Ballyshannon

While Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, Ballyshannon is its oldest town! It is thought that the very first settlement in Ireland occurred on the tiny island of “Inis Saimer” in the centre of the Erne Estuary, right beside where Ballyshannon now stands. It is thought that this first group of settlers was led by “Parthalon”, a chieftain from Scythia (close to modern Macedonia), who landed here around 2700 years before the birth of Christ. He must have been a hardy individual. Venturing across thousands of miles of open sea in a primitive sailing vessel is no mean feat. But Parthalon did win a place in history for both himself and Ballyshannon, and he is well remembered for his extraordinary exploits.

Today Ballyshannon is a vibrant town, and the ideal base from which to tour Donegal and its neighbouring counties of Sligo, Leitrim and Fermanagh.   The town has a particularly rich history in the areas of drama, and music.  It was the birthplace of the popular poet William Allingham and also, of course, of one of the world’s greatest Rock guitarists, Rory Gallagher. Now the “Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival” is Ireland’s biggest Rock ‘n Blues Festival, and indeed the largest annual gathering of Rock ‘n Blues fans anywhere in the world. Followers of the late great Rory Gallagher descend on Ballyshannon, and its hostelries are filled with electric guitar buffs, good, and sometimes not so good! A superb festival, and a great weekend event!

The annual Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival takes place every August. Once again the streets, and pubs of Ballyshannon are filled with the sounds of traditional music. The line-up is always first-class, with appearances by many of Irelands very best performers. The Festival also offers plenty of pub sessions, street entertainment, workshops and the annual showcase competition with its €1000 top prise. Highly recommended.

How to get to Ballyshannon

By bus or car. Follow the N15 north from Sligo, or the N15 south from Donegal town. Travelling by car will allow you explore this wonderful coastline in great detail.

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Ballyshannon is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Rossnowlagh and Donegal if you are travelling north, and don't miss Bundoran, and Mullaghmore, if you are travelling south.

Where to stay in Ballyshannon

Ballyshannon in Donegal has a fine selection of places to stay including hotels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.

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Things to do in Ballyshannon

1. Ballyshannon was the birthplace of one of the world’s greatest Rock guitarists, Rory Gallagher. Now the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival is Ireland’s biggest Rock ‘n Blues Festival, and indeed the largest annual gathering of Rock ‘n Blues fans anywhere in the world. Followers of the late great Rory Gallagher descend on Ballyshannon, and its hostelries are filled with electric guitar buffs, good, and sometimes not so good! A superb festival, and a great weekend event!
2. Visit the two handcrafted pottery industries Celtic Weave and Donegal Parian China. Belleek Pottery is is crafted just across the border in Northern Ireland too.
3. Explore the Abbey Assaroe, near the town, with its restored mill complete with waterwheels.