Ballina (Béal an Aithe, "Mouth of the Ford") lies in the northwest of Ireland, in bog country on the banks of the River Moy, at the point where it widens out before entering Killala Bay, on the Atlantic. As the largest town in Mayo county, Ballina is the marketing center for an extensive hinterland.
For anglers it is a good base from which to fish the River Moy and two well-stocked loughs, Conn and Cullin.
The modern Roman Catholic cathedral has fine stained glass. Nearby are the remains of a 15th C. Augustinian friary.
Near the railroad station a dolmen (National Monument) marks the grave of four brothers who are said to have murdered their foster-father, a bishop, in the sixth century.
In the Ballina area little way beyond Killala on the R315 a side road branches off on the left and runs southeast to Moyne Abbey (National Monument), a 15th C. Franciscan house of which considerable remains survive, though in a state of ruin - the nave, choir (with side chapel) and tower of the church, the cloister with its vaulting, the chapter-house, refectory, kitchen and dorters.
At the northwest end of Lough Conn, on the N59, is Crossmolina, which has a peat-fired power station. There are numerous remains of ring-forts and other ancient structures in the area. 6mi/10km southeast, on a peninsula reaching out into the lough, are the ruins of Errew Abbey (13th C., National Monument).
4mi/6km south of Carrowmore, at Killala, stands a well-preserved round tower 84ft/26m high. Adjoining it is a small 17th C. "cathedra." In 1798 French forces who had landed at Kilcummin bay to support the rebels held out for some time in Killala against British troops.
The R310 runs south from Foxford to the narrow strip of land between Lough Conn, famed for its pike, and Lough Cullin, famed for the fine views from its bridge. In both loughs fishing is free. Pontoon is a favorite fishing resort; boats can be hired.
From Ballina the R315 follows the south and west sides of Lough Conn, heading north. On the left Nephin Mor rises above the plain to a height of 2,626ft/800m. Seen from the northeast at some distance, its handsome and striking silhouette suggests the majesty of a holy mountain.
From Carrowmore the R315 goes south past the remains of Rathfran Friary (13th C., National Monument). Of the church there remains the nave, choir and a chapel (15th C).
In the Ballina 2.5mi/4km south of Moyne Abbey and well worth visiting is Rosserk Friary (National Monument), a 15th C. Franciscan house which preserves extensive remains. A richly carved doorway leads into the aisle-less church, with two chapels in the south transept. It has beautiful windows, a double font (with a round tower carved on one of the supports) and a square tower. The conventual buildings are two-storied.
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Crossmolina, Ireland
