Killaloe Ballina www.discoverkillaloe.ie
Easy to reach, impossible to leave
Welcome to Killaloe Ballina ME? to do and see. O C U O Y D L U ount WHY SHO ith the am
ay w e blown aw hing for everyone. b l ’l u o Y ✩ et u. truly som welcome. k after yo o lo l ’l e w , ✩ There is sured of a genuine group is e as mall your s r o e ✩ You’ll b g r ter how la ✩ No mat
The towns of Killaloe/Ballina are amongst Ireland’s most picturesque attractions. Linked by a beautiful 13 arch bridge, it’s a place that captures a true sense of peace and warmth. Killaloe, on the Clare side of the river, is made up of charming narrow streets, flanked by old shops along the steep hill looking down over the 13th century cathedral. Ballina, on the Tipperary side, offers an excellent riverside park and seasonal outdoor swimming pool. There are plenty of moorings for cruisers to stop off and explore. Mixed in with the interesting heritage of the towns, both Killaloe & Ballina are hosts to boutiques, bakeries, artisan shops, pubs and galleries making this the perfect location to explore the old and the new. With a vast array of activities on land and water, historic sites and a bustling nightlife, all located in the midst of a beautiful landscape, Killaloe Ballina will delight and entice you to stay that little bit longer.
Come and experience
it!
On the water Whether you want to cruise along or plunge yourself into our water sport activities, we have it all. Explore the River Shannon, its wildlife and its spectacular scenery by stepping on board Killaloe River Cruises. Experience breath-taking views with a variety of relaxing sightseeing tours and learn all about the various sites dotted along the lake. Or explore on your own by hiring a boat from AnnaCarriga Marina and Lakeboat Hire or Shannon Lakeboat and Mini Cruiser Hire. If you fancy paddling your own canoe, hire one to explore the canoe trails on the lake. If you need more adrenaline, try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or kayaking at the University of Limerick Activity Centre. The clear, clean waters are renowned for both coarse and trout fishing. Fish the waters with help from TJ’s Angling Centre.
Exploring Whether you want a two-hour afternoon ramble or a week-long trek, the area offers plenty of variety. Stretch your legs and breathe in the views along the long-distance Lough Derg Way and East Clare Way or sample day treks along their routes. If two wheels are more your thing, hire a bike with Planet-Tri and get off the beaten track by exploring the many cycle routes in the area. One of the simplest pleasures of any visit to Killaloe Ballina is to wander its narrow winding streets and absorb the colours, aromas and bustling life of the towns. Inhale the richness and flavours of blackboard menus enticing you in to savour local delicacies and international flavours. Browse the many shops and galleries or immerse yourself in the town’s history.
Heritage Since prehistoric times, Killaloe Ballina has been an important site and once was the seat of Brian Ború (940-1014), the High King of Ireland. His numerous descendants assisted in building the Cathedral and other churches not far from the river’s bank. Killaloe has heritage town status so you’re assured that history is around every corner. Immerse yourself in history by visiting the Brian Ború Heritage Centre which charts the history of Killaloe and Brian Ború or follow our self guided heritage trail around the town.
Places to eat
After all of your exploring, you’ll be ready to eat. And you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer. Killaloe and Ballina are well known for the variety of their award winning restaurants, pubs and cafes. In fact, many come to the area just to eat and watch the Shannon pass by. Walk around guided by your senses and be enticed to explore your tastebuds. If you are in need of a caffeine fix, then cosy cafes, some with gift shops or art galleries, are the ideal place to while away an hour.
Catch the right day and enjoying a picnic beside the lakeside will seem like a slice of heaven. Pre-order your picnic at the many shops and delis in the area and prepare to spend the perfect afternoon munching on local produce.
At night
Killaloe Ballina is magical by night. Watch our distinctive 13 arch bridge and the streets be transformed as night falls. Take in the welcoming atmosphere in the multiple bars and award winning restaurants. Food lovers have a wide choice in restaurants as well as bistros and bars, many in appealing waterside locations. Frequently impromptu rousing sessions of authentic traditional music and set dancing break out in bars. Ask locally or at the tourist office for the best musical nights and locations.
Places to stay
The range of accommodation stretches from top quality hotels to friendly B&Bs, guest houses and self catering options – all offering excellent value for money. Whether you fancy a luxurious break for a girl’s weekend, somewhere to gather your loved ones for a family celebration, or a spot to truly get away from it all, Killaloe Ballina has something to suit every personality and pocket.
ITINERARIES You’ll never be bored in Killaloe Ballina. And to prove it we have put together a sample of itineraries to get you thinking about your next group break with us.
The perfect day Start the day with a delightful cruise on the River Shannon, followed by a lazy lunch at one of our award winning venues. Book yourself in for art activities at Quay Arts for the afternoon. Then enjoy a stroll around the shops followed by evening dinner and a night of traditional music by the river bank.
Celebrate with your family Celebrate together in our stunning lakeside setting with accommodation that will suit the budgets of all your family members. Create memories to treasure by hiring a boat and exploring the lake in the morning. Back on dry land, try an archery lesson or explore the history of the area by visiting the Brian Ború Heritage Centre. Swap tales that evening at one of our delicious restaurants as leisure cruises float past.
on
Cruise on the Shann
Team building Want to get your team working better together? Spend the perfect day at the University of Limerick Activity Centre located on the shores of Lough Derg.
09.45 Tea/coffee and your group briefing 10.00 Take on the High Ropes Challenge 12.40 Take a well-earned break for lunch 13.20 Compete in our Derg Canoe Race 16.00 Debrief
Race the Dragon
Boats
If that’s a little bit too active for your group, a wide range of creative activities can be arranged at Quay Arts. Try your hand at basket making, patchwork, or painting in oils or with watercolours. We offer it all – meeting rooms to accommodate up to 300 delegates at The Lakeside Hotel and AnnaCarriga Estate, state of the art facilities, award-winning food and an amazing choice of activities and entertainment options all in one town. We have hosted many international meetings; some that return year after year.
Relax and unwind Looking to recharge your batteries – look no further. Here’s the day you’re looking for.
10am Go back in history by following the self-guided walking tour. Stop for a coffee and cake at whatever café stops you in your tracks. Drop into the Brian Ború Heritage Centre and explore St. Flannan’s Cathedral. 1pm Settle into a pub and sample our beautiful food. Watch the world go by. 2pm Jump aboard and cruise the lake in the afternoon with guided commentary helping you to appreciate the surroundings. 7pm Dinner in one of our award winning restaurants. 9pm Listen or join in with a music session in one of our traditional pubs.
Enjoy the silence
Pamper day Organising the perfect weekend for the girls? Here it is… 10am – Enjoy a late leisurely breakfast. 11am - Unwind in one of our many great beauty, nail or hair salons. Enjoy organic fresh juices, teas and nibbles while you are treated to a therapeutic treatment or head massage. 1pm – A lazy lunch with the girls. 3pm - Cruise in the afternoon with a glass of wine while you take in the views. 7pm – Finish the day off with a beautiful dinner with panoramic views of the lake and stay the night.
Just relax
Do it all again the following day!
Indulge yours
elf
Adrenaline junkies If you’re looking for a day with a difference, try the following…. 10am – Catch a breeze by taking a windsurfing lesson. 12 Noon – Try and catch a monster predator pike with a local expert while enjoying a picnic on board. 3pm – Tackle the climb to the top of Tountinna (432 metres) where you can see seven counties beneath your feet. 7pm – Enjoy a well earned dinner and drinks while you out-do each other with tales of your adventures.
No fear
Ride the wind
Abbey
WHERE TO FIND US
Portumna
Woodford
Terryglass
Gorteeny
DERRY
Whitegate
N52
Mountshannon
Puckane
Scarriff Holy Island Tuamgraney Bodyke
Dromineer Garrykennedy
Ogonnelloe
Two Mile Gate
Portroe
Newtown
KILLALOE BALLINA
BELFAST Nenagh 24
Dublin
25 26
M7
Silvermines Birdhill O’Brien’s Br.
27
Montpelier
7
DUBLIN
GALWAY 8
6 4 5
KILLALOE BALLINA
Clare
3 2
M7
Tipperary
1 LIMERICK 9 10 ROSSLARE
CORK
Key Attractions 1
Limerick City (Hunt Museum, King John’s Castle, University of Limerick, Thomond Park, Milk Market)
5 Cliffs of Moher 6 Aillwee Caves 7 Connemara
2 Bunratty Castle
8 Galway City
3 Ennis
9 Holycross Abbey
4 The Burren
10 Rock of Cashel
TOUR SUGGESTIONS Two
One
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, The Hunt Museum, King John’s Castle, Adare Village & Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Aillwee Caves, Galway City, Galway Crystal Visitor Centre, An Spideal (Gaeltacht area)
Three
Rock of Cashel, Holy Cross Abbey, Glen of Aherlow
Four
Ennis Town, The Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
VISITOR INFORMATION www.discoverkillaloe.ie
Ballina Killaloe Tourist Office The Bridge, Killaloe, Co. Clare. T: + 353 61 376 866
GETTING HERE By road Adare, Co. Limerick Bunratty Castle Birr Castle Cashel Shannon
Kms 44 36 59 79 45
Time 33 mins 37 mins 56 mins 60 mins 35 mins
SatNav: Latitude/Longitude 52.8077, - 8.4389
By road Cliffs of Moher Cork Dublin Limerick Killarney
Kms 90 126 187 20 135
Time 75 mins 120 mins 120 mins 20 mins 120 mins
Free coach parking available
ACTIVITIES MENTIONED Cruises: www.killaloerivercruises.com (086) 8140559 Land and water activities: www.ulac.ie (061) 376622 Boat hire: www.annacarriga.com (061) 376777 and www.fishingforkids.ie (086) 7856633 Fishing packages & equipment: www.tjsangling.com (061) 376009 and fishingforkids.ie (086) 7856633
Bike hire: www.planet-tri.ie (061) 622062 Art Activities: www.quayarts.ie (061) 622487 Business conferences: www.annacarriga.com (061) 376777 and www.lakesidehotel.ie (061) 376122 Accommodation, food & pampering: www.discoverkillaloe.ie
EXPERIENCE OUR TWIN TOWNS explore activities on land and water, historic sites and a bustling nightlife, all located in the midst of the beautiful landscape
www.discoverkillaloe.ie
Brought to you: Ballina Killaloe Business Association www.discoverkillaloe.ie Design: One Little Studio www.onelittlestudio.com Photography: Charlie McGeever Photography www.charliemcgeeverphotography.com
Comhshaol, Pobal agus Rialtas ﾃ（tiﾃｺil Environment, Community and Local Government