EXPLORING BALLINASLOE
|
The ‘Exploring Ballinasloe’ project is an initiative of the Ballinasloe Fit Town Team in partnership with Ballinasloe’s Engineering Department, Galway County Council and Galway Sports Partnership. The aim of the project is to promote and develop Ballinasloe’s rich natural landscape, biodiversity, heritage, strategic location and infrastructure so that it can be discovered and enjoyed by everyone.
In addition, we plan to develop Ballinasloe as an ‘Active Town’, to promote a more cycle-friendly and walking–friendly culture within the community as outlined in Government's Active Town /Smarter Travel Programme. The focus will be in providing interlinks between residential areas, workplaces and schools and public transport. The benefits of exercise to our overall health and wellbeing (both physical and mental health) is well documented. There is no denying our modern lifestyles place many demands on us and the challenge for many is to find time to incorporate exercise into our everyday life. Ballinasloe and its hinterland has an abundance of options for outdoor pursuits, with so many ways in which we can weave exercise into our day ‘naturally’. We invite you to ‘Go Exploring’! Sincere thanks to photographer extraordinaire Robert Riddell for use of his beautiful photographs |
If you have any ideas or contributions you think would benefit the project we encourage you to get in touch with the team by emailing [email protected]. |
Click on the tabs below to find out more about Exploring Ballinasloe
Walking
Our main recreational trail is The Hymany Way which forms one of a series of 11 sections of the greater Beara Breifne Way. Full details of the trail including route map can be found here.
Ballinasloe has a number of accessible walking routes both within and around the urban area. One of the towns greatest attractions, Garbally College Demesne is a walkers paradise with its leafy avenues and mature woodlands. The main entrance to the College is within easy walking distance from the town centre, continuing up Brackernagh, Garbally Gates are on your right on the western outskirts of the town. Alternatively you can access the grounds through a trail which runs from Ard Mhuire/Garbally Drive (parallel to the Brackernagh Road at the rear of Portiuncula Hospital).
Ballinasloe has a number of accessible walking routes both within and around the urban area. One of the towns greatest attractions, Garbally College Demesne is a walkers paradise with its leafy avenues and mature woodlands. The main entrance to the College is within easy walking distance from the town centre, continuing up Brackernagh, Garbally Gates are on your right on the western outskirts of the town. Alternatively you can access the grounds through a trail which runs from Ard Mhuire/Garbally Drive (parallel to the Brackernagh Road at the rear of Portiuncula Hospital).
|
Wherever you decide to wander, we want you to enjoy your walk and we ask that you do so responsibly ;-) http://www.leavenotraceireland.org/ |
Future Plans
This is a priority area of the project and we are currently engaging with the national Trails Office to undertake an audit of existing recreational trails/routes. We have requested them to conduct a needs assessment on all routes identified in the audit with a view to ‘breathing new life’ into them and developing and promoting recreational walkways/greenways that can be enjoyed by community and visitors alike. Read more by clicking here.
This is a priority area of the project and we are currently engaging with the national Trails Office to undertake an audit of existing recreational trails/routes. We have requested them to conduct a needs assessment on all routes identified in the audit with a view to ‘breathing new life’ into them and developing and promoting recreational walkways/greenways that can be enjoyed by community and visitors alike. Read more by clicking here.
Walking Club
Rosway Walking Club is our local walking group. The club was set up in 2006 to increase participation in outdoor activities for the East Galway/South Roscommon area. The name ROSWAY was chosen on the basis that it comprised the first 3 letters of Roscommon and the last 3 letters of Galway ensuring that all sides of the border were represented. The club caters for all its members irrespective of age or fitness levels.
Walks are held every 2nd weekend and can cover distances from 5 km and take between 1 to 8 hours to complete depending on distance and complexity. Different routes are covered and serve 2 purposes - to help club members achieve an improved level of fitness and allow some club members to partake in less strenuous outings if they wish.
Club members have climbed some of the highest and toughest peaks in Ireland, UK, Europe and some have even tackled Kilimanjaro in Africa.
Further information and updates can be found on their facebook page
Running
|
We were delighted to host our first ever Marathon in Ballinasloe in partnership with local runner Aiden Sheridan and the Marathon Club of Ireland as part of his fundraising campaign ’52 Marathons in 52 Weeks’ for Breast Cancer Ireland. With an option for a half or full marathon route, the run attracted large numbers and plans are already in place to make this an annual event.
|
|
Dunlo Recreational Track
The track is located in Brackernagh , close to the town centre making it a very accessible amenity for the community. For information including timetable please see this page |
Ballinasloe & District Road Runners
This is a free community running group, who meet up every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7.30 pm at Dunlo Running Track, Brackernagh, Ballinasloe. Tuesday is generally a road run, Thursday is a cardio session at the track. New members are always welcome - if you have any queries please contact the BRR Committee on [email protected].
This is a free community running group, who meet up every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7.30 pm at Dunlo Running Track, Brackernagh, Ballinasloe. Tuesday is generally a road run, Thursday is a cardio session at the track. New members are always welcome - if you have any queries please contact the BRR Committee on [email protected].
|
Ballinasloe Athletics Club
Why Athletics? Athletics encourages children to grow up with not only the health but also the social benefits of being involved in sport. Your child will be meeting new children and developing friendships which will support them as they transit from national school, to secondary school and beyond. Athletics gives children an invaluable opportunity to develop pride in themselves, their club, their town and their county. Who can come? Anyone who has reached their 7th birthday. Where is it on? Training takes place as follows: Tues & Thurs 5.45pm - 7.00 p.m at the Dunlo Running Track. What do I wear? Runners, weather appropriate layers. Contact us on facebook or phone 086 1261230 |
|
|
Cuckoo Hill Bootcamp
Cuckoo Hill Bootcamp was established in early 2013. It was set up by Tommie Costello who is a qualified Strength & Conditioning Coach and Personal Trainer. Located on the R357, within close proximity of Athlone and Ballinasloe, Cuckoo Hill Bootcamp is centrally located and easily accessible. Cuckoo hill provides a fresh and original approach to overall fitness. Our aim is to promote natural fitness for all age groups and abilities. Having set up an obstacle course using the natural features of the landscape allows for the development of a natural fitness, working all muscle groups without causing undue strain or pressure. The bootcamps are held outdoors and aim to improve the areas of natural fitness which are missing from our hectic lives. Further information including contact details is available online at www.cuckoohillbootcamp.ie |
Future Plans
We will shortly be posting a number of popular running routes and maps with varying distances to suit all abilities.
We will shortly be posting a number of popular running routes and maps with varying distances to suit all abilities.
Cycling
Whether you are a cycling enthusiast or a leisure cyclist there are many interesting and challenging routes within and around Ballinasloe for you and your bike!
|
Ballinasloe Cycling Club
Ballinasloe has a very active and progressive Cycling Club and new members are always very welcome. Weekly cycles take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings meeting at Barrys Cycles (Barretts Yard) @ 6.30pm. There are also two Sunday morning spins - 8am for the early risers and 10am for all others. All club members are affiliated with Cycling Ireland. If you are keen to get involved simply email the club on [email protected] or catch up with them on facebook. 
|
Future Plans
We will shortly be publishing details of a number of local cycle routes with varying distances and terrains to suit all levels of abilities… and of course the essential pit stop!
A key aspect of this project is to encourage a cycling culture within the community in line with governments Active Travel Town Programme. We hope to focus our efforts on infrastructure and education programmes esp. liaising with our local cycling club, schools and local sports partnerships.
We also hope to work closely with the local authorities and key stakeholders in ensuring Ballinasloe is recognised a key feature town on the National Galway to Dublin Cycleway.
We will shortly be publishing details of a number of local cycle routes with varying distances and terrains to suit all levels of abilities… and of course the essential pit stop!
A key aspect of this project is to encourage a cycling culture within the community in line with governments Active Travel Town Programme. We hope to focus our efforts on infrastructure and education programmes esp. liaising with our local cycling club, schools and local sports partnerships.
We also hope to work closely with the local authorities and key stakeholders in ensuring Ballinasloe is recognised a key feature town on the National Galway to Dublin Cycleway.
WATER ACTIVITIES
Ballinasloe is built on the River Suck, the main tributary of the River Shannon and provides considerable potential for development of Blueway Infrastructure for the towns waterway. In addition, the Ballinasloe line of the Grand Canal from Shannon Harbour which connected Ballinasloe to Dublin (closed in 1961) forms a significant part of our history and perhaps this is an opportunity to re-visit our past. As part of the ‘Exploring Ballinasloe’ project we will be liaising with regional and national bodies to ensure Ballinasloe is included in any future plans in this area. If you are interested in this element of the project we would like to hear from you – please email us directly with your contribution at [email protected]
Further information on Irelands blueways can be found at:
www.bluewaysireland.org
www.waterwaysireland.org
Further information on Irelands blueways can be found at:
www.bluewaysireland.org
www.waterwaysireland.org
Angling
The River Suck which surrounds Ballinasloe is famous as a coarse fishing venue.
The River Suck which surrounds Ballinasloe is famous as a coarse fishing venue.
Ballinasloe Marina
A 25-berth marina has been developed at Slí na hAbhainn, opposite the Civic Offices. On-going works to make the River Suck navigable, have resulted in the linking of Ballinasloe to the Shannon/Erne Waterway. Click here for more details.
A 25-berth marina has been developed at Slí na hAbhainn, opposite the Civic Offices. On-going works to make the River Suck navigable, have resulted in the linking of Ballinasloe to the Shannon/Erne Waterway. Click here for more details.
|
Up River
There are no limits when it comes to outdoor water activities in Ballinasloe. UpRiver is a local business providing a range of water based activities suitable for beginners and water enthusiasts alike - from Kayaking, Canoeing, Eco-Tour, Zorbing, White Water Safari and much more! They also run childrens summer camps, adult lessons, group tours, hens, stags and corporate team building. All information including contact details is available online @ www.upriver.ie or on Upriver's facebook page |
|
Golf
|
Ballinasloe Golf Club, Rosgloss
Ballinasloe Golf Club was founded in 1894 and is one of Connacht's Oldest Golf Club. It is a mature and testing parkland course, with excellent greens and is playable all year round. The club has a strong juvenile/junior squad and holds regular golf camps over the holiday season. New members are always welcome, with easy payment plans available it has never been easier to join – click here for details or email [email protected]. |
Ballinasloe Golf Academy & Driving Range, Birchgrove
A brand new state of the art facility just on the outskirts of Ballinasloe on the old Athlone Road. The facility boasts 17 bays (10 indoor) including a Pro area and 7 outdoor grass tees and a practice bunker. The outfield is over 300 yards long and has 5 target greens along with other targets.
Golfers or beginners of all ages are welcome to use the facility. Second hand clubs are supplied for use at the range free of charge for those of you who have yet to purchase your own clubs.
There is a coffee room with a viewing area overlooking the bays with drinks and refreshments available.
Lessons:
Golf lessons are available with local PGA Pro Mark Staunton. Individual or group lessons at very reasonable rates. Contact Mark for more information email [email protected] or phone 087 9677390
Getting there
Ballinasloe Golf Academy is located in the Birchgrove area on the old Athlone road, 5 minutes outside Ballinasloe. Ideally located, just 4 minutes of exit 14 of the M6 motorway. An ideal opportunity to take a break for anyone travelling anywhere between Dublin and Galway. The facility is open 365 days a year from 8am-10pm and is fully automated and is floodlit to the highest standards.
For more information please email [email protected] or phone 0879750364.
Horse-Riding
|
Creagh Equestrian Centre
Creagh Equestrian Centre is located just off the R357 about 4 miles from Ballinasloe. It was established in 1994 by brother and sister Damien and Fiona Carey. Damien and Fiona had been riding from an early age, attending competitions and various events. Their love of horses was encouraged by their parents. They started off with a handful of ponies and horses, giving lessons outdoors in their sand arena. Gradually they built up a core customer base with new beginners starting every week. In 1999 they built a state of the art indoor arena, which was later extended. They have now added an all-weather outdoor arena, perfect for show jumping. It is an AIRE approved equestrian centre with BHS Instructors. For further information see www.creaghequestriancentre.com or email [email protected] |
|
East Galway Hunt The East Galway Hunt territory is approx 48Kms long by 24 Kms wide, running from the southern parts of Roscommon as far as Cam Hill extending south to Portumna taking in Gurteeny, Ballinasloe, Killimor, Tynagh, Kiltormer, Laurencetown & Eyrecourt. It is a very varied and enjoyable hunting area due to the vast variation in the country going from stone walls to hedges and ditches to bogs. The hunt meets on Tuesdays and Saturdays. A warm welcome is assured for visitors to the East Galway Hunt. East Galway boasts some of the most varied terrain and obstacles that are likely to be found on these shores. The country is a great test for both horse and rider. |
For more outdoor equestrian activities in the region see below;
www.flowerhill.net
www.dartfield.com
www.slieveaughtycentre.com
www.flowerhill.net
www.dartfield.com
www.slieveaughtycentre.com
OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS
Playgrounds provide a free place for children, their families and minders to explore play and enjoy the outdoors. Ballinasloe has a range of fully equipped outdoor play areas to allow you and your little ones to enjoy endless hours of outdoor fun - see page 40 – 43 of Galway County Council's Playground guide for full listing and details.
