Ballymote: Castle, Heritage Trail and Brewery Experience

Ballymote is well suited to a stay that combines local history with a specific experience in the area. Ballymote Castle, west of the town and right next to the railway station, is a focal point for exploring its history. A circular route links historic sites around the town, and The White Hag Brewery offers a guided tour and tasting. You can tailor your visit to your interests in architecture, history, a walk or brewing culture.

Ballymote Castle: Architecture and History

Ballymote Castle is an Anglo-Norman castle west of the town of Ballymote. Its ground plan is almost square; the entrance is in the centre of the north wall, between two three-storey twin towers. A tower stands at each corner of the curtain wall, while a D-shaped tower is set in the centre of each of the east and west walls. The walls are 3 m thick.

The Book of Ballymote was partly written at Ballymote Castle around 1391. Its contents include, among others, Lebor Gabála, Lebor na gCeart, Ogham writing, Dinshenchas and The Destruction of Troy. The castle’s architecture and the tradition of several named texts thus come together at the same site.

Admission to Ballymote Castle is free. The castle is fully accessible, although there is a grass area inside. As conditions on site may change, check accessibility before your visit. Ballymote Castle is protected under the Irish National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014.

A Walk Around Ballymote

The Ballymote Heritage Trail is a circular route linking historic sites in Ballymote. This easy urban walk follows country roads and paths without waymarkers. It is 4 km long, has 10 m of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. There is a roadside car park at the starting point. The distance, elevation gain and approximate duration give you concrete guidance for planning how much time to allow for the walk.

Other Historic Sites

Emlaghfad Church is a detached stone Church of Ireland church, built in 1818. Ballymote’s Art Deco theatre was first built in 1947. The construction dates mark different periods in the town’s history.

The ruins of the Franciscan friary, locally known as The Abbey, are in the park and surrounded by an old cemetery. The ruins of the old Corn Mill date back to a mill built by Sir Jocelyn Gore Booth in 1795, which served as a centre for grain milling in the 19th century. The Ireland National Memorial near Ballymote Town Park commemorates the Fighting 69th and the victims of September 11.

Brewery Tour and Tasting

A guided tour of The White Hag Brewery in Ballymote is followed by a guided tasting of three fresh White Hag beers in the Taproom Barrel House. The purpose-built Barrel House is both a taproom and a social meeting place at the heart of the brewery; fresh White Hag beer is served directly there. Reservations, availability, opening arrangements and beer service may change. Check tour details and current arrangements directly with the operator before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Gorteen, Castlebaldwin, Ballaghnatrillick, Easky, Sligo, Streedagh, Ballisodare, Aclare

For the wider travel overview: County Sligo.