Ballinahown

Ballinahown village is located approximately 10km south of Athlone on the N62 and circa 5km from the River Shannon. The areas surrounding the village are low lying agricultural and Midlands Raised Bog. The Esker Riada also runs adjacent to the village.

Visitors to Ballinahown enjoy:

River Walk
This is a beautiful riverside trail which runs alongside the River Worm, a tributary of the River Shannon. This trail is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies and is accessed through the Children’s Playground. Walkers enjoy the mature woodlands and diverse range of flora and fauna. The trail is known as an oasis of peace and quiet, perfect to connect with nature and experience tranquillity.

Families can enjoy a free Nature Trail Scavenger Hunt, available from Rosie’s Shop or The Village Inn and are encouraged to share their findings on the Ballinahown Community Development Facebook page.                                                                                                            

Woodland Fairy Trail
Many local artists and local school children were involved in developing this fairy trail, with fairy designs created from recycled materials and willow huts created from live growing willow plants. Fairy houses and figures were also created with engravings of local old fairy stories passed down from generation to generation.

Sculpture Trail
This trail includes carvings drawn from Irish mythology; The Children of Lir; Diarmuid and Grainne; Pangur Bán and the Salmon of Knowledge, along with three new tree carvings completed with the artist and school children in January 2017.

Playground
The colourful playground in Ballinahown is set in a woodland, is suitable for toddlers upwards and provides fun and enjoyment for children with a wide variety of needs and abilities. It is open all day; wellies are recommended in winter and picnics are recommended in summer.
  Attractions close by include:

• Celtic Roots Studio, Bog oak sculptures, jewellery and experiences – this craft studio is located in the Old Schoolhouse in the centre of the village of Ballinahown. Sculptress, Eibhlín Ní Chongháile will take you on a journey of Ireland’s steeped ancient past. 
• ​Athlone Town, a picturesque town on the River Shannon and vibrant hub of culture, art and heritage, it's also a renowned shopping destination with an excellent range of accommodation options and outstanding restaurants.
• Old Rail Trail  a 43km greenway located less than 10km away from Ballinahown. From Athlone to Mullingar, this greenway brings walkers and cyclists through the very heart of Ireland. Scenic and peaceful, it traces the historic Midlands Great Western Railway line, past restored station houses and under pretty stone arched bridges.