https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/templates/thematicblue/img/logo.gifhttps://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/With one of Ireland’s very best stocked salmon rivers passing right through it, Ballina is world famous for it salmon and trout fishing. Anglers from all over the globe come to fish the dark waters of Ballina’s “Ridge Pool”, and to savour the towns unique brand of West of Ireland hospitality. Indeed former Irish soccer manager Jack Charlton was famously a frequent visitor to the Ridge Pool, but he is only one of a strong contingent of  enthusiasts who return over and over again to pit their skills against its canny residents. The 10 day Ballina Street Festival is now one of Ireland’s leading summer festivals, attracting people from all parts of the country, and indeed from all parts of the world. The festival includes its own “heritage day”, which remembers the great characters and history of the town, and the great mythical heroes of Irish history. The final day of the festival is a wonderfully action-packed occasion which culminates in a massive fire works show. The festival represents a week long feast of free entertainment for all the family, with great music, theatre, culture, and peagentry. And for bemused visitors from foreign lands, it is a glimpse of what  is a  is best about Ballina and County Mayo. Beleek Castle is undoubtedly one of Ballina’s greatest treasures. Tucked away just outside the town centre, this magical, lovingly restored castle, is a great centre of historical intrigue and sumptuous comfort. Its refurbishment was heavily influenced by the Spanish Galleon that stood alongside it for many years, and much of its woodwork has been constructed from ancient timbers salvaged from the “Castle Squadron”, one of the great warships of the Spanish Armada which was wrecked off the Mayo coastline back in the 1500′s. Indeed, several artifacts have been recovered from the wreck and now stand proudly at Belleek Castle for all too see. Not only does Beleek Castle Hotel use artefacts and great oak balks from the ill fated Spanish Armada, but its “Tween Decks” area has been crafted from the remains of a 17th century Spanish war vessel which was also shipwrecked in the area. The property is many things, a small sumptious hotel, a spectacular gourmet restaurant, and an armour museum. It stands in 1,000 delightful acres of private grounds. How to get to Ballina By bus and car. Bus Eireann Route 458 provides regular services from Sligo to Ballina. Alternatively take the N59 from Sligo to Ballina. Explore more Ballina is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Enniscrone and Ballysadare Bay if you are travelling north, and Killala, and Balderg Harbour, if you are travelling south. Where to stay in Ballina Ballina in Mayo has a fine selection of accommodation options including hotels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's. Book Ballina Accommodation Things to do in Ballina. Every year in July the town of Ballina goes into a frenzy of fun and frolics, with an action packed Festival which includes a well-established Heritage Day, depicting local history and life, an International Night, Lady of the Moy contest and Mardi Gras with monster fireworks on final night. The festival offers a week long feast of free entertainment for the entire family – music, song, theatre, art, heritage, culture and novelty events. Visitors to Ballina experience what is best about Mayo during this spectacular week. Visit Beautiful Beleek Castle, a magical, historical, lovingly restored castle which is located just outside Ballina Near Ballina's railway station is the Dolmen of the Four Maols, three large rocks, capped by a massive boulder, a tombstone dating from the Bronze Age. The original settlement at Ballina was at Ardnaree, on the east side of the river. This site is marked by the ruins of a 14th century Augustinian friary. Both places are worth seeing when visiting the town. Ballina Map Responsive Google Maps by Maps.iehttps://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/Destinations/Mayo/Ballina/https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/hotels//hotel-ballina-l352.htmlHotel Ballina offers excellent comfort on the doorstep to Ballina Town. This new four-star hotel includes a leisure centre, gym, sauna and steam room available for use by all guests. There is also the Tranquillity Leisure & Spa at Hotel Ballina if you are looking to pamper yourself. McShane’s Bistro offers seasonal menus with a selection of dishes that range from the familiar to the innovative.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/hotels//twin-trees-hotel-l642.htmlSet in tranquil gardens near the banks of the river Moy in Ballina, Co. Mayo, the Twin Trees Hotel is a family owned and managed Hotel. The Moylett family have been welcoming guests for over 70 years and are proud of the excellent reputation the hotel has achieved over these years. The Twin Trees Hotel boasts over 60 en–suite bedrooms including 26 brand new bedrooms and a Presidential Suite while the Leisure Centre is dedicated to providing fitness and recreational services tailored to your requirements. Facilities include 2 Ozone treated swimming pools, Gymnasium, Aerobic Studio, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Steamroom and Sunbed. Ballina is an angler's paradise as the river Moy is renowned for its rich salmon and trout fishing and has a choice of over 100 game and coarse fish. Golfers will not be disappointed either as the Twin Trees Hotel is conveniently located to a variety of golf courses, including Enniscrone and Carne and Ballina golf course. Ballina itself is a fantastic town, steeped in culture and history and has an abundance of activities to suit all ages. One can also enjoy a hectic social life in the many singing pubs, quality cuisine restaurants and energetic nightlife. The Twin Trees Hotel's Restaurant, the Brosna Restaurant – which overlooks the flood–lit Brosna mini falls, offers the highest of international standards on its Table d'hote and a La Carte menu. Afterwards, one can enjoy a relaxing drink in the 'Frogs Piano' Bar, a split–level pavilion which is ideal for enjoying the varied ambiance and different entertainers from around the globe. Families are also welcomed at the Twin Trees Hotel where the 'Fun & Splash' children's club promises sports, games, laughter and fun holiday memories while staying at the hotel.