Situated on the River Deel, near the northern shores of Lough Conn, Crossmolina is on the N59 road, approx 9km west of Ballina. The town derives its name from the Irish 'Crois Uí Mhaoilíona', meaning the Cross of Mullany. The cross referred to, stands in the town in memory of O'Maolfhiona, a chieftain and member of the local ruling family, Clann Fiachra.

The picturesque town of Crossmolina is located 13km from Ballina, 30 mins from both Castlebar and Westport and approx 50km from Ireland West Airport Knock and Knock Marian Shrine. Only 14km from the Mayo coastline, with its beautiful sandy beaches, Crossmolina rests easily in the shadow of Nephin Mountain - a challenging climb for hill walkers, who will be rewarded with breathtaking views of miles of untarnished natural beauty in this idyllic corner of Mayo.

Fishing

Famed from the earliest origins of angling in the west of Ireland, Lough Conn is renowned as a first class brown trout and salmon fishery. Covering approx 14,000 acres Lough Conn measures 9 miles from north to south and varyies in width from 2 to 4 miles. Visitors to the area can enjoy fishing, boating and exploring the many beautiful islands on the lough.

The River Moy is world famous for its salmon fishing with some of the most productive bait and spinning waters to be found anywhere. The Moy estuary, stretching almost 5 miles from Ballina town to Killala bay, has good runs of sea trout.

Visitor Attractions

A number of important visitor centres are within easy reach of Crossmolina, all of which are an excellent family day out:

• North Mayo Heritage Centre at Enniscoe

• Céide Fields Visitor & Interpretative Centre

• Foxford Woollen Mills

• National Museum of Country Life

History & Archaeology

Crossmolina is steeped in history and has a wealth of historical and archaeological sites. Errew Abbey was founded by St Tiernan, the patron saint of Crossmolina, and the ruins of this abbey sit on a tiny peninsula in Lough Conn, 10.5km south-east of Crossmolina. The ruin of Abbeytown Abbey is 1.5km north of Crossmolina and the ruins of the 16th century Deel Castle are approx 5km away, at the northern end of Lough Conn.

Golf

Golf fanatics visiting Crossmolina are well served with a choice of excellent golf courses within short driving distance, including Ballina, Castlebar, Enniscrone and the world famous links course at Carne, Belmullet.

Festival

The annual Crossmolina Community Festival takes place at the end of July each year.