a local restaurant or café and order a take out? Please remember to Leave No Trace!
Book a bike from Ballina Bike Hire and start exploring …within 20km of Ballina
North Mayo is a cycling paradise with a number of varied terrains to sample. Why not book a bike from Ballina Bike Hire and start exploring our region?
