Description

A Rambling Tour Through Dear Old Ballina is an informative and entertaining walking guide that brings the historic streets of Ballina, County Mayo, to life. Written by acclaimed local historian and former Western People editor Terry Reilly, this illustrated guide serves as a companion to his bestselling history Dear Old Ballina, inviting readers to explore the town through a series of fourteen self-guided walks.

Each walk uncovers a different chapter of Ballina’s remarkable past, leading readers to historic buildings, bridges, churches, monuments, and riverside locations while revealing the stories behind them. Along the way, Reilly explores famous events such as the French invasion of 1798, the history of the Workhouse, Ballina’s renowned salmon fishery, shipwrecks, local landlords, and the connections of notable figures including Daniel O’Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell, Michael Davitt, Lord Lucan, and Captain Matthew Webb, the first person to swim the English Channel. Detailed maps, colour photographs, and historical illustrations make the guide both informative and easy to follow.

Written in an accessible style and supported by years of historical research, this book offers far more than a walking guide—it is a celebration of Ballina’s heritage, architecture, and community. Ideal for visitors, local residents, genealogists, and anyone with an interest in County Mayo, A Rambling Tour Through Dear Old Ballina provides a fascinating way to experience one of Ireland’s most historic towns.