Major city · Ireland
BallymahonBaile Uí Mhatháin
One night only, and mainly as a bed for Center Parcs or the Royal Canal: without a car or a resort booking, skip it.
Ballymahon is a midlands village of about 1,700 people on the N55 between Athlone and Cavan, with one long main street, a handful of pubs and Center Parcs Longford Forest 3 km east. It is a base, not a destination: come for the resort, the Royal Canal or the Corlea Trackway, and give it one night.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, dark, little open)
- Airports
- DUB · NOC
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Ballymahon112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ballymahon, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are narrow, unlit roads with no footpath, farm traffic on the N55 and long waits for a taxi after closing time.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance · 999 police, fire, ambulance (alternative)
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDUB Dublin Airport (Bus or car to Longford or Athlone, then Bus Éireann 466; about 2.5–3 h door to door).
- Getting aroundYou need wheels.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a village café€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course€14–20 (≈ US$17–25)
- BeerPint of stout€5–6 (≈ US$6–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, village to Center Parcs€10–15 (≈ US$12–18)
- Metro or bus rideBus Éireann 466 single, Athlone–Ballymahon€5–7 (≈ US$6–9)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€15–25 (≈ US$18–30)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person€35 (≈ US$45)
- Mid-range bedHotel or B&B double room, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedHotel or B&B double room, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €95 (≈ US$120) · High €170 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DUB Dublin Airport (Bus or car to Longford or Athlone, then Bus Éireann 466; about 2.5–3 h door to door) · NOC Ireland West Airport Knock (Car via the N5 and N55, about 1.5 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Jun (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ballymahon: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need wheels. The village is walkable end to end in about 10 minutes, but Center Parcs, Corlea Trackway and Abbeyshrule are 3–10 km out with no useful local bus. Bus Éireann 466 links Athlone, Keenagh, Longford and Cavan every couple of hours; Local Link LR24 runs twice a day Monday–Friday from Longford via Keenagh.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Corlea Trackway, Keenagh
goDoor to door: About 20 min by car
Car or bike on the N55 northwest, about 10 km (6.2 mi)Car or bike on the N55 northwest, about 6.2 mi (10 km)
Iron Age wooden road in a visitor centre; opening is seasonal, check before driving out.
Abbeyshrule and the Royal Canal
goDoor to door: About 10 min by car
Car or bike east, about 4 km (2.5 mi)Car or bike east, about 2.5 mi (4 km)
Cistercian abbey stump and the canal aqueduct over the River Inny; short stop.
Door to door: About 45 min
Bus Éireann 466 or Local Link LR24, about 30 min
Best wet-day option: cathedral, shops and a wider choice of food.
Door to door: About 35 min
Bus Éireann 466, about 20 min
Castle, riverfront and rail connections; easy half day.
Center Parcs Longford Forest
cautionDoor to door: About 10 min
Car or taxi, 3 km (1.9 mi) east on the Newcastle RoadCar or taxi, 1.9 mi (3 km) east on the Newcastle Road
Day access for non-residents is limited and pay-as-you-go: confirm before you go.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Village centre (Main Street)
Cooney's Hotel and Skelly's Bar; walk to pubs and shops, 5 min to everything.
Newcastle Road, east edge
Newcastle House and the Center Parcs entrance; car needed for the village.
Abbeyshrule
About 4 km (2.5 mi) east; farm guesthouse and canal aqueduct, quiet.About 2.5 mi (4 km) east; farm guesthouse and canal aqueduct, quiet.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €85–140 (≈ US$100–170) excl. bed
- High
- €140 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or B&B double room1 × 1 night × €140 | €140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €95 | €190 |
| Bus Éireann 466, Athlone to Ballymahon, one way2 × €6 | €12 |
| Taxi, Ballymahon to Center Parcs1 × €12 | €12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €20 | €40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €39 |
| Trip total≈ €217 per person per day, bed included | €433≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in euro; car hire and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a village café | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Pint of stout | €5–6 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Taxi, village to Center Parcs | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
| Bus Éireann 466 single, Athlone–Ballymahon | €5–7 (≈ US$6–9) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €15–25 (≈ US$18–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train station: the nearest rail is Longford or Athlone, then bus or taxi.
- Center Parcs stays must start and end on a Monday or Friday, so a three-night weekend is the minimum booking.
- Ledwithstown House has been closed for restoration for years: do not drive out expecting a visit.
- Village pubs and kitchens close early outside summer; eat before 9PM or drive to Longford.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 112
- Police, fire, ambulance (alternative)
- 999
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
BallymahonBaile Uí Mhatháin
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance112
- Police, fire, ambulance (alternative)999
Embassy
No embassy in Ballymahon; the US Embassy is in Dublin, and most other countries keep embassies in Dublin.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Éireann 466, Athlone → Ballymahon: about €5–7 (≈ US$6–9), 20 min
- Taxi, Ballymahon → Center Parcs: €10–15 (≈ US$12–18)
- Taxi, Longford → Ballymahon: €25–35 (≈ US$30–45)
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-cha)
- Cá bhfuil an leithreas? — Where is the toilet? (kaw will un leh-rass)
- An féidir liom íoc le cárta? — Can I pay by card? (un fay-der lum eek leh kar-ta)
English is spoken everywhere; Irish is a courtesy, not a necessity.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ballymahon. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, dark, little open) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for DUB and NOC: last bus and taxi fallbacks, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster for the Main Street with rescue anchors: Cooney's, Skelly's, Smyth's SuperValu, the Bank of Ireland ATM.
- Place pages with verified opening for Corlea Trackway, Abbeyshrule and the Royal Canal access points.
- Center Parcs booking rules and non-resident access fixture so the day-trip verdict can go green.