Mayo native launches exciting new walking tour for 2025 season

Ballina will welcome a brand-new walking tour experience in 2025, launching with a special event on St. Patrick’s Day.

Seasoned tour guide Bill Duffy, owner of Really Great Tours, is introducing Tales and Trails – A St. Patrick’s Day Walking Tour, offering a fresh perspective on Ballina’s rich heritage.

Bill is well known for his work in heritage tourism, including at the iconic Blacksod Lighthouse, and has spent years crafting engaging and immersive guided experiences. Now he is bringing his passion for storytelling home with a tour designed to uncover the hidden stories of Ballina’s past.

The launch event is being hosted in collaboration with Ballina native Debbie McCole, aka 'The Sleepy Scholar' on social media.

Taking place on Monday next, March 17, the tour will depart from Leigue Cemetery at 11 a.m., guiding participants through Ballina’s fascinating history. Along the way, attendees will hear captivating folklore, visit significant historical sites, and stand on the very spot where St. Patrick is said to have preached and performed miracles, including curing blindness.

This new tour coincides with Ballina’s vibrant St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, which will be particularly special in 2025 as Dr. Norah Patten serves as grand marshal of the parade. An aeronautical engineer who is on course to be the first Irish person to travel to space on a future research spaceflight with Virgin Galactic, Dr. Patten has been an inspiring advocate for STEM education. Her participation in this year’s festivities will add an exciting dimension, bridging Ballina’s deep historical roots with its bright future.

Speaking on the significance of this initiative, Mairéad Melody Carr, manager of Mayo North Tourism, said: “A town walking tour offers a fantastic opportunity for both visitors and locals to engage with the area’s history in a unique and personal way. It enriches the visitor experience by providing storytelling and local knowledge that can’t be found in a guidebook.

“Towns and cities across Ireland and beyond have seen the benefits of structured, regular walking tours, which bring vibrancy, economic benefits, and a deeper sense of place to communities."

Beyond St. Patrick’s Day, the goal is to establish a regular walking tour schedule in Ballina, ensuring visitors can explore its history year-round, much like they do in heritage destinations such as Dublin, Galway and Edinburgh. A structured tour offering will further enhance Ballina’s reputation as a must-visit heritage tourism destination.

Small tourism businesses like Really Great Tours are at the heart of sustainable, community-led tourism. They provide authentic experiences while directly supporting the local economy. This initiative encourages locals and visitors alike to attend, spread the word, and help Ballina grow as a premier destination for cultural and historical tourism.

Tickets for Tales and Trails are limited, so early booking is advised. The one-and-a-half-hour tour allows plenty of time to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day parade afterwards.

Expect folklore, fairytales, fables and even a surprise musical guest along the way! To book your spot, call or WhatsApp Bill on (087) 1837283.