Description
The Ballymote Heritage Trail links together several important historic sites around the village of Ballymote. Begin at Ballymote Town Park, beside the Ireland National Memorial dedicated to the Fighting 69th Regiment and the victims of September 11th. The memorial features etchings of Brigadier General Michael Corcoran, a commander of the Fighting 69th during the American Civil War and a proud native of Ballymote.
As you walk through the park, take time to enjoy the mature trees and the charming fairy garden. Within the park grounds stands the ruin of the Franciscan Friary, locally known as The Abbey. Built in 1442, the friary is surrounded by an old graveyard containing many unmarked graves, adding a quiet sense of history to the site.
Continue under the bridge near the train station and you’ll be greeted by the imposing walls of Ballymote Castle. Built around 1300, this large rectangular enclosure castle is considered the most symmetrical of Ireland’s “keepless” castles. Its north entrance once featured a double‑towered gate with twin D‑shaped towers, and although much of the outer gatehouse has disappeared, the scale of the structure remains impressive. Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, the castle passed between the O’Connors of Sligo and the McDonagh clan, before coming under English control in 1584.
Further along the trail you’ll reach the ruins of the Corn Mill, built in 1795 by Sir Jocelyn Gore Booth. During the 19th century, the mill was a busy centre for corn milling, helped by its close proximity to the railway station, which allowed goods to be transported across Ireland. Operations ended after a fire destroyed the mill in 1941, leaving behind the atmospheric ruins seen today.
This heritage trail offers a rich blend of medieval, industrial and cultural history, all within an easy walk around Ballymote.
Distance: 3.5km
Ascent: 0m
Visitor facilities: car park, picnic area
As you walk through the park, take time to enjoy the mature trees and the charming fairy garden. Within the park grounds stands the ruin of the Franciscan Friary, locally known as The Abbey. Built in 1442, the friary is surrounded by an old graveyard containing many unmarked graves, adding a quiet sense of history to the site.
Continue under the bridge near the train station and you’ll be greeted by the imposing walls of Ballymote Castle. Built around 1300, this large rectangular enclosure castle is considered the most symmetrical of Ireland’s “keepless” castles. Its north entrance once featured a double‑towered gate with twin D‑shaped towers, and although much of the outer gatehouse has disappeared, the scale of the structure remains impressive. Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, the castle passed between the O’Connors of Sligo and the McDonagh clan, before coming under English control in 1584.
Further along the trail you’ll reach the ruins of the Corn Mill, built in 1795 by Sir Jocelyn Gore Booth. During the 19th century, the mill was a busy centre for corn milling, helped by its close proximity to the railway station, which allowed goods to be transported across Ireland. Operations ended after a fire destroyed the mill in 1941, leaving behind the atmospheric ruins seen today.
This heritage trail offers a rich blend of medieval, industrial and cultural history, all within an easy walk around Ballymote.
Distance: 3.5km
Ascent: 0m
Visitor facilities: car park, picnic area
