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Killaloe/Ballina

Straddling the Clare – Tipperary border, these twin towns have a unique setting on Lough Derg. They are steeped in the history, antiquities and traditions surrounding the last Irish High King, Brian Boru, the O’Brien Clan and the bishops of Killaloe.

On the Clare side, in Killaloe, you have a network of charming narrow streets, flanked by old shops and houses that climb up the steep hillside and look down over the 13th century cathedral.

The buildings of Ballina, in North Tipperary line the roadway that runs parallel to the river. The high ground is dominated by the Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre  offering excellent accommodation. Below it, one of the many first-class pubs in the town stands by the old quayside.

Just upstream, a new marina caters for the hundreds of leisure craft that make Killaloe/Ballina one of the best centres for water activities in Ireland. The old canal banks, disused railway line and narrow streets and footpaths of the old town add up to the twin towns being a delightful place to wander through.

History & Heritage

Points of interest along the way include the beautiful cathedral in Killaloe, which was founded about 1185 by Donal Mór O Brien. A monastery that previously stood on this site was founded by St. Fachnan, who was followed as Abbot by St Flannan, the patron saint of the diocese of Killaloe.

Other places of note include the 12th century Romanesque St Flannan’s Oratory in the grounds of the Cathedral and St Molua’s oratory situated in the grounds of the Catholic Church further up the hill.

The Heritage Centre in the town provides detailed information on the legendary Brian Boru, who ruled Ireland from this area a thousand years ago. It also explores the theme of Celtic Ireland. Find out about the arrival of Christianity and the monastic tradition, as well as the development of the River Shannon as a transport system from earliest times.

Each year, the legacy of Brian Boru is celebrated in Killaloe/Ballina during the festival ‘Feile Brian Boru’.

‘Beal Boru’, or Brian Boru's Fort, is a large ring fort between the River Shannon and the Killaloe – Tuamgraney road, just north of Killaloe where, tradition has it, cattle were driven across the River Shannon as a ‘tribute’ or fee to Brian Boru from other tribes.

A number of excellent restaurants and pubs are located in Killaloe/Ballina, as well as other shops and services.

The area is a major boating centre, with an excellent marina. A powerboat school operates nearby, while the UL Activity Centre offering a range of adventure pursuits is close by Ogonnelloe

A small lakeside Blue Flag beach is located at Ballycuggeran near  Killaloe in a designated conservation area.

A river walk on the Ballina side of the lake brings you to the purpose built children’s playground and an outdoor swimming pool. New showers, toilets, changing facilities, picnic and bbq facilities are also located at this point.