Ballaghaderreen: Cathedral, Powerhouse and River Landscape

Ballaghaderreen combines distinctive buildings with a history that can be read in many different places. The Gothic stone cathedral shapes the townscape with its tall tower and highly visible spire. There is also the Powerhouse, with its varied uses over time, and places to visit in the surrounding area: walking trails, golf and opportunities for fishing. When looking for a holiday rental, you can consider whether you mainly want to explore the town itself or also plan activities nearby.

Cathedral and town history

Ballaghaderreen Cathedral was commissioned in 1855. Its distinctive tower was added in 1912; the building is a 19th-century stone cathedral. If you are interested in architecture, you can look out for its tall spire and Gothic design. Inside, you will notice other details that are very different from one another: the nave’s wood-panelled ceiling, paintings of the Annunciation, angels with verses from the Benedicite on the choir vault, and several notable windows. This means a visit need not be limited to the exterior.

Another distinctive building is the Powerhouse. Over the course of its history, it served as a school, the town’s electricity provider, a science hall and a local museum. Between 1912 and 1933, it supplied Ballaghaderreen with electricity generated using a water turbine on the Lung River. This example brings town history and the history of technology together: the building represents both former public uses and the town’s electricity supply in the past.

The library is also housed in a historic building: it is located in the 18th-century Dillon House on Market Square. A walk exploring Ballaghaderreen’s history began at the Creamery; an exhibition was then held at the Shambles, curated in collaboration with Eithne Gallagher. These places and stories offer different ways to explore the town’s cultural history, alongside the cathedral.

River, trails and activities nearby

The Lung River is an 18-mile-long tributary of the Shannon and is connected to six larger lakes. Ballaghaderreen is about a mile from the river. There are fishing stands for anglers with physical disabilities on the Lung River and at Lough Gara. The Lung Valley, about a mile from Ballaghaderreen, also has fishing waters with access, boat slips, fishing stands, safe off-road parking and nature trails. If you are combining your stay with fishing, you can take these details into account when choosing the area you would like to explore.

For a walking or cycling trip, consider the Lough Gara Bogland Trails. They comprise four loop trails, are 3 km from Ballaghaderreen and are also suitable for cycling. Ballaghaderreen Golf Course is 3 miles outside the town. The parkland course has nine holes, a par of 70 and a length of 5,339 m; alternative tees are available for the back nine. Visitors are welcome, except on Captains’ and Presidents’ Days.

Cultural programme and holiday plans to suit

Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is a three-year programme running from 2025 to 2028. It creates opportunities for workshops, walks, storytelling, visual arts, performances and public events. Which of these opportunities appeals to you most may help you decide whether to focus your stay more on culture or outdoor activities.

When looking for a holiday rental, it is therefore helpful to weigh up a simple choice: would you like to focus on Ballaghaderreen’s cathedral, historic buildings and town stories, or would you also like nearby trails, the golf course and fishing opportunities to play a part? The destinations mentioned differ in type and location; use these differences to decide what to focus on during your trip, without inferring anything about accommodation from an activity.

Explore more places

For more ideas for places in the same directory: Knockvicar, Money, Ballintober, Lisacul, Roscommon, Keadew, Arigna, Boyle.

For the overview of the wider area: County Roscommon.