Description
The village of Ballinafad overlooks beautiful Lough Arrow, a great fishing lake. The village is overlooked by the ruins of the late-medieval Ballinafad castle which was built around 1590. The primary reason for the built of the castle and its location was to protect the dangerous passage through the Curlew Mountains.
The castle was built around 1590 to protect the pass over the Curlew Hills. The plan of the castle is modelled on those of 13th century castles, with a small central square block dwarfed by four massive towers at the corners which are round outside and square inside.
Balllinafad was an important stop on the mail-coach road in the first half of the nineteenth century. The village was an important service stop for the coaches and was home to stables, coach house, carpenter's workshop, forge and workmen's cabins. Now that the village has been by-passed, it has turned in a nice quiet village that is perfect to discover Lough Arrow and the surrounding area.
The castle was built around 1590 to protect the pass over the Curlew Hills. The plan of the castle is modelled on those of 13th century castles, with a small central square block dwarfed by four massive towers at the corners which are round outside and square inside.
Balllinafad was an important stop on the mail-coach road in the first half of the nineteenth century. The village was an important service stop for the coaches and was home to stables, coach house, carpenter's workshop, forge and workmen's cabins. Now that the village has been by-passed, it has turned in a nice quiet village that is perfect to discover Lough Arrow and the surrounding area.
Location
Public Transportation
There are no busses serving Ballinafad.
|
|
|
|
Walking in Ballinafad
Castle to Cave Camino
Taking place in April, this 34km looped walk takes in the breath taking views along the areas historical roads bringing you by the Caves of Keash, Templevanny, Corricknahorna, Aughanagh, Ballinafad, Bunnadubber, Limnagh Bog,....
All of these locations are steeped in history, folklore, myths and legends.
Ballinafad is at the half way mark of the camino and is the perfect stop for a well-deserved break.
2025 Registration
All of these locations are steeped in history, folklore, myths and legends.
Ballinafad is at the half way mark of the camino and is the perfect stop for a well-deserved break.
2025 Registration
Lough Arrow
|
Lough Arrow is one of Ireland's famous trout lakes and has always been popular with fly fishers around the world. And Ballinafad is the ideal location from where to discover the delights of this beautiful lake. Fish that can be found in the lake include brown trout, perch, roach, pike, rudd, bream and the endangered European eel.
A number of historical sites are located in the area around Lough Arrow. Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery is located not to far from Ballinafad, and it is worthwhile visiting one of the most extensive and best preserved complexes of Irish passage tombs. Moytura, located on the eastern side of the lake, features standing stones. |
|
Ballinafad Castle
|
Ballinafad castle, or Castle of the Curlews as it is also known, is located in the ancient road called the Red Earls road that linked Ballymote to Boyle.
The castle was built around 1590 to protect the pass over the Curlew Hills.The plan of the castle is modelled on those of 13th century castles, with a small central square block dwarfed by four massive towers at the corners which are round outside and square inside. The towers of the north contained a circular timber stair rising the full height of the building. |
|
For the Community
Ballinafad amenity park is loved by young and old. From the picnic benches with views towards Lough Arrow to the playground
|
The old school community cafe is the place to be when you are looking for a cup of tea, a slice of cake or a chat.
|
Ballinafad Recycling centre is on the edge of the village and provides you with a handy bottle bank
|
|
|
|
|