Take a fascinating trip into Ballina's history
Take a trip into Ballina history's with local historian Carmel Hughes during festival week.
Historical Walking Tours will be taking place during the Ballina Salmon Festival, providing a detailed and insightful look at the story of one of Mayo’s, and perhaps Ireland’s, most historically rich towns.
Whether you are from the area or visiting from afar, there is no better way to learn about this fascinating and colourful history dating back thousands of years than to embark on a walking tour of Ballina with one of the town’s foremost local historians.
Carmel Hughes, a renowned local historian and member of the North Mayo/West Sligo Heritage Group, will be bringing groups on a tour of the town on four days during festival week.
During her tour, Carmel will take you on a journey through Ballina’s history, from the ‘Dolmen of the Four Maols‘, dating from 2000 BC, to our famine burial site, to the General Humbert Monument, which commemorates Humbert’s march through Mayo from his landing in Kilcummin, to the house in which the first female President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, was born.
Along the way, Carmel will point out items of interest such as examples of beautiful Georgian architecture, the Military Quarter, and stunning ecclesiastical ruins. Hear also about Ardnaree (Árd na Riagh) and how Ballina wasn’t always all in County Mayo.
The tours are taking place from Monday to Friday of festival week, with the exception of Wednesday which is National Heritage Day, which is in itself a unique and more hands-on opportunity to experience local history with market stalls and craftspeople lining the streets of Ballina for this very special occasion.
Walking Tours begin at 11am each day, meeting at the Ballina Tourist Office on Pearse Street and run until 1pm. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear.
Tours are free and can be booked by visiting the Ballina Salmon Festival website.
