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Ballyhaunis In BriefBallyhaunis is the first town you come to in Mayo as you travel West, set among a patchwork of green fields, lakes, wildbog and beautiful country lanes. It is known as the “Gateway to Mayo” and is centrally located in the heart of Connaught, equidistant from the major urban centres, 10km from Knock Marian Shrine and 25km from Ireland West Airport Knock. Ballyhaunis’ central location has long made it an ideal centre of distribution for many businesses. There is lots to see and do in Ballyhaunis and its surrounding area. It is very centrally located and is only a short drive from Knock Airport. - Ballyhaunis holds an annual Summer Festival, run by Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce, in June.
The summer festival is held in June some of the events include; Inter-Pub Quiz, Party In The Park, Family Fun Day, Traditional Craft Fair Day, Golf, and a Shooting & Fishing Day. - The Ballyhaunis 8k Road Race, organised by Mayo AC, is held in September. The road race is a very popular event bringing people together from all over the country.
- The Abbey Pattern is held at the end of August. This event is held every year and is organised by the Abbey Partnership. It usually takes place in the last week in August. The Abbey Pattern takes place in the Friary Grounds with Bouncy Castles, Stalls, races, competitions, raffles and much more. It is always a day to enjoy.
Also NearbyBallyhaunis is perfectly positioned for a touring holiday. For ‘Day Trips’ there are many destinations that are all within a one hours drive from Ballyhaunis. - To the North you will find Yeats County – Sligo.
- To the North/West you’ll find the most spectacular coastal scenery and miles of clean, sandy beaches with clear water to swim in.
- To the South/West are the rugged mountains of Connemara with many places of interest such as Kylemore Abbey and Ashford Castle.
- To the East are the beautiful banks of the river Shannon.
- Travel North/East to Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle.
- Just 5 minutes outside of town you will find Gruane Pet Farm and Play Centre.
- Knock Shrine is only 15 minutes drive away.
- Foxford Woollen Mills is approx one hours drive.
- Kiltimagh Railway Museum is only 20 minutes away.
- Turlough Park Museum of Country Life is 45 minutes away.
HistoryFrom Norman times the area of Ballyhaunis was ruled by the Costello family. Jordan Dubh Mac Costello founded the Augustinian Friary in 1384. The town grew around the friary, which became a religious centre, a school, a hospital and a model farm. The friary was destroyed in 1608 and restored in 1641. The friary survives to this day despite its oppression during the Cromwellion and Penal times. The Abbey/Friary was owned and ministered as a place of worship by the Augustinian Friars for several hundreds years up to its closure in 2002 when the order withdrew from the town. In 1848 Ballyhaunis was a small market town, with a police station and a dispensary. With the coming of the railway the town developed as a market centre. By 1892 the population had grown to 911. After a period of economic decline in the 1930’s and 40’s Ballyhaunis was basically a market town servicing the needs of the Agricultural community. In the late 40’s and 50’s a few small industries and distribution companies were set up. Since 1971 there has been an industrial boom with the town having attracted some major industries. Getting to Ballyhaunis- By Rail: Ballyhaunis is on the main Dublin-Westport route. For timetables and more information, visit Irish Rail.
- By Car:
- from Dublin, travel via Mullingar and Roscommon.
- From Dublin via Mulingar and Roscommon
- From Cork via Limerick and Galway
- From Belfast via Enniskilin and Sligo
- From Galway via Tuam and Dunmore
- From Sligo via Charlestown
- By Bus: Ballyhaunis is served by a number of Bus Eireann routes. For timetables and more information, visit Bus Eireann.
- By Air: You can fly to Knock Airport (IWAK) from a number of UK and European locations. Visit the Ireland West Airport Knock website for schedules and carriers.
Facts & Figures- Ballyhaunis has recently built a new sport facility in the Friary grounds. The facility is the first of its kind in Ireland and can be used for different sports such as: five a-side soccer, basketball, badminton, volleyball and tennis.
- Ballyhaunis is the home of Olwyn Murray. She first auditioned for the All Ireland Talent Show in Galway in September 2009 and made it through to the fifth live heat on the 24th January 2010. She came first in the heat for the West and made it to the semi finals on 7th March. The final was held on 14th March where Olwyn came fourth overall.
- The playwrite Bill Naughton was born in Ballyhaunis in 1910. He is best remembered for a number of working class comedies he wrote in the 1960’s, he is especially remembered for “Alfie” in 1963 and which was made into a film in 1966.
- Ballyhaunis is the home of Midwest Radio and access to multi-channel television is provided by a community initiative, known as Ballyhaunis Community Television. Broadband access is now available from a variety of landline and satellite broadband providers.
- There are many places of archaeological and historical interest, including ring and stone forts, megalithic tombs and holy wells, the site of an old castle and church and abbey sites. Ballyhaunis has one of the highest concentrations of Megalithic monuments in the West of Ireland.
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