Opinions Sought - Ballina, Co Mayo

stewh · Guru

Opinions Sought - Ballina, Co Mayo

tony2phones · Guru

Under rated by many but a great spot for a week and trips out to Sligo and Achill Isle or further afield. There is a lot of things within a couple of hours from beaches to museums. As you are flying into Shannon you might want to detour across to Clifden on the way up with Arts week running 15th - 25th, these links might also be of interest.

http://www.northmayo.ie/information-center.html

http://www.museumsofmayo.com/ceide.htm

http://www.independent.ie/travel/inside-ireland/secret-ireland-yeats-country-2497336.html

-- Edited by tony2phones on Wednesday 19th of January 2011 10:51:34 AM

CowboyCraic · Guru

Dia Duit, Stew,

How terrific for you! As to Ballina, I am not a huge fan of the town, myself. I found it to be congested and a bit hard to navigate. Ballycastle or Kilala, either would be my choice over Ballina.

There is a self-catering just outside of Kilala, Rathoma Cottage, that might work well for you. It is in Rathoma Village. It might be a bit big for just the two of you, as it sleeps 6.

Slan Beo,

Bit

murphy · Guru

I would have to agree with Bit. We were traveling thru NW Ireland on a wing and prayer in 2009 after my Wife's accident, with some of our pre-arranged B&B's now cancelled. We were up north of Ballina,heading southeast, went thru town, thinking we might find a B&B there. We got caught in a huge traffic back-up due to stop lights not working. The town had very narrow streets, congested traffic, and we decided we didn't want to get out of traffic to look for a B&B, and elected to go all the way to Tobercurry. At that point, I was not too impressed with the town, but then again under different circumstances...it may have been alright. Dan

Michele Erdvig · Host

Stewart,

I've not stayed in Ballina but have driven through it many times. Just from memory is seemed a bit dreary to me but - who knows - could have been the day was dreary. It is a great spot for fishermen and that is who the town generally caters to as far as tourists. However, there is a big difference between driving through a place and staying there. It might be a great town for a week. As Tony suggested it could be a base for Mayo and Sligo.

From there you could see a lot of Mayo, Achill Island, Belmullet, Sligo even over to Lough Key Forest Park near Boyle. I guess it depends on your interests in the area.

There is a lot of self-catering in Killala so you might want to check out Bit's suggestion of that town too.

Do you have a certain cottage in mind?

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Stewart,

I found this book while doing a search: http://www.terry-reilly.com/books/69-a-rambling-tour-through-dear-old-ballina.html

Perhaps it would help you make a decision?

Michele

Roy · Guru

In 2009 we went to Lough Key with my wife's family- what a wonderful day that was! I would love to go back sometime. We drove up from Rooskey.

stewh · Guru

Thanks everyone for the input.

Tony, we have spent time in a number of 'off the beaten track' places with a lot of success (usually). A week gives us time to really get to know an area and the people; I have favourite 'locals' in a few Irish towns and villages. Thanks for the Clifden info - we will probably be spending the week of Sept 24 or Oct 1 self-catering in Roundstone.

Bit, good information as usual. We have found with self-catering that we much prefer to be within easy walking distance of shops and pubs. I have sent inquiries re: availability at the Old Deanery Holiday Cottages in Killala. Location seems to fit the bill; do you know anything about them?

Dan, you, and particularly your wife, had some very bad luck on that trip. Thanks for your impression of Ballina; it is difficult to get an idea of a place not having been there.

Michele, as always you are very helpful. We have spent complete weeks in places like Inchigeelagh, Birr and Boyle and they have all grown on us. The house we are talking about in Ballina is Salmon Court, seems to be in a good location. Thanks for the book link, looks promising.

Roy, we spent a week in Boyle a couple of trips ago, loved the whole Lough Key area.

There is really no 'must see' list for this trip. With plenty of time to plan I want to find self-catering accommodation that fit our criteria and are located in towns or villages that we would find interesting. We are very open to any suggestions.

Stewart

-- Edited by stewh on Wednesday 19th of January 2011 09:36:18 PM

-- Edited by stewh on Wednesday 19th of January 2011 09:36:44 PM

Roy · Guru

Stewart,

I agree with you on staying within easy walking distance of shops and pubs- whether it be B&B's or self-catering.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Stewart,

Google Old Deanery and you will find reviews. I also found a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DPSEb1MM8Y

I like the looks of Salmon Court. It says they are a "few minutes walk" to the town. The Irish have a different view of a few minutes than many of us might. You might want to actually confirm the mileage. Obviously if within walking distance of Ballina you won't have to contend with the traffic.

I've stayed at self-catering in the middle of nowhere and right in Adare village. Each one had their own pros and cons. But I agree thoroughly that being within walking distance of a town or village is a definite plus.

I have to admit that the actual cottage would be the final determining factor for me. If I am staying somewhere for a week I want it to be nice.

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Stew,

I have not yet had a chance to stay in the Old Deanery Cottages but it is on my short list. They are well situated in the village centre. I could imagine sipping a morning cuppa and looking up at the ancient church and round tower or, out another window, looking out over Killala Bay.

I had lunch at the Tower Bar . I remember that the food was delicious, hearty and filling. There was some banter about us missing out on some good Trad music taht night, as we were driving through on a Saturday.

Slan Beo,

Bit

stewh · Guru

Thanks Michele and Bit, the cottages look good to me in the reviews & video. I had an email from Liz Keane, the owner and she was friendly and helpful. I think this may be the place for us - a small town (Killala) near a bigger town (Ballina). Hopefully like a favourite small town (Killaloe) near 2 good bigger towns (Ennis & Nenagh). Thanks bit for the Tower Bar info; I'm always interested in a good pub!

Stewart

Michele Erdvig · Host

Stewart,

Hope Killala works out for you. The setting of the Old Deanery Cottages looks lovely - right on the water and beside the town. You will have to fill us in on everything after your trip.

Michele

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Stewart:

If you will be staying in Killalla, you might want to read up on some of the local history: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2386/is_2_115/ai_n8693729/?tag=content;col1

There is (was - back in '02 cry

) an EXCELLENT Bookstore in Ballina, where I bought a number of titles, particularly a reprint of Bishop Stock's Year Of The French .

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0906462088?SubscriptionId=0QCHRJVSKG6F3BRGBNG2&tag=pbs_00005-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=0906462088

Mine was in paperback and only about 9 Euro .... biggrin

Bob

stewh · Guru

Bob
Thanks for the reading links. I've had some interesting reading experiences associated with travel in Ireland. About 10 (or so) years ago I found myself in a little self catering house in Inchigeela about 50 ft from the River Lee reading an original copy of Robert Gibbings Lovely is the Lee - sort of a spooky feeling reading about Inchigeela c.1945 while I was there. I had picked up the book at a used book store here in Canada a couple of days before we left - had no idea of the content. Another time I re-read James Joyce's Ulysses just before going to Ireland. Not for the faint of heart but certainly got me into an 'Irish Rhythm'. I'll see about The Year of the French before the next trip or maybe pick it up while there.

We have booked in to the Old Deanery cottages for the last week of Sept; it was the inclusion of turf for the fireplace that sealed the deal! Still working on the other 2 weeks, this will be our first trip in the Fall. Thanks again, your advice is always right on.
Stewart

Michele Erdvig · Host

Stewart,

Good to hear you have your self-catering sorted out. I hope it is nice and a good place to stay. Sounds like you will be snug and warm in front of your turf fire.

Michele