A 1,000-acre riverside woodland on the edge of Ballina, Belleek Woods is one of Europe's largest urban forests — home to a fairy trail, a duck pond, a red-squirrel sanctuary and a derelict concrete ship, all free to explore.
A family favourite: tiny, colourful fairy houses tucked into trees and roots along a short trail, built by Ballina Men's Shed and St. Muredach's College. Be quiet, admire and don't disturb the residents — children often make a wish.
Up to six miles of forest paths, two of them along the banks of the River Moy. The waymarked Belleek Woods Loop (3.8 km, about 1 hour, easy, white markers) passes the old Belleek estate's hermitage and icehouse. The woods mark the start of the Monasteries of the Moy greenway.
Feed the ducks at the pond by the main car park (healthy snacks only — no bread). The woods hold a protected red-squirrel sanctuary, and look out for foxes, hares, pine martins, herons and robins among over 22,000 trees.
A mysterious WWI-era concrete tugboat wrecked on a sandbank between Ballina Quay and the woods since 1937 — an iconic photo spot and the centrepiece of a fascinating salvage story.
Late spring brings carpets of bluebells, wild garlic and foxgloves, with irises and primroses earlier in the season. The riverside stretches are excellent for salmon-spotting in season and easy scenic picnicking.
Load the interactive map to explore this place location.
