Experience Ballinasloe – Something For Everyone

Published On: April 21, 2023Categories: 10 Year Plan, Community, Development

BACD are delighted to launch the Ballinasloe Experience Weekend: Something for everyone.

Over the past 24 months BACD commissioned a tourism feasibility study for the Area ( from Ballyforan Bridge to Meelick weir and from Aughrim Battlefield to Shannonbridge). The Study was launched last April in conjunction with Hidden Heartlands, Waterways Ireland, the Western Development Commission, Galway Rural Development  and Galway County Council Tourism Dept.

A steering group of local community tourism and hospitality interests was formed and have been working closely with consultants appointed by Failte Ireland/Hidden Heartlands to create a “Sample Tourism Weekend” to highlight key pillars of activities that locals and visitors alike can partake in and to grow awareness of all the opportunities that really do exist locally for people to be engaged with while in the area

Community Tourism Group

  1. Seamus Duffy Chair BACD Clg
  2. Brian King, Vice Chair BACD Clg
  3. Lyn Donnelly Manager BACD Clg
  4. Michelle McAllister, CEO & Founder Ahascragh Distillery & Visitor Centre
  5. Graeme Gullane, Gullanes Hotel
  6. Ruth O Brien, Manager Shearwater hotel
  7. Brid Lyons, Clontuskert Development Group & Ballinasloe Walks and Trails
  8. Graham Bartlett, IWAI River Suck Branch
  9. Martina Flanagan Administration Manager BACD & Chair Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds
  10. Pearse Keller, Owner Keller Travel & board member of BACD
  11. Tommie Costello, Owner Cuckoo Hill bootcamp
  12. Abbie McGowan, Member Aughrim 1691
  13. Claire Gibbons, Owner  Gibbons Pillar House Bar & B&B & member of Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds
  14. Claire Dolphin, member  Rossway Walking Group
  15. Mike Riddell, member Aughrim 1691
  16. Alan Harney, member  Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre

Key to the project is the strategic positioning of the town and the network as a touchstone town on the twin pillars of the Beara Breffni Way and the Shannon Erne Waterway and the heritage and amenity assets of the area.

Based on the findings of the feasibility Study and guidance from Failte Ireland/Irelands Hidden Heartlands  an itinerary for the weekend of the 26-28th May has been put together for locals and visitors to experience

The programme of Events

  1. Rambling House  Gibbons Bar Friday 26th May @ 9pm
  2. Guided Bog Walk from Ballinasloe to Clonfert Saturday 27th May @ 9.00am & 11am
  3. Guided Tour Ahascragh Distillery Saturday 27th May @11am
  4. Boat Cruise from Shannonbridge to Ballinasloe  Saturday 27th May @ 4pm
  5. Tour of Battle of Aughrim  Sunday 28th @ 10 am
  6. Kayaking on River Suck Sunday 28th @1pm & 2pm
  7. Kids Heritage & Treasure Trail Sunday 28th @ 1pm

This initiative is being run in a voluntary capacity by the steering group with cover charges for the different activities to cover the costs. Financial support has also been received from Galway County Council (CSS Fund) and Ballinasloe Credit Union.