Ballymote
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Understand
Ballymote is a growing market town in south County Sligo, in the west of Ireland. It is an historic town, with Ballymote Castle, built by Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, dating from 1300.
Get in
Ballymote is on the main train line from Dublin to Sligo, with 8 trains daily each way. It is approximately 20 minutes South of Sligo, via the N4 (Dublin road), N17 (Galway Road) and R293 roads.
Get around
As Ballymote is only a small village (population of 1,229 according to the 2006 census) you could walk around it in a very short time. The general Ballymote area, however, is inaccessible without some other form of transport, mostly car or bike, both of which can be hired in Sligo, only 15 miles away.
See
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Ballymote Castle
phone: +353 71 918-3992 (Enterprise Centre Grattan Street)address: Tubbercurry Rd (R296)Although there are now no traces of the interior domestic buildings, you can see inside the very impressive walls of this early 14th century keepless castle. There are no guides, so you show yourself around. Do ask at the Enterprise Centre for the information leaflet. -
Fighting 69th Monument
address: Ballymote Park, Sligo Road (R294)Ireland's national monument commemorating Ballymote-born General Michael Corcoran and the Fighting 69th Infantry regiment of the US Civil War. The monument also includes a small chamber set flush with the ground, which contains a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. This was donated by the parents of firefighter Michael Lynch, who perished in the attack, and who was from the local area. A visitor's book is available in the Coach House Hotel in ballymote, a five minute walk from the monument.
Do
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phone: +353 71 918-9310address: PortinchIreland's largest sanctuary for owls and birds of prey. Many different species of eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, Etc. During Flying Demonstrations, handlers and scientists inform about the biology and role of raptors in nature. Birds fly over your head, you may even get the chance to touch some of these princes of the skies.
Annual Ballymote Heritage WeekendA variety of events held over the bank holiday weekend in August each year
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Gillighan's World
phone: +353 71 91 30286address: KnocknasheeMiniature villages, Faerie botanical gardens, views and a restaurant Town ParkTown park contains a childrens play area and is the start of the Ballymote Heritage Trail
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address: The White Hag Ballymote Co SligoTour of microbrewery of ale, beer, stout, IPA and lager.
Eat
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The B1 Diner
phone: +353 71 918-3002address: Lord Edward St (AKA The Rock)Good quality cafe, coffee, scones, sandwiches, etc. -
Ballymote Oriental Restaurant
phone: +353 71 918-3490address: Lord Edward St (AKA The Rock)Tasty Chinese food, great service, with sit down restaurant upstairs.
Drink
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Doddy's Lounge
phone: +353 71 918-3525address: Grattan StGood pub, friendly staff, big screen for sporting occasions. Busiest on Friday and Saturday nights, but often empties later as crowds go elsewhere to clubs. -
Hayden's
phone: +353 71 918-3188address: Lord Edward StGood old-fashioned looking pub, great Guinness. Regular traditional music, singing and story-telling sessions.
Sleep
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Coach House Hotel
phone: +353 71 918-3111address: Grattan StWonderful food with very friendly staff. -
phone: +353 71 918-3329Has hotel accommodation and self-catering in lodges on the grounds. Also cater to groups and parties.
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phone: +353 71 918-3449address: Keenaghan
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phone: +353 71 918-3329address: BallinacarrowTemple House, in Sligo, is a classical Georgian mansion set in a private estate of over 1,000 acres, overlooking a 13th century lakeside castle of the Knights Templar. The Perceval family home since 1665, the present manor was redesigned in 1864 and enjoys the authentic and unpretentious country house atmosphere.