Ballina

The town of Ballina, centred on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River, is surrounded by 32 kilometers of white, sandy beaches and seemingly endless, crystal waterways — it’s a natural funpark for beach lovers, surfers, boaties, anglers and eco-adventurers. You can relax and enjoy the vast expanses of the Richmond on an historic river cruise or explore the teeming wetlands of North Creek’s upper reaches by canoe. Go bush with a four-wheel-drive adventure tour; take in Ballina’s spectacular coastline from the kilometres of well-paved cycleways; or thrill to the annual migration of the humpbacks from the lighthouse or Skennars Head. The fishing at Flat Rock and Angels Beach is legendary and, if you wet line at dawn from Ballina’s North or South Walls, you’re in for a breakfast feast.

A blend of tranquil seaside hideaway and vibrant holiday resort, Ballina is the commercial and entertainment hub of the shire. The historic thoroughfares of the town centre are lined with stylish cafes and restaurants where you can sample the famous local seafood and, of course, there are plenty of classic country pubs. You can visit museums that showcase Ballina’s colourful history, or discover theatres, galleries and expos that are bursting with the creative output of the region’s many visual and performing artists. There is an enormous choice holiday fun for the kids and, for the die-hard shopaholic, a mind-boggling array of funky boutiques and designer stores.

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.

The church was founded in 1846. The church building, or meeting house, is located in Walshe Street, directly opposite the Police Station. During the Great Famine of 1845-49 and in the subsequent decades the premises were the centre of a great relief effort, coordinated 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.