Things to do in Killaloe & Ballina
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Killaloe Cathedral
The present church dates from the early 13th century and was built by the O'Brien family on top of a 6th-century church. Inside, ornate carvings decorate the Romanesque southern doorway, next to which is the shaft of a stone cross, known as Thorgrim's Stone. It dates from the early Christian period and is unusual in that it bears both the old Scandinavian runic and Irish Ogham scripts. In the cathedral grounds is St Flannan's Oratory, of 12th-century Romanesque design.
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Crotty’s
The most atmospheric spot on the Clare side of the water, Crotty’s has picnic tables outside that you won’t want to leave, especially on long summer nights. Inside it could be the model for the perfect old pub anywhere (and it’s the real deal). Fish and chips and burgers rise above the norm, and the purveyors of the foods are listed.
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Molly's Bar & Restaurant
Guarding the east flank of the bridge, this riverside pub has an alluring rooftop deck that puts you high above the coagulated traffic as well as waterside picnic tables. It offers Irish standards such as bacon and cabbage, plus pub classics like pizza and burgers. Weekend nights there's a festival of live music and DJs.
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River Run
Small, smart and stylish, this blue-fronted bistro has food as creative as the local art for sale on the walls. The selections are kept minimal, but always include good seafood, meat and veggie options. The more casual lunch menu is served until closing.
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Gooser's Bar & Eating House
Only the masses of fun-seekers on busy weekends diminish the Gooser's experience. This is a hugely popular thatched pub, noted for its big selection of fish. Sailors make mirth and plough into the hefty seafood platter in the restaurant or go for pub fare at tables outside.
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Liam O'Riains
At this grizzled, stone-faced old veteran, you're greeted by a cow-eyed, 12kg pike mounted on a wall near the entrance – he's an ugly mother. Everything else here, however, is lovely. Candles glow softly and windows overlook the river below.
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TJ's Angling Centre
You can rent fishing tackle for €15 per day and catch your limit in free advice. It also organises fishing trips, although you can hook trout and pike right here in town.
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Ponte Vecchio
Get picnic goods all week long at the Italian-flavoured deli Ponte Vecchio, which makes darn good sandwiches and sells bottles of wine ready to be uncorked.
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Farmers Market
The twin towns have their farmers market on the islet off the bridge on the Killaloe side.
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Spirit of Killaloe
Offers hour-long cruises of the waters.
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Farmers Market
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Wooden Spoon
In a narrow passage just up from the waterfront, this cafe and bakery offers up Med-flavoured fair so flavourful that on balmy days you might think you're near the Riviera. Local chef-done-good Laura Kilkenny also has trad faves such as fresh soda bread, all made with local ingredients and mostly sourced locally.
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Brian Ború Heritage Centre
Named for the local boy who made good as the king who, according to the political spinmeisters of his time, both unified Ireland and freed it from the Viking scourge. The centre does much to celebrate the legends and has good displays about the nautical heritage of this patchwork of lakes and rivers.
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