Things To Do
Angling
The Ballybay area has unspoiled landscape, wildlife, beautiful scenery and lots lo do for both locals and visitors alike. The most prominent element that Ballybay has to offer is its many lakes and rivers available for fishing in, recommended by angler groups worldwide. These lakes and rivers are here for your enjoyment and coarse anglers will find good stocks of bream, roach, tench, carp, pike and perch. Game anglers can enjoy salmon fishing as well as wild, brown and rainbow trout fishing.
Many fishermen return annually as they just can not get enough of the spott and the entertainment provided by the town in the evening time. The recently opened and wonderfully developed Wetlands Centre is a wetland site, recognised as being a regionally important site for wintering migratory bird life including Whooper swan and Siberian Widgeon. As well as a year-round refuge for a wide spectrum of waterfowl, the 65 acre Derryvalley Farm and newly constructed Wetlands Centre offer an unparalleled venue for the study and appreciation of a unique wildlife experience. As well as some breath taking views of what Monaghan is famed for, rolling green hills and peaceful reed surrounded lakes.
Accomodation
Lake View B&B
Is adjacent the Wetlands centre, with scenic views of the wetlands, lake and the town of Ballybay. It is an ideal location for fishing, bird watching, walking and sightseeing. Close to the town itself, including churches it is opened all year round and offers verycompetitive rates.
The Firs, 4 Star Self Catering Accommodation:
Is close to the town of Ballybay, with lighted footpaths to the door. It is newly built, designed and furnished with family comfo11 in mind, it offers competitive prices, has wheelchair access and wireless broadband is available. It also is close to angling spots such as Lough Major. Why not come and experience for yourself and see why that people come back year after year to slay.
Ardmore Guest House
Hospitality is our specialty at the Ardmore Guest I-louse, where a warm and friendly welcome awaits you. First Class Service from our experienced staff, ensure that you will leave Ardmore Guest I louse with many happy memories of your visit lo Ballybay. Situated in the town centre completely refurbished and upgraded, all bedrooms ensuite with TV, telephone and tea/coffee facilities. We offer our guests all round activities available locally.
Walks
The Lough Major and the Coachman Walk:
This walk circles around the 23 hectare Lough Major, with stops for fishing along the way. It is very scenic, giving panoramic views of the town of Ballybay and the surrounding countryside. There is a little well along the way and eerie yew tree lined section. There is ofien plenty of wildlife on and around the lake, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. Part of the walk includes the town park and the peace bridge. It takes about fifty minutes to an hour to complete the walk.
Wetlands Centre:
There are several walks around the wetland centre including, if you wish the entrance walk. There are very scenic walks around the lakes and wetlands. The Wetlands centre is 65 acres of wetlands that are recognized as being regionally important as a site for wintering migratory bird life including the Whooping swan and the Siberian widgeon. Also as a year round refuge for a wide spectrum of waterfowl and wildlife.
Corbrac Road Walk:
ls a scenic countryside road walk, winding around for three miles you leave Ballybay by the Creeve road and come back via the Latton road. The hedgerows often have small wildlife in them and in autumn you can be sure to find blackberries growing. It will take about an hour to an hour and a half to walk.
Sports
Ballybay / Deryvalley Outdoor Bowls Club
In early 2004 the Ballybay Indoor Club and Derryvalley Indoor Club started travelling to Fivemiletown to play on their all weather green, where through these trips, a committee was formed. We then decided to seek funding for the project that we had in mind for so many years. After many meetings and consultations, funding was made available from Monaghan Co. Council (Peace 2 Funding) and other sources which provided the Club Pavilion, which nestles very nicely on the site. Construction of the green started in April 2006 and the first bowl was rolled that August. The lights were erected in 2008 which is providing very useful when the evenings gel short.
The green is very well supported and in use every night with competitions runningduring the summer. The Summer League stai1s in May, which involves fourteen teams form Monaghan, Cavan and Armagh which ends in August. Then the Knockout Cup Game starts with the same fourteen teams. Ln April we run a Town Tournament which involves the shops of the town. Our latest venture is bowling for beginners, which is well attended. Our Season starts in March and ends in October (weather depending). We also play lOa.m. on Christmas and New Years morning.
Karate
Ballybay Karate Club
lnstructor Neil Sullivan
Contact 087 3138239
Golf: Ballybay Golf Society
Ballybay Golf Society was fonned in 1982, there were s ixteen founding members. The society is deeply indebted to these men, for their vision and foresight they had in the structure of golf in the Ballybay area. from the outset the society has been affiliated with the Golf Union of Ireland (G.U.T.). The Ballybay Golf Society lakes several outings a year to various golf clubs across Ireland, as well as the traditional weekend away usually at the end of the summer. The Society holds several competitions in the year including the Captains Prize, Presidents Prize, Duffy Cup and Match Play (Seamus Sammon Perpetual Trophy) as well as an organised charity event.
To obtain more information contact:
President, Joe Traynor 042 974 1 O&&
Secretary, Gavin McEneaney, 086 271 9900
P.R.O, Gerry Traynor, 042 97 41284
Or visit our website: www.ballybaygs.com