The best cycling routes around Ballina Municipal District

Lough Cullin sounds like a really peaceful and ecologically important place, especially with its connection to Lough Conn and the River Moy system. I didn’t realize how directly it links freshwater habitats to the Atlantic—makes it even more interesting.https://www.metlifedentalproviders.com

The Black Pig Monument in Enniscrone is a striking tribute to one of the most fascinating legends of the Irish west coast. This four-meter-long, three-tonne sculpture, crafted by local artist Cillian Rogers, brings to life the tale of a mythical black boar said to have been possessed by an evil spirit. According to folklore, the beast first terrorised Donegal before crossing the sea and coming ashore at Enniscrone. After a ferocious chase, the magical sow was eventually slain in the nearby Muckdubh (Irish for "Black Pig Field"). Legend has it that the pig was so poisonous that anyone who touched her died instantly, forcing the villagers to bury her on the spot under a huge mound of clay and stones, which can still be seen in the landscape today. Nowadays, the monument is a beloved landmark along the coast road, not only honouring the region's rich mythology but also serving as the centrepiece of the annual Black Pig Festival.

Old, rural cemetery in Killanley (Co. Sligo), peacefully situated between fields and low hedges. You will find weathered gravestones, a simple enclosure and the quiet character of a former parish site.

Bridge without historical or architectural value. But it does offer a viewpoint over the river and specifically the Muredach Cathedral.

Ballina, the atmospheric 'Salmon Capital of Ireland', is beautifully situated at the mouth of the River Moy in County Mayo. The city breathes history with its Georgian architecture, the imposing 19th-century St. Muredach’s Cathedral, and the world-famous Jackie Clarke Collection. Nature lovers can indulge themselves in Belleek Woods, one of Europe's largest urban forests, where, alongside idyllic walking paths, you'll also find the mysterious concrete shipwreck of the SS Creteboom. As a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballina is the ideal base for a visit to the spectacular sea stack of Downpatrick Head or the prehistoric Céide Fields.

Large, quiet forest along the Moy with wide, sheltered paths and beautiful light between pines and old oaks. You ride through it smoothly without traffic. Along the way, you pass quiet landmarks like Belleek Castle and the old ice house. Perfect as a green corridor around Ballina.

Moyne Abbey is a beautiful example of a late medieval Franciscan friary, founded in 1460. The ruin has remained astonishingly intact, featuring a slender central tower, atmospheric cloisters, and Gothic windows overlooking the sea. In 1590, the friary was plundered and burned by the English governor of Connacht, but the stone walls endured. Today, the site offers a serene tranquility and a unique glimpse into 15th-century monastic life, surrounded by green fields and the gentle waters of the estuary.

The Killala Round Tower is an impressive 12th-century landmark that towers over the village at 25.5 meters high. This limestone tower originally served as a bell tower and place of refuge for the nearby monastic settlement. A notable detail is the doorway, located more than 3 meters high as a defense against raiders. Despite a severe lightning strike in the 19th century, the tower stands in full glory again after a thorough restoration, right next to St. Patrick's Cathedral.