Ballina, MayoBallina is the capital of North Mayo and it lies at the mouth of the River Moy near Killala Bay.  The town has many community groups and organisations that run a variety of events during the year:

  • The Ballina Arts Centre offers a year round programme of Arts events and activities for all ages.
  • Ballina is home to the Yew Tree Theatre, Mayo’s only professional theatre company.
  • Belleek Woods is one of the largest urban forests, comprising 200 acres of woodlands, with trees up to 300 hundred years old.
  • Ballina has a functioning harbour authority and it served as an important trading port for the region in the past.

Every aspect of community life is represented here, and it’s clear that the whole community is involved in a wide range of activities. The river plays a huge part in the lives of the people of Ballina, and it is used to its full advantage.  The inclusion of the multiple cultures and widespread community support auger very well for this town’s future.

This is a community that truly lives in harmony.

Runners up:
Portarlington, Co Laois
Carlow Town
CIK Start, Co Kildare