Free guided heritage tour of Ballina
HeritACT is a three-year European project involving 14 partners across five countries. Pictures: John O'Grady
Following a celebration of one of Mayo’s most notable historical figures, local architectural social enterprise ACT (Accelerating Change Together) is inviting the public to join a free guided walking tour next Sunday to explore innovative HeritACT installations across the town of Ballina.
HeritACT is a three-year European project involving 14 partners across five countries. In Ballina, ACT, which is based at IQ Ballina, works alongside Mayo County Council to explore how institutional buildings can support the EU Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus. During early 2026, six innovative solutions will be progressed in the town, blending creativity with sustainable solutions to strengthen the local community.
Last month, the Jackie Clarke Collection hosted ‘A Celebration of Dr Kathleen Lynn’, a special event that blended storytelling with modern technology in memory of one of the county’s most respected figures of the 20th century. Attendees experienced the life of the pioneering physician and revolutionary through engaging stories shared by Dr Yvonne McDermott (ATU) and an exhibition of prints and drawings created by Foróige youth participants under the guidance of visual artist Joanna Hopkins. The Foróige participants' work remains on view at the Jackie Clarke Collection until Tuesday, February 10.
The event also saw the launch of a new Augmented Reality (AR) app. Now live at the old Ballina Mineral Water Company building, the app allows users to access digital memories and stories of the site, effectively bringing heritage to life.
Building on this momentum, ACT and Clodagh Fleming of Ballina Walking Tours will lead a guided walk to showcase how underused spaces are being reactivated through the EU-funded HeritACT project.
The walking tour will take place on Sunday, February 8, from 12.30pm to 4.30pm, starting at Ballina's new Sensory Park on the Sligo Road.
The afternoon will conclude with a finale event at 5pm in the former Convent of Mercy building on McDermott Street/Convent Hill, which was originally known as the Convent of the Immaculate Conception, All Hallows, and will feature pavilion and projection mapping installations.
“This project is not just about what we build, but how and why,” said the team at ACT. “It’s about preserving our heritage while welcoming new communities into these reactivated spaces."
The walking tour and finale event are free but ticketed, and can be booked online via Eventbrite.
