Ballinamore is a thriving rural centre situated at the foot of the Sliabh An Iarainn mountain in Co. Leitrim Ireland. It is famous for its very friendly people and great fun in the pubs (free transport can be arranged from Buille Toll to sample the nightlife).
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) route meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, traversing over tracks, boardwalk and staircase. A steep climb is required to reach the viewing platform which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding low lands.
Ballinamore hosts the County Library with a vast array of information on all things local. Additionally the only Genealogy Centre in Co. Leitrim is located in the town centre or help in tracing your family history.
There are an abundance of lakes surrounding Ballinamore full of bream, roach, hydrids, tench, perch, pike, and even the odd trout. Ballinamore offers year round angling. A World Pairs Angling Championship venue, Lough Garadice, is located two miles from our home and there are also two exceptional lakes, Corgar & Bolganard, within a short walking distance of the B&B.
Ballinamore offers a wide range of options for dining experiences. Choose from your traditional Irish pub grub to an American themed cowboy ranch. The town also boasts stylish cafes, delicious delis and plenty of takeaway choices.
Hill-walking in the surrounding Sliabh An Iarainn with walks to suit all fitness levels. A professional guide is available to hire. Great walking trails within and around the town including the Canal Bank Walk and the Ballinamore Greenway which joins our home with the town. (Maps available)
Ballinamore hosts many annual festivals including a week long Drama Festival held in March and our world famous Family Festival in the second week in August. Cowboys & Heroes is a large country and western themed music festival held each year on the June Bank Holiday weekend.
Family Festival / Drama Festival / Cowboys & Heroes
Take a nostalgic look back at life as it used to be in this very well stocked museum just outside Ballinamore, filled with artifacts from Ireland and Leitrim of old. It is a fascinating visit for family members of all ages.
Take in a show at the newly renovated, state-of-the-art, 240 seat theatre in the town. The venue will host the Annual Drama Festival as well as local productions. There are also other venues nearby with The Dock in Carrick on Shannon and Carrigallen’s Cornmill Theatre.
The Shed Distillery tour brings visitors into the epicentre of the distillery to witness the slow hand-distillation of Connacht’s first whiskey for 105 years ‘Grand Cru’ Irish Whiskey and Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. The visitor centre includes the bright and spacious Shed Café and Gift Shop.
The Arigna Mining Experience brings local history to life, telling the story of Ireland’s coal mining industry and explore the themes of energy – past, present and future. You will also experience being underground in an actual mine shaft.
One of our most famous sons, John McGahern, spent many of his childhood years in Ballinamore and based some of his world-famous novels in this area, particularly his book “Memoirs”.
Ballinamore boasts a nine hole well kept golf course on the banks of the Shannon-Erne waterway with very reasonable green fees. The renowned Slieve Russell and Lough Erne courses are within a half hour’s drive.
www.ballinamoregolfclub.ie / www.slieverussell.ie / www.lougherneresort.com
Take a stroll through Lough Key Forest Park. This 350 hectares park of amazing natural beauty, combines woodland and water with a wealth of points of interest including – Bog Garden, Fairy Bridge, Ice House and a Wishing Chair together with a variety of on site and local facilities and attractions.
From the quayside in Carrick on Shannon, Moon River cruises will take you on a lovely one hour round trip along the River Shannon. The entertaining Moon River captain will explain points of interest and folklore of the area while you relax and enjoy the scenery and light refreshments available on board.
Keep the young ones happy in the new children’s playground and a sport’s hall that can be hired for a range of sports. Nearby Drumcoura City offers horse riding for all levels and is only 2 miles from Buille Toll. There is an indoor play area within 3 miles of the town and Aura Leisure Centre boasts a 25m swimming pool in Carrick on Shannon.
