Major city · Ireland
BallymoteBaile an Mhóta
Base in Ballymote only if you have a car: 1 night covers the castle and Carrowkeel; without wheels, use Sligo town and day-trip in by train.
Ballymote is a small County Sligo town of about 1,700 people with a 1300s castle ruin and a rail station, but its real draw is the prehistoric countryside around it: Carrowkeel passage tombs, Keshcorran caves and the Ridge of Moytura. Sights are scattered with no public transport between them, so a car decides whether this is a one-night stop or a pass-through.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days)
- Airports
- NOC · DUB
- 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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
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 Ballymote112 ▾
- Police, ambulance, fire (Gardaí)112999
- Murtagh Cabs (local taxi)+353 71 918 9131
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 Ballymote, 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
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime town; the real risks are rural roads, wet weather and unlit archaeological sites.
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 or 999 police, ambulance, fire (gardaí) · +353 71 918 9131 Murtagh Cabs (local taxi) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- 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.
- AirportNOC Ireland West Airport Knock (About 45 min by car; bus links are limited).
- Getting aroundYou need a car: the tombs, caves and friary are spread across the countryside with no public transport.
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 café€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Street or quick mealIrish breakfast€10–14 (≈ US$12–17)
- BeerPub pint€5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Museum or sight ticketSligo Folk Park adult entrychild €6€12 (≈ US$14)
- Budget bedHostel or B&B single, a night, per person€35 (≈ US$45)
- Mid-range bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room€200 (≈ US$250)
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
- NOC Ireland West Airport Knock (About 45 min by car; bus links are limited) · DUB Dublin Airport (About 3 h by car; train from Connolly to Ballymote takes about 3 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
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°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 (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest Jun (14). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ballymote: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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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)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
20 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
16 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
18 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
15 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
15 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
14 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
16 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
17 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
17 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
19 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
19 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
19 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 a car: the tombs, caves and friary are spread across the countryside with no public transport. The town itself is walkable. Local Link bus 977 links Sligo, Ballymote, Gurteen and Castlerea, about 8 runs Monday–Saturday and 3 on Sunday. Murtagh Cabs covers local trips.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30–45 min
Train from Ballymote, about 20 min, or Local Link bus 977, about 30 min
Base for Carrowmore, Benbulbin and Lough Gill.
Door to door: About 40 min
Train towards Dublin, about 25 min
Better base for the south end of the county and Lough Key.
Strandhill
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Car via Sligo, about 40 min
Surf beach and coastal walk; needs a car.
Rosses Point
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Car via Sligo, about 40 min
Beach and golf; pair with Sligo town.
Enniscrone
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Car via Collooney and Ballina, about 1 h
Long beach and seaweed baths; a half-day by car.
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.
Town centre (O'Connell St and Grattan St)
Pubs, shops and the Coach House Hotel; the rail station is a 200 m walk west.
Wolfe Tone St
Quieter street south of the centre with B&B rooms.
Country houses outside town
Temple House and Coopershill are exclusive-rental estates, not bookable by the room; check before planning around them.
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
- €50–80 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- €80–130 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- €130 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or hotel double room1 × 1 night × €140 | €140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €95 | €190 |
| Train Dublin Connolly → Ballymote, one way2 × €30 | €60 |
| Car hire, one day1 × €55 | €55 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €48 |
| Trip total≈ €262 per person per day, bed included | €523≈ US$650 |
Coach House Hotel quotes about €140 B&B double
2026 estimate in euro; car hire and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Irish breakfast | €10–14 (≈ US$12–17) |
| Pub pint | €5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Indian takeaway main | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
| Sligo Folk Park adult entrychild €6 | €12 (≈ US$14) |
| Train Ballymote → Sligo, one way | €5–8 (≈ US$6–10) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ballymote Castle is a ruin and not safe to enter: view it from outside.
- Ballinafad castle ruin is also unsafe to enter.
- Intercity buses pass on the main road and do not stop in town; use the train or Local Link 977.
- Mobile signal is 4G from Three and Vodafone but patchy from Eir; no 5G here.
- Carrowkeel and Keshcorran are unstaffed archaeological sites on farmland: leave gates as you find them and take your litter out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire (Gardaí)
- 112 or 999
- Murtagh Cabs (local taxi)
- +353 71 918 9131
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
BallymoteBaile an Mhóta
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance, fire112 or 999
- Murtagh Cabs+353 71 918 9131
Embassy
No embassies in Ballymote; the US Embassy is in Dublin, and most countries keep embassies in Dublin.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Ballymote → Sligo: about 20 min, €5–8 (≈ US$6–10) one way
- Local Link bus 977 Ballymote → Sligo: about 30 min, 8 runs Mon–Sat, 3 on Sunday
- Train Dublin Connolly → Ballymote: about 3 h, every couple of hours
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)
- Cá bhfuil an stáisiún? — Where is the station? (kaw will an staw-shoon)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-che)
Ballymote Castle is free to view from outside but not safe to enter. Carrowkeel and Keshcorran are unstaffed and free.
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 Ballymote. 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, short days) · 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
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for NOC and DUB: last train from Dublin Connolly field-checked, taxi fallback from Sligo, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster for the town: station, castle, main street, Fighting 69th Monument and town park.
- Place pages with verified access notes for Carrowkeel, Keshcorran, Heapstown Cairn, Ballindoon Friary and the Ridge of Moytura.
- Eat and drink pages with last orders for the pubs and takeaways, plus White Hag festival dates.
Sources
- officialDiscover Ireland — County Sligo
- officialIrish Rail
- officialTransport for Ireland — timetables
- officialSligo Folk Park
- officialBallymote Heritage Weekend
- secondaryWikivoyage: Ballymote, revision 5076422 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Ballymote
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