The lovely County Mayo town will be the centre of attention for the next few weeks, with President Joe Biden’s visit announced recently. So it looks like the best time to visit Ballina will be next week, if you can still make it. Do not confuse this Ballina in County Mayo with the equally picturesque Ballina in County Tipperary. The Tipperary one is well worth its own visit, as it sits prettily on the banks of the stunning Lough Derg. But the ancestral home of the current US President is Ballina in County Mayo.
The 25th Anniversary Of The Good Friday Agreement
The overarching reason for the presidential visit to Ireland is indeed the 25th anniversary of The Good Friday Agreement. 25 years ago, three governments went on a limb to bring parties who were poles apart together with the intention of bringing about a lasting peace for Ireland. It may still be too early to fully measure the success of the Good Friday Agreement. However, it has created an environment for many to move and work freely in a shared island context.
As far as we know, President Biden’s trip will take in Belfast, Dundalk, Dublin and Ballina. It will, without doubt, be fantastic publicity and tourist boost for these places. The Ballina town council and residents will certainly pull out all the stops and dress the town up in its Sunday best for Joe Biden’s public address. With the President, the town will feature across news and social media outlets and receive wider international coverage. And travellers might be inspired to experience the charming town straddling both banks of the river Moy for themselves.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Ballina?
2023 seems to be the year to come. Ballina is celebrating the 300th anniversary of its formal foundation. Various events will mark the tercentenary throughout the year. There is still much to choose from between April and November – see this site.
Considering the wonderfully unpredictable weather on Irelands West Coast, just accept that any time of any month in the year can be wet, windy and cold. When overseas friends ask us what they should pack for a trip to Ireland, we always say, regardless of the time of the year ‘Anything for 5 to 20 degrees Celsius, sun and rain’.
However, we think there are a few pockets of periods in Summer and Autumn when the odds of good weather are slightly higher. These, in our opinion, are late May, mid July and early September. Having said that, May 2021 was exceptionally cold. But the following year, 2022, was the third warmest May since records began. So, our personal observation is not a sure shot by any means, it just gives a better chance, at most, maybe.
And The Best Time To Visit Ballina With Kids?
There are lots of events and activities for children during the Ballina Salmon Festival which runs the week of 8th July in 2023. Ballina’s nickname is The Salmon Capital of Ireland. Hence, the Salmon Festival. Now in its 59th year, it is the longest running community festival on the Wild Atlantic Way. Events in the programme so far announced are Teddy Bears Picnic on Sunday 9th July, National Heritage Day with a market on Wednesday 12th July, and a parade by the renowned street spectacle company Macnas on Saturday 15th July.
The festival has plenty for adults as well as kids. The week will kick off on Saturday 8th July, literally with a splash. The River Moy Swim caught our eye. It is an open water competitive (2,500m) and participation (600m) event capped at 300 swimmers. The participant number corresponds with Ballina’s anniversary year – very neat indeed. Registration is required with fees of €37.45 for the 2.5km and €26.75 for the 600m. Book here.
The festival week traditionally closes with a spectacular firework display along the banks of the river. Full programme details to be announced but you can look forward to arts and crafts workshops, summer disco, walking tours, busking competition, old world school games, music concerts, talks, treasure hunt, stand up, paddle boarding, theatre shows, storytelling, fishing, food pavilion and markets. And if the sun comes out, it should be a really fabulous week in Ballina.
Ballina Salmon Festival
When: 8th – 15th July 2023
Family Friendly: Yes
Entry Fee: Free, individual events ticketed (e.g. Teddy Bear’s Picnic €2)
More Info: News | Ballina Salmon Festival