Moy

Overview

Moy lies in north‑west County Mayo, centred on the River Moy – a 103 km salmon‑rich river that flows from the Ox Mountains to the Atlantic at Killala. The river’s gentle bends, historic towns and fertile flood‑plain make the Moy valley a magnet for anglers, cyclists and heritage lovers alike. Its position on the Wild Atlantic Way means spectacular coastal scenery is never far away.

History

The Moy valley has been a spiritual hub since the medieval period. From the 13th to the 15th centuries a series of monastic houses were founded along the river: the Franciscan Court Friary (15th c.), the Augustinian Banada Friary (1423), the Dominican Priory of the Holy Cross at Straide (c.1240), the Augustinian Ardnaree Abbey (pre‑1400), the Franciscan Rosserk Friary (c.1441) and the impressive Moyne Friary (c.1455). These communities flourished until the 16th‑century Dissolution of the Monasteries, after which many fell into ruin but left behind cloisters, mural fragments and secretariums that can still be explored today.

What to See & Do

Monasteries of the River Moy

• Court Franciscan Friary (Lavagh) – a 15th‑century ruin with a hidden anchorite cell and faint medieval murals.
• Banada Augustinian Friary – notable for a surviving stair to the dormitory.
• Priory of the Holy Cross, Straide – famous for its sculpted tomb in the north wall.
• Ardnaree Abbey (Ballina) – the first Augustinian priory in the West of Ireland, still showing a beautiful west door. (Ardnaree)
• Rosserk Abbey – arguably the finest ruin on the estuary, with foliate pillars, a round‑tower piscina and an intact east window.
• Moyne Abbey – a Franciscan friary with an intact cloister, ship murals and a secretarium; access is via a stile across private land.
• Rathfran Abbey – a ruined Augustinian abbey on the north bank of the Moy, offering impressive stonework and river views.

All these sites are linked by the Monasteries of the Moy Greenway and Cycle Route, a 14 km mixed‑terrain path that runs from Ballina to Killala. The route is divided into three stages:

Bike hire is available in Ballina (see table below). The greenway is sign‑posted and suitable for families and moderate cyclists.

Fishing on the River Moy

The Moy is Ireland’s premier salmon river, delivering around 9 000 salmon annually. Anglers can fish the lower and upper beats reserved for Mount Falcon guests, or join local charters such as Moy Charters for sea‑trout and salmon trips on the estuary. Carrowmore Lake, a short drive from the estate, offers excellent spring salmon and sea‑trout fishing.

Fishing conditions – Inland Fisheries Ireland may temporarily close the Moy and Erriff fisheries when water temperatures exceed 20 °C to protect fish stocks (as happened in May 2025). Anglers should check the latest status before planning a trip. A proposed licence‑lottery system for the river has generated local debate; visitors are advised to confirm current permit arrangements with the local fishery office and be aware that the system is still under public consultation.

Events & Festivals

• Ballina Salmon Festival (June) – a week‑long celebration of the river’s famous run, featuring fishing competitions, live music and local food stalls.
• Ballina Street Festival (July) – family‑friendly entertainment, street performances and a market showcasing Mayo crafts.
• North Mayo Sculpture Trail (year‑round) – a series of contemporary artworks dotted along the Moy estuary and surrounding coastline, ideal for a leisurely walk.

Additional Outdoor Pursuits

• Belleek Woods – 78 ha of mixed‑leaf woodland with up to 6 miles of marked trails, red‑squirrel spotting and a riverside loop.
• Golf – The 18‑hole links course at Enniscrone and the parkland course at Ballina cater to all abilities.
• Surfing & Watersports – Easkey beach, a short drive north, offers surf schools and wind‑surfing.
• Horse & Pony Trekking – Several local farms provide guided rides through the valley’s scenic routes.
• Pitch & Putt – Ballina Pitch & Putt Club provides a quick round for families.

Cultural Highlights

• Ceide Fields – Located a short drive north of Ballina, these 5,000‑year‑old Neolithic field systems are among the world’s oldest enclosed farms and can be visited on guided tours.
• North Mayo Heritage Centre (Enniscoe) – Offers exhibitions on the Great Famine walks and local history.
• Jackie Clarke Collection – Housed in Pearse Street, Ballina; the most extensive collection of material on the 1916 Easter Rising.
• Father Peyton Memorial Centre (Attymass) – Commemorates Fr Patrick Peyton, founder of the Family Rosary Crusade, with multimedia displays and a contemplative garden.
• Dolmen of the Four Maols and St Patrick’s Cross – Historic stone monuments located in Ballina town centre, adding a touch of ancient mystery to a riverside stroll.
• Rathfran Abbey – Ruins of an Augustinian abbey with striking stonework and river views, a worthwhile stop for heritage enthusiasts.

Accommodation & Leisure

• Mount Falcon Estate – a 4‑star Victorian manor on the west bank of the Moy, with luxury rooms, a spa, golf driving range and on‑site salmon fishing.
• The Ice House Hotel & Spa – award‑winning spa hotel overlooking the river in Ballina.
• Ballina Manor Hotel – family‑run 4‑star hotel in the town centre, close to the greenway and historic sites.
• Belleek Castle Hotel – boutique country house set in Belleek Woods, with a library restaurant and castle‑style rooms.
• Brigown B&B – riverside bed and breakfast offering an 18‑choice breakfast and a freezer for anglers’ catch.
• Moy Hotel (Foxford) – a 4‑star hotel in nearby Foxford, popular with anglers for its proximity to the Angling Advice Centre and the Foxford Woollen Mills. Rooms are modern; on‑site restaurant serves fresh local seafood and a full Irish/English breakfast. Check‑in is from 14:30, check‑out by 12:00. Free parking, free Wi‑Fi and a bar are available (source: Trip.com).

Other Activities

• Falconry, clay‑shooting and archery on the Mount Falcon estate.
• Walking the 78‑hectare Belleek Woods, spotting native red squirrels.
• Exploring Killala’s round tower, St Muredach’s Cathedral and nearby beaches (Enniscrone, Ross, Lacken).
• Visiting the Foxford Woollen Mills – a working mill offering tours of its historic looms and a shop selling hand‑woven goods.

Practical Information

The Moy valley is centred on Ballina, a rail‑linked town on the N5 and N59. The nearest airports are Ireland West Airport Knock (45 km) and Dublin (250 km). Public buses run regularly between Ballina, Killala and Castlebar. Parking is available in Ballina town (free on‑street bays and a paid car park near the quay) and at the trailheads of the greenway.

Bike Hire – Ballina Bike Hire

River Moy Charters

Fishing permits for the River Moy are managed by local fishery managers; guests staying at Mount Falcon can obtain beat access on arrival. Carrowmore Lake permits are available from Bangor Errand Angling Club (see their website).

Accessibility – Most monastic ruins are open‑air sites with uneven ground. Moyne Abbey is accessed via a stile and a right‑of‑way across private land, which may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility. There are no formal opening hours for the ruins; they are generally accessible year‑round, though some may be closed temporarily for conservation work.

Safety and River Conditions – The River Moy can be swift, especially after heavy rain. Recent incidents (including a fisherman drowning near Foxford in 2018 and a rescue operation in January 2025) underline the importance of caution. Swimming is not recommended, and anglers should wear appropriate safety gear. Inland Fisheries Ireland may suspend angling when water temperatures exceed 20 °C, as happened in May 2025; check their website for current status.

Season – The greenway is usable year‑round. The salmon season runs from March to September, while the best sea‑trout action is in late spring and early summer. Be aware that fishing may be suspended during periods of high water temperature and that licensing arrangements can change.