Wild Nephin National Park is Ireland’s sixth National Park and located on the Western seaboard in northwest Mayo. It comprises of 15,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, covering a vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range. To the west of the mountains is the Owenduff bog. This is one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe and is an important scientific and scenic feature of the National Park. Wild Nephin National Park is part of the Natura 2000 Network, which protects rare and important habitats and species under the EU Habitats and Birds Directive. To the east of the mountains is the Nephin Forest, which is currently mainly comprised of Sitka spruce and lodgepole pine, and was originally planted for commercial purposes. This area is now within the National Park and will be managed for biodiversity and recreation.
Discover
Ballina & Mayo
with the lodge
About Ballina
Situated close to the mouth of Killala Bay, right on the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballina is located just 40 minutes drive from Ireland West International Airport and, easily accessible by rail and bus is the perfect base from which to explore the wonderfully unspoilt, undiscovered gems of the North Mayo region.
Ballina - The Salmon Capital of Ireland
Ballina is a key destination for angling enthusiasts around the world who are attracted to the region’s phenomenal offering. Ballina has been officialyy designated the Salmon Capital of Ireland, reflecting the quality of angling and fly-fishing available on the River Moy.
A fishing holiday in Ireland brings with it the best of experiences – as well as a top-quality fishing product, you’ll also enjoy a great social experience in the evenings in the pubs and restaurants of Ballina.
Kayak on the Moy
Take a tour of Ballina from the river Moy. Starting at the Quay in Ballina you will journey up river along Belleek Forest and through Nimmo’s Canal where you will see amazing flora and fauna such as Kingfishers, Seals and Salmon jumping right beside you.
Stand up paddle board - SUP
Harbour sup n sail offers group or individual Sup sessions from the world class locations at Enniscrone Pier and the Quay Ballina. They have a large range of beginner friendly equipment and can cater for groups of up to 24 people in a single session. certification HSS is a fully insured accredited School
Whiskey Tasting
Join Rachel for a fun & interactive Whiskey Appreciation Session where you will Experience in turn the aromas of specially selected samples of whiskeys. By the end of the Whiskey Tasting, you’ll know what type of whiskey you like best, and you’ll have gained a new appreciation for sipping and savouring its distinctive flavours. “Guaranteed to change the way you think about whiskey!”
Ballina Bike Hire
Explore the Irish countryside and our coastal beauty spots by taking to the Irish roads and greenways by bike. Ballina Bike Hire is the perfect starting point for cycling tours around Ballina and North Mayo.
Broadhaven Irish Tours
Broadhaven Irish Tours specialise in bespoke tours throughout the West of Ireland and beyond – whether it’s listening to a piper on an island off the coast, visiting a stunning deserted beach or experiencing a day on the bog, proud Mayo man Aiden Sweeney can arrange it all. Enjoy an ‘off the beaten track’ tour with a chauffeur service, a once-in-a-lifetime behind the scenes journey along the Wild Atlantic Way and meet the people and the places that make this part of the world such a special place. Travel the experience.
Ballina Art Centre
Ballina has strong traditional heritage, encompassing music and dance. Check out the schedule of the Ballina Art Centre to add some artistic cultural flavour to your stay in Mayo.
Foxford Wollen Mills
The story of Foxford has woven a tale throughout the world since 1892, and has been created and developed by visionaries and entrepreneurs. Foxford Woollen Mills in County Mayo is nestled alongside the majestic flow of the mighty River Moy and the magnificent peaks of the Ox and Nephin Mountains. It is an experience like no other.
Ballina Treasure Hunt - Belleek woods
Let’s go and explore nature, discover Ballina’s hidden gems while solving entertaining riddles. Rachel’s Ballina Treasure Hunt is thoughtfully designed to provide an enjoyable time for the whole family. Follow the clues, find secret locations, and discover more about Ballina’s colourful history.
The Dungeons of Belleek Castle
The Belleek Castle Tour includes an explanation of the origins of the Castle and the history of its former owners, the Knox-Gore family, the Earls of Arran. Learn about the life of Marshall Doran an adventurer, sailor & smuggler who restored Belleek Castle in the 1960’s. Visitors will see private dining rooms, decorated in opulent romantic style, as well as rooms designed by Marshal such as the Medieval Banquet Hall, the Spanish Armada Bar and the Tween Deck. The highlight of the tour is The Marshall Doran Collection, which is one of the finest collections of Jurassic fossils, Medieval Weapons and Medieval armour in Ireland. Visitors will also see the Grace O’Malley “The Pirate Queen’s” bed, the last wolf shot in Connaught and other curiosities.
The Jackie Clarke Collection
The Jackie Clarke Collection is the most important private collection of Irish history material in public hands, comprising over 100,000 items spanning 400 years. The perfect thing to do on a rainy day in Ballina.
Traditional Irish Baking
Join Marjorie in her kitchen for a personalised two hour baking lesson where together you will bake a traditional Irish bread and cake of your choice.Marjorie is author of 4 cookery books, writes a cookery article for Ireland’s Own and also has a cookery slot on local radio; her passion for cooking is contagious. It’s a fun and informal two hours of baking where after you will enjoy a cuppa with your homemade treats in Marjorie’s dining room overlooking the River Moy and Belleek woods.
Connacht Whiskey Company Tour
The Connacht Whiskey Company is one of 38 Irish Whiskey distilleries in Ireland. Take a tour of the distillery to learn about the art of whiskey production and enjoy a sample of their own Whiskey, Vodka, Poitín or Gin.
Céide Fields
Beneath the wild boglands of north Mayo lies a system of fields, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs which together make up the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world.
The stone-walled fields, extending over hundreds of hectares, are the oldest known globally, dating back almost 6,000 years. They are covered by a natural blanket bog with its own unique vegetation and wildlife.
The award-winning visitor centre is set against some of the most dramatic rock formations in Ireland. A viewing platform on the edge of the 110-metre-high cliff will help you make the most of the breathtaking scenery. Come prepared with protective clothing and sturdy footwear, though. The terrain – and the weather – can be challenging.
Knock Shrine
Since the Apparition on the 21st of August 1879, pilgrims and visitors have been welcomed to Knock Shrine from all four corners of the world. Knock Shrine offers a peaceful, contemplative space in which to pray, to reflect and to reconnect.
Wild Nephin National Park
Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is a peak steeped in history, religion and mythology. At 764m high and offering breathtaking views across Clew Bay, climbing it is also a rite of passage for hiking enthusiasts.
Croagh Patrick is one of Ireland’s most stunning mountain climbs with its unique conical shape towering above the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the rugged west coast. On a clear day, it offers panoramic views of the hundreds of tiny, green drumlin islands in Clew Bay, the Wild Atlantic Way, the gorgeous tourist town of Westport and surrounding mountain ranges.
Enniscrone Beach
The amazing golden sandy beach of Enniscrone boasts over three miles of a walk or if you’re feeling energetic, a run. You’ll feel truly energised and refreshed and why not dip your toes in the water as you stroll along? The beach in Enniscrone is always a hub of excitement throughout the year so keep an eye for many events taking place from festivals, runs and much more.
Crossmolina Loop Walks
There has been a series of Loop Walks developed in the Crossmolina area. The Crossmolina Loop Walk Trails consist of different terrain such as Local Town Walks, Woodland (Heritage) Walks & Mountain Walks. The distances vary in length from 3km – 12km and cater for all different abilities.