Top Things to do in Ballina
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What to do and see in Ballina, Western Ireland: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Discover the best top things to do in Ballina, Ireland including Breathnachs Bar, Jackie Clarke Collection, Belleek Castle Museum, Rouse's Bar, Rachel's Irish Adventures, Connacht Whiskey Company, Claddagh Irish Tours, Ballina Arts Centre, Fr. Peyton Centre, The North Mayo Heritage Centre.
Restaurants in Ballina
1. Breathnachs Bar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By I6917SAdamienc
My wife and I recently visited Ballina as part of the other voices music festival. Despite the threat of Storm Jorge in the background we had a magical weekend. Luckily we managed to get tickets for the Friday night concert in St. Michaels who were playing host to Elbow and a great new band on the scene call the Howl and the Hum. We stopped off in T. Breathnach (located on Abbey St) prior to the gig as its located close to the venue. The atmosphere in the bar was electric and certainly had great Guinness. The friendly staff were even able to cater for Naoimhs taste for prosecco. Not only that but the owner Tom included freshly cut strawberries into the glass. WOW!!! What service. After the gig we decided to return to T. Breathnach bar again as they were hosting Murli. Once again the bar was electric and full yet there was no problem getting the orders in from excellent staff. So impressed was I in T. Breathnach I decided to return on the Saturday afternoon to watch the Liverpool match while my wife was shopping. Had a great chat with the owner Tom. As the afternoon wore on we were visited by The Marywallopers who were scheduled to play in T. Breathnach later in the evening. How lucky was I when they started a set. Amazing. In a nice warm bar, with great pints, friendly staff and great music. Bliss!!!!! Breathnachs is a hidden treasure in Ballina. I am scheduled to visit Ballina again in the summer and I will definitely be stopping for more pints there. The only downfall was Liveropool lost the match. Cant have everything Damien
2. Jackie Clarke Collection
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By foodlover1227
there is so much history and information about ballina town and ireland it is well worth a visit the jackie clarke collection is unbelievable the staff is so helpful and friendly
3. Belleek Castle Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 231 reviews
Learn about the history of Belleek Castle & the story of its inhabitants the Knox-Gore family. Lean about the exciting life of Marshall Doran a sailor who made his fortune from smuggling & antique dealing who later became hotelier & restored Belleek Castle in the 1960's. Visitors will see the original Castle & Marshalls additions to the house such as the Spanish Armada Bar (built from salvaged wood from Spanish Armada shipwrecks) and the Medieval Banquet Hall,. The highlight of the tour will be the Marshall Doran Collection! One of the finest collections of antiques, Jurassic Fossils, Medieval weapons and Medieval Armour in Ireland! Other curiosities include the last wolf shot in Connaught & the bed of Grace O'Malley, Ireland's Pirate Queen.
Reviewed By sandramK8378SD
Went Nov. 2019, great tour, guide fantastically knowledgeable. Would be great for kids as well. Very interesting history. ????
4. Rouse's Bar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
53 Pearse St. home to a Ballina Institution, Rouse's Bar since 1946. The premises itself has been a pub since 1865, making it one of the town's oldest bars. It is a family run traditional Irish bar, with an outdoor smoking yard, off-licence & a separate lounge, which can be booked free of charge for private parties. We also have a weekly Traditional Irish Music Session every Saturday from 10pm.
Reviewed By RyanTMayo - Western Ireland, Ireland
Beautiful, old school pub with regular trad sessions and a mix of regulars and visitors. Lovely atmosphere and traditional settings. Good selection of Irish whiskeys including a few local brands. Sad to see its doors shut due to covid but better times will come - and hopefully soon.
5. Rachel's Irish Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
Embark on an Irish Adventure with Rachel along Ireland’s beautiful Wild Atlantic Way, and she’ll bring you a fun-packed journey to experience, discover and taste your way through the hidden gems of the West of Ireland. Whether you are looking to rent an electric bike, hike along the Wild Atlantic Way, take part in a private Whiskey Appreciation Session or learn to bake in an Irish home, we will put together the perfect tailor-made adventure to ensure you have the Irish experience of a lifetime.
6. Connacht Whiskey Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
We are an independently owned craft Irish whiskey distillery located in the town of Ballina, County Mayo Ireland. Situated in a beautiful setting across from the River Moy, the distillery offers guided tours, tastings, and a gift shop. You will learn how pot still Irish whiskey is made and get to enjoy a sampling of our products. The Visitor Centre is open Wednesday - Friday 10.30AM-18.00PM and Saturday's 12.00PM-17.00PM. The guided tours of the distillery are scheduled and run from Wednesday- Saturday at 12:00 PM, 13.30PM and 15:30 PM Booking online is necessary as we can only accomidate smaller groups due to the new governement restrictions. Please note our guided tours are running from August 1st please book online and read our new terms and conditions to avoid dissapointment. You will be asked to full out a health declartion and travel form for the past 14days on arrival, your co-operation at this time is appreciated. Please wear a mask or purchase one on arrival.
Reviewed By D9448DDdenisec - Ballina, Ireland
This tour is well worth a visit,we went as a family for a birthday treat,although the tour itself takes place in only one room is extremely interesting and informative,the lady conducting the tour was really good at her job,after the tour it was time for the taste testing,which again was very interesting,we have been on many of these tours and never experienced this type of tasting session before,really good, very relaxed ,would definitely recommend a visit
7. Claddagh Irish Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Irish Group Travel is a family run Irish Tour Company specialising in escorted tours of Ireland . We deliver a customised chauffeur driven touring experience. Driver / Guide with expert knowledge of the history of Ireland We cover Southern and Northern Ireland & Scotland. We cater for small groups of 2 people up to large groups of 50+. Choose one of our itineraries, or let us design the perfect Irish experience for you. We build your tour to your exact requirements and the particular interests of your group. From iconic sites in Ireland to the many stunning Castles, local history to your own family history if desired, spiritual locations, and breathtaking gardens, off shore islands and the best of Irish Golf and the Wild Atlantic Way. Great Irish music and dance, to the best local cuisine. The choice is yours. Huge choice of accommodation for the family welcome of a B&B to a five star Hotel. Price to suit every budget.
8. Ballina Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Overlooking the world famous river Moy, the redeveloped Ballina Arts Centre offers a quality and diverse program for all ages and tastes, including music (Andy Irvine, Camille O'Sullivan, Mundy, Chamber Philharmonic Europe), cinema, theatre, dance, youth arts, workshops.Ballina Arts Centre is fast becoming one of the ‘must-visit’ gallery spaces in the west and north-west region, with recent exhibitions including ‘Hughie O’Donoghue: North Mayo Retrospect’, Altered Images, ‘Jack B Yeats & the West of Ireland’, as well as numerous Irish artists such as Maria McKinney, Niall Kerrigan, Susan Tiger and many more.
9. Fr. Peyton Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Geraoidin - Ballincar, Ireland
Visited Fr Peyton Centre with my mum just after it reopened after lockdown. A Visitors Centre about the extraordinary life of local man Fr Patrick Peyton. It is an oasis of calmness! Watched a lovely presentation on his life & had a tour of the various pieces of memorabilia on his life! Had delicious tea & scones in Tea Room. The place is well laid out for socially distancing and we felt safe! A really lovey place to visit in the very beautiful countryside of Attymass Co Mayo.
10. The North Mayo Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Located within the curtilage of Enniscoe House is the North Mayo Heritage Centre. The centre is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the region. It includes a Family History Research Unit, which provides a genealogy service for clients all over the world. The centre also has a small museum of unique domestic and agricultural artifacts from North Mayo, an exhibition area and a Victorian 3 acre walled organic garden. In addition, there are a number of looped walks around the woods of Enniscoe and an ornamental garden to enjoy. If you wish to find out more or have a question, please click on the link to our website.
