Ballyshrule: Spinning Traditions, Cheese and Lough Derg

Ballyshrule is associated with three distinct themes: its traditional spinning, the cheesemaking of Killeen Farmhouse Cheese and the boating services of Cloondavaun Bay Marina on Lough Derg. Historic handcraft, local food production and services for boaters thus offer distinct perspectives on the area.

A spinning mill in local tradition

A historical account tells of a spinning mill in Ballyshrule around 35 years ago. Farmers spun flax they had grown themselves and wool there. Flax was spun using the foot, while wool was spun by hand. The home-grown raw materials and different techniques illustrate the connection between agriculture and craft: two materials were processed, but in different ways.

Cheesemaking and maturation

Killeen Farmhouse Cheese makes cheese on its own farm using milk from its 200 goats; a local farmer also supplies cow’s milk for cheesemaking. The company was named Supreme Champion at the Irish Cheese Awards in 2011, 2014 and 2019. These awards are a distinct part of the cheesemaker’s story in Ballyshrule.

Killeen Goat is a Gouda whose flavour profile changes as it matures. After three months, it tastes fresh, mild and milky, with a slightly tangy finish. As it matures for up to five months, it develops more fruitiness and then gradually becomes nuttier. This describes the progression from mild, fresh notes to richer flavours from maturation.

On Lough Derg: Cloondavaun Bay Marina

Cloondavaun Bay Marina in Ballyshrule is on the western shore of Lough Derg, near Portumna in County Galway. It is regarded as peaceful, sheltered and scenic. For boaters, these qualities go hand in hand with a broad range of services.

Berths are available for cruising yachts, sailboats and smaller watercraft. The boat-lifting service caters to cruising yachts and sailboats, and comprehensive maintenance services are also available on site. During the winter months, the marina offers storage in a covered facility measuring 24,000 square feet or in a paved outdoor area. The services therefore vary according to need, from berthing to lifting and maintenance and seasonal storage.

Dining at the Red Oak

Guests can dine by the fireplace at the Red Oak; payment is cash only. Dinner is served from 5 pm, but dining times may change. Check the current dining time before your visit.

Galway: trails and cultural sites in the wider destination

The wider Galway destination offers other distinct natural and cultural attractions. At Coole Park, the Family Trail is an easy 1.75 km walk that passes the site of the former house and goes through the walled garden to the Autograph Tree. The Seven Woods Trail is 4.5 km long and passes a viewpoint overlooking Coole Lake as well as extensive wetlands. The routes therefore differ in both length and scenery.

Dún Aonghasa offers a different focus: the fortress is over 3,000 years old. The visitor centre is open year-round and offers guided tours. It is at the start of a 1 km footpath to the fortress on the cliff edge. The wider Galway region thus offers everything from walks in Coole Park to an archaeological site with a visitor centre.

Tailor your stay in Ballyshrule

When looking for a holiday rental in Ballyshrule, you can weigh the local themes according to your reason for travelling: local history and cheesemaking offer a different focus from berths, lifting services and winter boat storage. The Red Oak adds the option of dinner by the fireplace. Consider which of these themes matters most for your stay, and choose where to stay according to your interests.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Dunmore, Ballynahinch, Shantalla, Tully Cross, Craughwell, Inishmaan, Clarinbridge, Headford

Back to the main travel overview: Galway.