Ballybay Monaghan Ireland

Welcome to the Ballybay website, a site lo provide both locals and visitors with current and update information about the town of Ballybay and the local community, including local directories, sport and tourism and coverage of all local events.

Ballybay is strategically located in the centre of County Monaghan, being less than twenty kilometres from all the main towns within the county. The town has become much more accessible with the improvement of transport links through the opening of the Castleblayney By-pass.

The town traditionally acted as a market town which served a large rural hinterland. In the 1800s the linen industry was the main form of employment in the area based on the abundance of flax grown locally. Subsequently the town developed an increasing dependence on the agricultural sector with the mart being the central focal feature which brought farmers and rural dwellers to the town. Following the downturn in the agricultural sector, Ballybay suffered a loss of trade that affected all sectors in the town. The town has been in decline for approximately 30 years, a fact clearly reflected in the number of derelict properties sited along the Main Street.

The town is dominated by Lough Major located to the east of the town centre. The Dromore River also forms an important part of the town’s physical structure and it is these water features and local drumlins that have helped to dictate how the town has developed and evolved over the years.

So if you're not lucky enough to live here already, come and visit and explore the selections that Ballybay has to offer!