Ballina in Co. Mayo
Ballina, (gaelic Béal an Átha) home of the famous River Moy, is Mayo's largest town. There is a rich variety of pubs, restaurants and nightclubs in the town, which is famous for its hospitality and excellent accommodation base. Among Ballina's key visitor attractions are the ruins of Moyne Abbey, and Rosserk Friary dating back to the 15th century and the impressive St Muredach's Cathedral stands imposingly on the banks of the River Moy.
The River Moy is internationally acknowledged as an exceptional salmon fishery, producing several thousand salmon to the rod annually. The famous Ridge Pool, the salmon anglers paradise, is located in the heart of the town.
Ballina is, of course, the home of the past President of Ireland, Mrs Mary Robinson, and the favourite fishing retreat of the Republic of Ireland's ex Soccer Manager, Jack Charlton.
Each year in July, Ballina ignites into a frenzy of activity with its annual Festival. Over the past four years it has developed into one of Ireland's major festivals, providing a week long feast of free entertainment for the entire family - music, song, theatre, art, heritage, culture and novelty events. Foreign visitors view and experience what is best about Mayo during this spectacular week.
BALLINA'S AUSTRALIAN TWIN
Do you know that there is also a town named Ballina in Australia? Check out these interesting websites for that region:
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The church was founded in 1846. The church building, or meeting house, is located in Walshe Street, directly opposite the former Garda Station.
During the Great Famine of 1845-49 and in the subsequent decades the premises were the centre of a great relief effort, co-ordinated by Rev Thomas Armstrong. The building to the left of the church was formerly an orphanage attached to the congregation.
The church is T-shaped, a typically Presbyterian design. The congregation meets for worship in the upper storey of the building. The ground floor, once a schoolhouse, now comprises a suite of halls.