https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/templates/thematicblue/img/logo.gifhttps://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/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. Explore more 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. Book Ballyshannon Accommodation Things to do in Ballyshannon 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! 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. Explore the Abbey Assaroe, near the town, with its restored mill complete with waterwheels. https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/Destinations/Donegal/Ballyshannon/https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/festivals/music-festivals//ballyshannon-folk-traditional-music-festival-l444.htmlBallyshannon Folk Festival is one of the longest running festivals of its kind in Ireland. Taking place annually in early August, prominent performers from the Irish Music scene perform along with workshops, busking competitions and street entertainment! With free open air concerts, live pub sessions, workshops and a new talent being showcased, The Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival is garaunteed to keep you entertained.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/thingstodo/leisure-centres//ballyshannon-leisure-centre-l482.htmlBallyshannon Leisure Centre has a 25m indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and gym. The centre also runs children's swimming lessons, adults swimming lessons, competitive swim session, private swim lessons, fast moving circuits and aqua aerobics classes.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/hotels//creevy-pier-hotel-l435.htmlCreevy Pier Hotel is located 3 miles from Ballyshannon in County Donegal and offers amazing views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. Creevy Pier Hotel provides guests with the best in comfortable and clean lodgings. A family-run hotel, staff have a strong focus on offering the highest standards of food, drink and accommodation, with a friendly and efficient service in stunning surroundings. Creevy Pier Hotel is perfectly located for any activity break whether it be walking, surfing, fishing or golfing.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/accommodation/campsites//lakeside-activity-centre-camping-park-l197.htmlThe Lakeside Centre is a combination of outdoor activity centre and caravan and camping park. It is located only 500meters from Ballyshannon Town and is on the shores of Assaroe Lake with easy access to the water for watersport activities. Visitors have the option of bringing their own sail boats, canoes or kayaks or you can hire from the range of sail boats, canoes or kayaks at the centre. Equipment for hire includes Sailing dinghy’s, Windsurfing, Canoeing, Kayaking and Rafts. On land activities include Archery, Orienteering, Astro Soccer. Walking tours and Team Games can also be arranged. Visitors can also obtain permits to fish on the lake and bring their own boat should they wish. Full Failte Ireland approved 4 star rated caravan and campsite facilities available along with meeting rooms for hire and a fully equipped restaurant and dance floor with panoramic views of Lake Assaroe. Its ideal for special events or conferences.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/festivals/music-festivals//rory-gallagher-international-tribute-festival-l236.htmlThe Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival is one of the most unique festival's in Ireland. A tribute festival held over the May Bank Holiday weekend, it honours the life and music of Ireland's first International Rock Star who was born in Ballyshannon. The festival includes about 25 rock, blues and Rory Gallagher acts over 15 stages, with free outdoor concerts, pub gigs and exhibitions.https://www.irelandnorthwest.ie/festivals/arts-festivals//the-allingham-festival-l118.htmlThe Allingham Festival is a celebration of the life and works of one of Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal’s, most famous ancestors, the writer and poet William Allingham and his wife, the fine artist, Helen Allingham. Each year in November a festival to celebrate their memory is held with events and workshops in poetry, creative writing, digital storytelling, art & design, fine art and singer songwriting. The festival aims to inspire and showcase artists and lovers of the creative arts.