text:
Ballycastle

 * For Ballycastle in County Mayo, see Ballina

Ballycastle is a small fishing port and beach resort, historically in County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Those counties have been abolished so the town is now in Causeway Coast and Glens District, and in 2011 had a population of 5237. It's close to the top-draw attractions of Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge and Dark Hedges, all very touristy, but has many others that escape the hordes. The town is named for its own castle (hence Baile an Chaistil), lost somewhere beneath Castle Street, but other castles still stand on dramatic headlands, and Fair Head is a natural wonder.

Get in
There's no direct public transport from Belfast, take train or bus to Ballymena and change.

Bus 131 / 217 runs from Ballymena via Cloughmills, taking 70 min to Ballycastle. There are five M-F and two on Saturday.

Bus 402 runs along the coast from Coleraine to Portrush, Dunluce castle, Bushmills (for distillery), Aird (for Giant's Causeway), Dunseverick (for castle), Ballintoy (for Carrick-a-Rede) and Ballycastle. There are six M-F, four Sa and three on Sunday.

Bus 178 is an inland route from Coleraine, with 2 or 3 M-Sa. It takes 80 min via Ballymoney and Armoy (for Dark Hedges), so don't take it for the coastal attractions.

Rathlin Island Ferries sail from Ballycastle harbour to Rathlin Island four times daily, taking 30 min, an easy day trip. Visitors may not take cars to the island, see below for where to park.

Kintyre Express is a foot-passenger ferry between Ballycastle and Port Ellen on Islay in the Scottish Hebrides. This runs April-Sept F-M, sailing from Ballycastle at 9:30AM, taking an hour and returning at 3PM, an easy day trip. The adult fare in 2023 is £80 single, £150 return, bikes are free. This ferry is a continuation of the sailing from Campbeltown on the Mull of Kintyre at 07:30, returning from Ballycastle at 16:30 and taking 90 min, same fares. So a day trip from Campbeltown to Ballycastle is possible but not vice versa.

Get around
Bus 402 runs along the coast, see above. You need your own wheels for anywhere else.

The car park by the seafront is free but has a maximum stay of two hours, and fills up quickly in summer. If you're taking a trip on the ferry, you need to use Ann Street off Quay Road - this is 30p / hour M-Sa 8:30AM-6:30PM, free at other times. Either feed it with coins or register for online payment with JustPark.

See

 * is the focus of town. The lump of rock near the ferry ticket office commemorates Marconi's pioneering test transmissions of 1898, relaying news of approaching ships from Rathlin Island. (His mother was Annie Jameson, one of the Jameson whiskey family.) The traditional red phone box on the Promenade shows just how far we've advanced since. The beach starts east of the marina, with a footbridge over Glenshesk River to the main Strand.
 * Churches: St Patrick's and St Brigid's (Roman Catholic) on Moyle Rd was built 1870. The octagonal spire was added in 1898, nicely in time for Marconi to use it as a radio transmitter. Holy Trinity (Church of Ireland) on The Diamond was built in Graeco-Italian style in 1756. The Presbyterian church on Castle St was built in 1872, and its distinctive Round Tower was added in the 1890s.
 * Ballycastle Museum is a small volunteer-run museum at 61 Castle St.
 * is the sandy beach stretching for half a mile east of the river. At its east end, a boardwalk leads onto Pans Rocks, nowadays popular for angling. In the 18th and 19th centuries the rocks were used as salt pans, and as access to a coal seam. The Devil's Churn is a small natural sinkhole or sea-cave, with steps cut for access and a barrier so that sea water trickled in gently and sediment settled. In the 19th century there was also briefly a fever hospital nearby; as this coincided with a vogue for sea-bathing it's possible that the Churn was also used as a therapeutic dunking spot.
 * Glenshesk is one of the nine Glens of Antrim, the river valley rising above the friary. There are roads both sides of the river - take the smaller west-side lane to reach Ballycastle Forest car park, start of the path up Knocklayde (514 m). This is on forestry dirt-tracks and firm going until near the top, when you come onto open soggy heath with three false summits before you reach the triangulation point. Great views.
 * Glentaisie is the last of the nine Glens. It's scenic but has the main road A44 running up it to Armoy. You might prefer to take the lane, B15 Hillside Rd.
 * is a village on A44 six miles south of Ballycastle. The Presbyterian church in village centre has an odd metal spire, likened to a miniature Eiffel Tower, at least by those who've never been to Paris - couldn't they re-badge it as commemorating Marconi? St Patrick's (Church of Ireland) church half a mile east has the 11 m stump of a Round Tower, the only remains of the ancient abbey. Armoy Road Races are held here, see below, and the champion motorbike racer Joey Dunlop (1952-2000) came from the village.
 * are near Armoy, but see Ballymoney for this attraction.
 * is a three-mile stretch of cliffs up to 300 ft / 100 m high. They're dolerite, rising in organ-pipe columns, popular for rock-climbing. They're not quite sea-cliffs as a scree separates them from the shore. By car or bike leave A2 Cushendall Rd at Ballytoy (Hunter's Bar) and follow Torr Road east. In the little lake by the car park is an Iron Age crannog. Wild goats roam the headland. From here on, the coast trends south, facing the Irish Sea.
 * is a three-mile stretch of cliffs up to 300 ft / 100 m high. They're dolerite, rising in organ-pipe columns, popular for rock-climbing. They're not quite sea-cliffs as a scree separates them from the shore. By car or bike leave A2 Cushendall Rd at Ballytoy (Hunter's Bar) and follow Torr Road east. In the little lake by the car park is an Iron Age crannog. Wild goats roam the headland. From here on, the coast trends south, facing the Irish Sea.
 * is the next headland, reached by staying on Torr Road, which straggles along the clifftops to rejoin the main road at Cushendun. See Cushendall for Altagore ringfort and other sights south of here.
 * is the gnarly remnant of a two-story fortress, built in 1547 and promptly smashed up by English attacks. It's on a dramatic limestone headland, where you clamber up the steps for views out to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre. In early 2021 the castle is closed off for maintenance, but you can still enjoy the headland, free to access 24 hours.
 * is a long sandy beach backed by sand hills, maintained by the National Trust and busily burrowed by rabbits. Elephant Rock is a natural scenic arch. The limestone contains many fossils.
 * is a scrappy remainder, you come for the headland setting. Earthworks indicate defences here from the Iron Age, and St Patrick called by in the 5th century. The medieval stone bastion has suffered from Cromwell, 350 years of dereliction, and the restless sea. The cliffs on either side have many scenic lookouts and little coves for boats.
 * is within walking distance west of Dunseverick, see separate page.
 * is the island seen six miles to the north. It's an easy day-trip.
 * is the island seen six miles to the north. It's an easy day-trip.

Do

 * Rock-climbing: Fair Head is the premier spot, with 100 m columns ascended by hand-jamming or chimneying. Only "clean-climbing" techniques are permitted.
 * Ulster Way is a long-distance hiking trail that circumnavigates Northern Ireland. The local section is called the "Causeway Coast Way" but in early 2021 is problematic, with no footpath between Carrick-a-Rede and Ballycastle, so you have to tramp along the busy main road with no sidewalk. To the east the route swings inland as Moyle Way, over boggy hills. In wet weather stick to the public road along the coast towards Cushendall.
 * Boat trips out of Ballycastle are available for sea-angling, scuba-diving and scenic tours. The main operator is Kintra.
 * Make peace: Corrymeela Community is an organisation based in Ballycastle and dedicated to reconciliation and peace in Northern Ireland. They sometimes host conferences, exhibitions and so on.
 * Ballycastle Golf Club is on Cushendall Rd just east of the river. White tees 5899 yards, par 71, visitor round £105.
 * Armoy Road Races are an on-road motorbike racing event held in July. T
 * Were you ever at the fair, were you ever ever there, were you ever at the fair in Ballycastle-oh?
 * Ould Lammas Fair is a street festival and market held since 1606. Lammas was loaf-mass, a church harvest festival held on 1 Aug, but the modern Fair is held on the last Monday and Tuesday of August linking to the weekend.

Buy

 * The convenience store for the harbour area is Spar on North St, open daily 7AM-11PM.
 * Spar main store is on Castle St (daily 6:30AM-11PM), along with Co-op Food and Nisa.

Eat

 * Did you treat your Mary-Ann to the dulse and yellowman, at the Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle-oh?
 * - Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is an edible seaweed - well, sort of edible. So chomp away, buoyed by the thought that a swanky Japanese restaurant would be charging you £14.50 for this experience.
 * - Yellowman is a chewy honeycomb toffee, quite tangy as vinegar is mixed with baking soda to create the bubbles. Then it's bashed up with a hammer and sold by weight in irregular lumps.

 * Morton's is a popular fish & chips cafe by the harbour, open daily 12:30-8PM.
 * Morton's is a popular fish & chips cafe by the harbour, open daily 12:30-8PM.
 * Morton's is a popular fish & chips cafe by the harbour, open daily 12:30-8PM.
 * Morton's is a popular fish & chips cafe by the harbour, open daily 12:30-8PM.

Sleep

 * Maguire Strand camping and caravan site is along Carrickmore Rd, on the coast a mile east of town. It didn't open in 2020.
 * Castle Hostel is nearby at 38 Quay Rd.
 * B&Bs: lots, mostly along Quay Rd, and Clare Rd to the north. They didn't open in 2020, or only operated as self-catering.
 * B&Bs: lots, mostly along Quay Rd, and Clare Rd to the north. They didn't open in 2020, or only operated as self-catering.
 * B&Bs: lots, mostly along Quay Rd, and Clare Rd to the north. They didn't open in 2020, or only operated as self-catering.

Connect
As of Feb 2021, there is 4G in Ballycastle from EE, O2 and Three, but no signal from Vodafone. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * Rathlin Island is a 30 min ferry ride. You have to come back the same way.
 * Giant's Causeway lies west, along with Bushmills and Portrush, all very touristy.
 * Southeast through Cushendall are the Glens of Antrim and the scenic coast road via Larne and Carrickfergus to Belfast.

title: Ballycastle


text:
Ballymena

Ballymena is a town historically in County Antrim in Northern Ireland. These counties have been abolished and the town is now part of the Borough of Mid and East Antrim. It was badly scarred by The Troubles, by economic decline, and associated social problems. It's nowadays a commuter town for Belfast and in 2011 had a population of 29,551. The Travel Information Centre is in the Braid Centre on Bridge St.

Understand
In Irish Baile Meánach means "the middle townland" and it is more or less central in the historic county, standing midway between Belfast and Derry. It was one of the earliest Plantation towns; in 1626 the area passed to the Adair family, who held it until 1904.

Ballymena is best known as the buckle of the "Bible Belt" of Northern Ireland, and the powerbase of The Reverend Dr Ian Paisley (1926-2014). To call him a Protestant and Unionist does not begin to describe the biliousness of his position. In a political and religious career spanning over 60 years, he was fanatically opposed to civil rights or any other concessions to the Roman Catholic minority population, and he encouraged the formation of Protestant militias. He founded the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, a bible-literalist sect who halted the teaching of evolution in Ballymena schools. He preached that the Pope was the Antichrist, and when Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother met Pope John XXIII in 1958, Paisley condemned them for "committing spiritual fornication and adultery with the Antichrist". Later he became convinced that the European Union was a Popish plot. In 1971 he founded the Democratic Unionist Party, and was elected MP (and later MEP) by huge majorities for decade after decade. From 1977 he campaigned to "Save Ulster From Sodomy" but was unable to prevent the decriminalisation of homosexual acts. Nor was he able to block the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. He mellowed somewhat under power-sharing, in 2007 becoming First Minister of Northern Ireland, with a decent working relationship with deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin (the duo were dubbed "The Chuckle Brothers"). He retired from politics and his ministry in 2010, with his son Ian Paisley Jr succeeding him as MP for Mid-Antrim.

Get in
Trains run hourly, daily from Belfast Great Victoria Street via Lanyon Place and other Belfast stations, and Antrim (for International Airport), taking 40 min to Ballymena. They continue to Coleraine, Castlerock and Derry. Change at Coleraine for trains to Ulster University and Portrush.

Ballymena is quarter of a mile west of town centre.

Goldline Bus 218 / 219 runs every two hours from Belfast Europa station via Antrim, taking an hour to Ballymena, and continuing to Cloughmills, Ballymoney and Coleraine.

Ulsterbus 130 runs three times M-Sa from Larne (for ferries from Cairnryan), taking 45 min to Ballymena.

Bus 131 / 217 runs from Ballycastle (for summer ferries from Campbeltown and Islay) via Cloughmills, taking 70 min to Ballymena. There are five M-F and two on Saturday.

See Antrim for the connecting bus from Lisburn and International / Aldergrove Airport.

By road from Belfast follow M2 / A26 and reckon 30 min.

Get around
The town is easy to walk but you need wheels for outlying sites. For example Bus 128 to Broughshane only runs once or twice a day.

See

 * St Patrick's Church (Church of Ireland) on Castle St was opened in 1855, burnt down, and re-built to the identical design to re-open in 1881. It has a notable peal of 12 bells. It replaced a church of 1707: the tower of this remains, and there's an old graveyard.
 * just south of the river is a grassy hillock with views. It was a 12th century fort, probably Norman, with ditch and wooden palisade but never upgraded to a stone castle.
 * is a scenic village on A42 four miles northeast of Ballymena. It's famous for its residents' gardens. By the riverside is a wildlife park, think swans and rabbits not big game.
 * or Sliabh Mis is the plug of an ancient volcano. It formed in the Paleogene or Tertiary Period some 23-66 million years ago, the period when mammals came to the fore. It's 437 m / 1434 ft, a "Marilyn" rising abruptly from the lowland fields - ascend from the car park to its west on Carnstroan Lane, a short, steep, rocky path. Views stretch from the Sperrins to Scotland, unless the rain's set in again. Slemish is a pilgrimage site on St Patrick's Day, as when the young Patrick was first abducted to Ireland, he worked as a herdsman here for six years.
 * was founded as a Moravian settlement in 1765. It has attractive Georgian buildings focused on the church.
 * on Breen Rd near Cullybackey was the birthplace of the father of the 21st President of the US. In 1881 Chester A. Arthur was US Vice-President when Garfield was assassinated, so he became President until 1885; his health was poor and he didn't run for a second term. The cottage is sometimes open in summer but didn't open in 2020.
 * stretch beside the River Bann south of Portglenone village. They're carpeted with bluebells in early summer.
 * stretch beside the River Bann south of Portglenone village. They're carpeted with bluebells in early summer.

Do

 * Cinemas: IMC Cinema is off A26 at the southeast edge of town. Braid Film Theatre is within The Braid, see above.
 * People's Park is north side of town on Doury Rd.
 * Seven Towers Leisure Centre is southside, at the foot of Trostan Ave by the A26 roundabout.
 * Walk: there are pleasant walks along both sides of the river, though people complain about the amount of dog poo. On the east bank Ecos Centre is just a conference venue.
 * Ballymena United play soccer in the NIFL (Danske Bank) Premiership, the game's top tier in Northern Ireland. Their stadium is The Showgrounds, capacity 4390, east of town centre. There used to be stock-car racing here also, but that's closed.
 * Golf: Ballymena Golf Club is on Raceview Rd A42, two miles northeast of town towards Broughshane. It's 5249 yards, par 68, visitor round £18.
 * Galgorm Castle is a Jacobean mansion that is now an event venue and golf club. The course (white tees) is 6678 yards, par 72.

 * Ulster Pipe Band Championships are held in Ballymena on 23 July 2022.

Buy

 * Tower Centre is the big retail mall in town. Fairhill is half a mile north.
 * Farmers Market is Sa 7AM-2PM in the car park of Seven Towers Leisure Centre. Or else! According to the charter of 1626, if they don't hold the Saturday market until the end of time, they have to hand the town back to the monarch.

Eat
Lots of cheap and cheerful places in town centre. For upscale dining, see the hotels listed in Sleep.

Drink

 * The main cluster of pubs is north side of the centre, with Fountain Bar, Blackstone Bar, Fairhill Bar, Slemish Bar, Charlie's, and Smoking Monkey (below).
 * The Thatch Inn is a country pub and bistro in Broughshane, 5 miles northeast on A42.
 * The Thatch Inn is a country pub and bistro in Broughshane, 5 miles northeast on A42.

Sleep

 * There are no campsites or caravan parks near Ballymena, and the hostel "Living Rivers" is a refugee for homeless people.
 * Lots of small B&Bs, though most were closed in 2020 because covid-distancing was impractical for them.
 * McNaughton Guestrooms is a modern place on Bridge St in town centre.

Connect
As of Jan 2021, Ballymena town centre has 4G with all UK carriers, but the Vodafone signal is patchy further out. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * The Antrim Glens along the coast are very scenic, and quiet once you get past the Giant's Causeway.
 * Antrim's one prehistoric fort and two entire castles have gone missing in action, but there are pleasant gardens on their sites. Boat trips go out on Lough Neagh.
 * Circle Lough Neagh to Cookstown, where the kings of Tyrone were enthroned; lots of prehistoric sites around here.
 * County Londonderry starts a few miles west, and historic Derry is a must-see.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Ballymena


text:
Ballymoney

Ballymoney is a town historically in County Antrim in Northern Ireland; those counties have been abolished and it's now part of Causeway Coast and Glens District. Baile Monaidh means "homestead on the peatland" and it was a small agricultural town along the Belfast-Coleraine road, now A26. In the late 20th century it burgeoned into a commuter town and in 2011 the population was 10,402.

Ballymoney's best known tourist attraction, Dark Hedges, is 8 miles northeast on the road to Ballycastle.

Understand
Motorcycle racing is popular in Northern Ireland. One reason is the exploits of Ballymoney man Joey Dunlop (1952-2000).

At the start of the 20th century, all of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom, yet there were different rules on road-racing. The 1903 Gordon Bennett Cup for sports cars was to be held in the UK but road racing was illegal in Great Britain but not in Ireland. So it was staged on closed public roads around Athy - shamrock green was chosen as the British national racing colour, and it's remained so ever since.

After 1921 motor sports continued in both the north and south, but the north had a better industrial base, and venues such as disused airfields. The Republic lacked an off-road dedicated circuit until Mondello Park opened near Naas in 1966. The north had Kirkistown on the Ards peninsula and Bishopscourt at Downpatrick. It also developed on-road circuits, notably Clady and Dundrod near Antrim town, and the Northwest 200 - that was so named because it was supposed to be around Derry and Donegal, but from inception in 1929 was a triangle around Coleraine, Portstewart and Portrush. Smaller circuits were at Cookstown, Tandragee in Armagh, and Armoy near Ballymoney.

Joey Dunlop grew up to the sound of motorbikes roaring through Ballymoney and by his 20s was leader of the pack. He won the Ulster Grand Prix 24 times, took three hat-tricks of events at the Manx TT, and numerous other titles. He was awarded an MBE for services to the sport, then an OBE in 1996 for his charity work. The end came suddenly on a wet summer day in Tallinn in July 2000: he'd already won two events on the Pirita on-road circuit and was leading a third, when he appeared to lose control and hit the trees.

The sport in Northern Ireland has declined since, and two other members of Joey's family have died in racing motorbike crashes. The Ulster Grand Prix on Dundrod circuit was in difficulty even before Covid enforced a shutdown. It was expected to resume in Aug 2022, but was cancelled as the finances didn't add up. Meanwhile other sports are drawing away audiences and sponsors.

Visitor information

 * Ballymoney visitor information website

Get in
Trains run hourly, daily from Belfast Great Victoria Street via other Belfast stations, Antrim (for International Airport) and Ballymena, taking 80 min to Ballymoney. They continue to Coleraine (change for Ulster University and Portrush) and Derry.

is central in town.

Goldline Bus 218 / 219 runs every two hours from Belfast Europa station via Antrim, Ballymena, and Cloughmills, taking 90 min to Ballymoney and continuing to Coleraine. Ballymoney has nothing so grand as a bus station, but the main stop is on High St by the Town Hall.

By road from Belfast follow M2 and A26, an hour should do it.

Get around
Bus 373 trundles round town four times a day; visitors are unlikely to use it.

You need a car or at least a bike to reach Dark Hedges.

See

 * Ballymoney Museum by the Town Hall is open M-Sa 9AM-5PM.
 * Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden is on Castle St (the main road) just north of the railway station.
 * are a half-mile avenue of beech trees lining Bregagh Lane near its junction with Ballinlea Road, a mile west of Armoy. They were planted in 1755 to make a stately approach and vista for Gracehill House, which is now a golf club and hotel. They've folded together to create a tunnel, atmospheric when in leaf, but distinctly gaunt in winter. 250 years have taken a toll and many gaps have appeared, especially after it was the location for "King's Road" in Game of Thrones. The narrow lane became mobbed by traffic, and the extra weight damaged the tree roots, until in 2017 the Council banned traffic from the lane. Many ignore this, but it's best to park 150 yards east off Ballinlea Road. In July 2021 at first sight the car park looks closed for construction, but actually you can get in and out and it's free.
 * is the ruin of a 17th-century church. During repairs, it was found to contain a stone inscribed in elaborate 1st century AD La Tène style. This early Celtic style is rare in Ireland, and how the stone came to be part of the church fabric is unknown.

Do

 * Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre southeast edge of Ballymoney on Garryduff Rd is open M-F 9:30AM-22:00, Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM, Su 1:30-5:30PM.
 * is a village 10 km south of Ballymoney, west bank of the River Bann in County Londonderry. It has an Aqua Park, golf club and sports centre.
 * Motorbike races are held on-road on nearby highways, so expect closures and diversions. Northwest 200 is in May, on the triangle between Coleraine, Portstewart and Portrush. Armoy Road Races are late July.
 * Ballymoney Drama Festival is held over a week in March.
 * Balleymoney Show is an agricultural fair in June.

Buy

 * The main store is Tesco on Castle St, open M-Sa 7AM-11PM, Su 1-6PM.

Connect
Ballymoney has 4G from all UK carriers. As of July 2022, 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * Portstewart marks the start of the scenic and very touristy Antrim coast, with Portrush, Bushmills, Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Bridge.
 * Ballycastle has ferries to Rathlin Island. Southeast are the Antrim Glens.
 * Belfast and Derry are both must-see destinations.

title: Ballymoney


text:
Ballymote

Ballymote (Baile an Mhóta) is a town in County Sligo in the northwest of Ireland. The town's population in 2016 was 1,549. It has a castle dating from 1300 but its main attractions are the prehistoric sites dotted around the surrounding countryside, the best known being Carrowkeel.

People born in Ballymote include two Field Marshals of the Holy Roman Empire, the brigadier general of a US Unionist regiment, and Father Wilfrid, the priest who founded Glasgow Celtic Football Club.

Get in
Trains from Dublin Connolly take approximately 3 hours to Ballymote via Drumcondra, Maynooth, Mullingar, Longford, Dromod, Carrick-on-Shannon and Boyle, and continue to Sligo. There are 7 M-F, 6 Sa and 5 Sunday. A walk-up single from Dublin is €20, see Irish Rail for timetables, fares and online tickets. is 200 m west of main street: the ticket office is staffed M-F 07:00-15:30 and there are ticket machines and toilets.

Intercity buses fly past on the main road and don't serve Ballymote. Bus 977 runs twice M-Sa between Sligo, Collooney, Ballymote, Gorteen and Ballaghaderreen.

By road from Dublin follow M4 / N4 past Boyle to Castlebaldwin then branch west onto the lane.

Get around
You need wheels, the places of interest are scattered across the countryside with no public transport.

See

 * The Book of Ballymote was probably written at the castle in the 14th century - it's a compendium of early Irish legend and learning. The original is now held by the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin: it's not normally on display but there's an online exhibition. 200 copies have been created and there may be a display copy in a library near you.
 * The Book of Ballymote was probably written at the castle in the 14th century - it's a compendium of early Irish legend and learning. The original is now held by the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin: it's not normally on display but there's an online exhibition. 200 copies have been created and there may be a display copy in a library near you.
 * The Fighting 69th Monument is on Sligo Road R294 north of the railway station, at the entrance to town park. After the failed Young Irelander rebellion of 1848, several leaders escaped to the USA. From New York they campaigned for Irish independence, and organised Irish militia units which became adopted into the US Army, the bulk of them as the 69th Infantry Regiment (New York) in 1849. This regiment was heavily involved in the US Civil War and remains active, with over 250 years of battle honours. One notable general was Michael Corcoran, born in 1827 at Carrowkeel near Ballymote. In 1860 he faced court-martial for refusing to parade the regiment for the Prince of Wales' visit to New York. Charges were dropped because of his success in recruiting Irishmen to the Union cause, and he distinguished himself at the Battle of Bull Run and elsewhere. He was killed when thrown from his runaway horse in 1863, aged 36. The regiment's 1917 campaign in France was made into a film The Fighting 69th in 1940: the misfit hero Jerry Plunkett (played by James Cagney) is fictional but many other characters are real. In World War II the 69th served in the Pacific, culminating with Okinawa. In 2001 they were among the first responders to the 9/11 attack on Manhattan, and firefighter Michael Lynch who perished that day was from Ballymote. The Ballymote monument, unveiled in 2006 by NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg, depicts scenes from Corcoran's life. At its base is a small chamber containing a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.
 * are in the side of a limestone outcrop off R295 and have yielded human and animal remains from the last Ice Age. You're free to explore them. They soon end blind but one folk-tale describes a woman being dragged by a stubborn calf into a cave in Roscommon, to emerge here. The 18th C artist Gabriel Beranger heard this tale and shrugged: "We believed it rather than try it".
 * are among the finest examples in Ireland, dating to 3000 BC; their human remains show ancestry from Anatolia and the East Med. The main group are 14 tombs above Lough Arrow on the slopes of the Bricklieve Mountains: you can wriggle into some, but don't disturb anything there. The passageways are aligned with Carrowmore and Knocknarea near Sligo. There are several other major tombs in the vicinity.
 * is the largest of the associated sites. There's probably a similar passage tomb below but it's not been explored. Legend goes that there was a healing well, which the supernatural (and generally wicked) Fomorians piled with stones to prevent their enemies benefiting from the waters. In modern times much of the stone was taken for road-building, which the Fomorians had failed to anticipate.
 * was a Dominican monastery founded in 1507 and abandoned in 1585. It's just a shell but in a pleasant lakeside setting.
 * Ridge of Moytura east of Lough Arrow has a series of megaliths, such as the Labby Stone, a dolmen with a colossal capstone, and Shee Lugh the cairn at the summit. In legend this was the scene of the Second Battle of Moytura (the first being at Cong, Mayo), with much supernatural melodrama. The largest stone, the vast Eglone, is supposedly a battle memorial, but it's natural, a glacial erratic.
 * is a tiny village at the south end of the lough. There's a castle, built 1600, but the ruin is unsafe to enter. There's no accommodation or other facilities nearby, and a better base for exploring this area is Boyle further south in County Roscommon. Ambrose Bernard O'Higgins (1720-1801) was born near Ballinafad: he became Viceroy of Peru, and his son Bernardo O'Higgins founded independent Chile.
 * Ridge of Moytura east of Lough Arrow has a series of megaliths, such as the Labby Stone, a dolmen with a colossal capstone, and Shee Lugh the cairn at the summit. In legend this was the scene of the Second Battle of Moytura (the first being at Cong, Mayo), with much supernatural melodrama. The largest stone, the vast Eglone, is supposedly a battle memorial, but it's natural, a glacial erratic.
 * is a tiny village at the south end of the lough. There's a castle, built 1600, but the ruin is unsafe to enter. There's no accommodation or other facilities nearby, and a better base for exploring this area is Boyle further south in County Roscommon. Ambrose Bernard O'Higgins (1720-1801) was born near Ballinafad: he became Viceroy of Peru, and his son Bernardo O'Higgins founded independent Chile.

Do

 * Ballymote Golf Club has closed down.
 * Ballymote Heritage Weekend is held over the August public holiday, with the next on 30 July - 1 Aug 2022.
 * James Morrison Festival is a traditional music weekend in Riverstown on the August public holiday, but for 2022 is tbc.

Buy

 * The village store is Kane's SuperValu on Lord Edward St, open daily 08:00-22:00.

Eat

 * Super Bites Takeaway - For fast food such as Fish and Chips, Pizza etc.
 * The Fox's Den - Irish bar food
 * The Picnic Basket - Traditional Irish Cafe including Irish Breakfast

Drink

 * Others are Rock Bar and Gormleys.
 * White Hag Brewery is on the industrial park west side of the railway station. They produce ale, beer, stout, IPA and lager. They don't offer tours, but do have an annual Beer Festival called Hagstravaganza, every year in August, pouring over 100 beers, stouts, ales and more from all over the world.
 * Others are Rock Bar and Gormleys.
 * White Hag Brewery is on the industrial park west side of the railway station. They produce ale, beer, stout, IPA and lager. They don't offer tours, but do have an annual Beer Festival called Hagstravaganza, every year in August, pouring over 100 beers, stouts, ales and more from all over the world.

Sleep

 * : many Irish landowners have converted old castles into mansions and hotels, but here's a prehistoric ring-fort made over into an eco-retreat and yoga centre, aligned with the solar this-and-that atop a rain-lashed hill 5 km east of Castlebaldwin. "The Hotel Inspector" Alex Polizzi has visited to try to sort the place out (first broadcast on UK's Channel 5 on 29 June 2016, Episode 105, fifth of Series 12). There are dorms of 6, 5 and 4 beds, 2 doubles and 9 cubicles, so it sleeps 28, tel +353 87 328 0789. Great views when the clouds lift, and it beats shlepping to Nepal for enlightenment, maybe.
 * : many Irish landowners have converted old castles into mansions and hotels, but here's a prehistoric ring-fort made over into an eco-retreat and yoga centre, aligned with the solar this-and-that atop a rain-lashed hill 5 km east of Castlebaldwin. "The Hotel Inspector" Alex Polizzi has visited to try to sort the place out (first broadcast on UK's Channel 5 on 29 June 2016, Episode 105, fifth of Series 12). There are dorms of 6, 5 and 4 beds, 2 doubles and 9 cubicles, so it sleeps 28, tel +353 87 328 0789. Great views when the clouds lift, and it beats shlepping to Nepal for enlightenment, maybe.
 * : many Irish landowners have converted old castles into mansions and hotels, but here's a prehistoric ring-fort made over into an eco-retreat and yoga centre, aligned with the solar this-and-that atop a rain-lashed hill 5 km east of Castlebaldwin. "The Hotel Inspector" Alex Polizzi has visited to try to sort the place out (first broadcast on UK's Channel 5 on 29 June 2016, Episode 105, fifth of Series 12). There are dorms of 6, 5 and 4 beds, 2 doubles and 9 cubicles, so it sleeps 28, tel +353 87 328 0789. Great views when the clouds lift, and it beats shlepping to Nepal for enlightenment, maybe.
 * : many Irish landowners have converted old castles into mansions and hotels, but here's a prehistoric ring-fort made over into an eco-retreat and yoga centre, aligned with the solar this-and-that atop a rain-lashed hill 5 km east of Castlebaldwin. "The Hotel Inspector" Alex Polizzi has visited to try to sort the place out (first broadcast on UK's Channel 5 on 29 June 2016, Episode 105, fifth of Series 12). There are dorms of 6, 5 and 4 beds, 2 doubles and 9 cubicles, so it sleeps 28, tel +353 87 328 0789. Great views when the clouds lift, and it beats shlepping to Nepal for enlightenment, maybe.
 * : many Irish landowners have converted old castles into mansions and hotels, but here's a prehistoric ring-fort made over into an eco-retreat and yoga centre, aligned with the solar this-and-that atop a rain-lashed hill 5 km east of Castlebaldwin. "The Hotel Inspector" Alex Polizzi has visited to try to sort the place out (first broadcast on UK's Channel 5 on 29 June 2016, Episode 105, fifth of Series 12). There are dorms of 6, 5 and 4 beds, 2 doubles and 9 cubicles, so it sleeps 28, tel +353 87 328 0789. Great views when the clouds lift, and it beats shlepping to Nepal for enlightenment, maybe.

Connect
As of Sept 2020, Ballymote has a good mobile and 4G signal from Eir, but Three and Vodafone are patchy. 5G has not yet reached this area.

Go next

 * Sligo town is the obvious base for the north of the county. It's near prehistoric Carrowmore, louring Benbulbin, and Lough Gill which contains the Lake Isle of Innisfree.
 * Boyle in County Roscommon is an alternate base for the south end of County Sligo.

title: Ballymote


text:
Ballyshannon

Ballyshannon is a market town in southern County Donegal, 22 km south of Donegal Town, and with a population of 2300 in 2016. It's by the estuary of the River Erne and in Irish it's Béal Átha Seanaidh, "the mouth of Seannach's ford". It's best known as the birthplace of the guitarist Rory Gallagher.

Bundoran is a beach resort 7 km west, population 1963. It's exposed to the Atlantic so it's good for surfing rather than bathing. The tourist information centre is in village centre, open M-F 11AM-3PM, Sa Su 12:30-5PM.

Belleek 8 km east is just over the border in County Fermanagh. With a population of 904 in 2011, it's famous for its pottery.

Everywhere in County Donegal is close to the UK border, but especially the pinchpoint of this southern corner. If you take Bus 30 from Ballyshannon to Belleek, it drops you on the main road just over the border; you walk back into the Republic and across the "Magherboy salient" for 200 m before entering Northern Ireland (and exiting the European Union) a second time; and then the same in reverse to go back. In 2021 there are no border checks, but it's your responsibility to ensure your personal and car documents are valid.

Get in
Bus Éireann X30 / 30 runs every couple of hours from Dublin Busáras, taking 3 hr 20 min via Dublin Airport, Virginia, Cavan Town and Enniskillen, and continuing from Ballyshannon to Donegal Town. From Cavan Bus 30 takes a slower route via Butlersbridge, Belturbet, Enniskillen and Belleek.

From Belfast travel via Enniskillen.

Expressway 64 runs every two hours from Derry via Letterkenny, Ballybofey and Donegal Town to Ballyshannon and Bundoran (2 hours) and continues to Sligo, Charlestown, Knock airport and village, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis, Tuam and Galway.

Bus Feda 964 shares this route, running 2-3 times a day from Crolly to Letterkenny, Donegal Town and Ballyshannon then onward to Knock, Tuam and Galway.

Local Link Bus 982 runs from Sligo (the nearest railway station), taking 80 min along the coast via Drumcliffe, Lissadell, Mullaghmore and Bundoran, with 5 M-Sa and 3 Sunday. In Ballyshannon it connects with Bus 292, which runs every two hours from Donegal Town via Laghy and Rossnowlagh.

is just north of the river bridge on Main St.

main bus stop is outside the TIC, with others along Main St.

Ulsterbus 64 runs twice on Thursday between Enniskillen and Belleek. Other village services are just school buses.

bus stop for the Ulsterbus is by the Post Office, but Bus 30 from Dublin stops on A46 / N3 500 m south.

By car from either Dublin or Belfast follow signs to Enniskillen then A46 along the south bank of Lower Lough Erne. From Sligo follow N15 along the coast.

Get around
You need wheels. The Sligo - Donegal buses connect Bundoran and Ballyshannon, and the Dublin - Donegal buses connect Belleek to Ballyshannon, but they're sparse for excursions.

See

 * "The Giants Causeway is an object which is scarcely worthy of going so far to see . . . But the salmon-leap at Ballyshannon is a scene of such a singular nature, as is not to be found elsewhere, and is as peculiar to Ireland as the bullfights are to Spain . . . " - Travel guide of 1775

 * Cathaleen's Falls and Assaroe Falls — so here they aren't, and free to not-see 24 hours. The River Erne descends 45 m from Belleek on the border. Cathaleen's Falls were 1 km east of town, while Assaroe Falls were mid-town near the estuary, with salmon hurling themselves upstream. They were Ballyshannon's top attraction. But in 1946 a hydroelectric scheme created Assaroe Lake and obliterated Cathaleen's Falls, while the lower river was canalised and deepened to maximise the drop for power generation, destroying Assaroe Falls.
 * Rory Gallagher's statue is at the junction of Main St and Castle St.
 * St Anne's Church (Church of Ireland) in Ballyshannon is prominent just west of Main St. It was built circa 1740 and re-built in 1840. It's believed to stand over a neolithic tomb, and the grave of a 4th- to 5th-century High King of Ireland, but there's no trace of those. The grave marked simply "Poet" holds the ashes of William Allingham (1824-1889). He was wont to write poems about faeries, but is best remembered for his descriptions of Carlyle, Tennyson and other contemporaries. The Pauper's Graveyard lies just south.
 * St Patrick's is the Roman Catholic church on Chapel St, east off Market St.
 * are natural arches and blow holes on the coast by Bundoran Golf Course. Roughey Walk is a paved path and cyclepath north from here along Tullan Strand.
 * is an attractive three-arch stone bridge built circa 1780 across River Clowes, the boundary with County Leitrim. The Four Masters were scholars who in 1632-36 compiled the "Annals" which are one of the main primary sources for early Irish history. The chief editor was a Franciscan friar from Donegal Abbey, which was blown to smithereens in 1601. Its friars found a temporary base somewhere near this bridge, so it's thought the Annals were compiled hereabouts.
 * Lough Melvin is just south in County Leitrim, see Manorhamilton.
 * was a 14th century tower house. The ruin is scrappy and you just come for the clifftop views.
 * is 4 km long, exposed to the Atlantic and good for surfing, see Donegal Town.
 * is the bosky ruin of a castle of 1612 in forests by Lower Lough Erne. Its 19th-century owner spotted the potential of the local clay and set up Belleek Pottery. He did not discover any dungeons full of strange monsters, nor hire player-adventurers to rid the castle of them, you're confusing it with Castle Caldwell and Beyond the 1985 "Dungeons and Dragons" game.
 * is the bosky ruin of a castle of 1612 in forests by Lower Lough Erne. Its 19th-century owner spotted the potential of the local clay and set up Belleek Pottery. He did not discover any dungeons full of strange monsters, nor hire player-adventurers to rid the castle of them, you're confusing it with Castle Caldwell and Beyond the 1985 "Dungeons and Dragons" game.

Do

 * Abbey Arts Centre on Tir Connell St stages drama and music, box office +353 71 985 1375. It hosts the All Ireland Confined Drama Finals 15-23 April 2022.
 * Cinema: Eclipse Cinema is on Station Rd in Bundoran.
 * Ballyshannon Leisure Centre is on the north river bank just downstream from the bridge. It has fitness classes and a pool, and is open M 1-9PM, Tu-F 8AM-8PM, Sa 10:30AM-5:30PM.
 * Golf: the nearest course is Bundoran GC. Blue tees are 5729 m, par 70, visitor round €50.
 * Bundoran Adventure Park is a funfair next to the golf course. It's open Jun-Sep: Sa Su 1-10PM, adult €20, child €15.
 * Waterworld is next to the Adventure Park, but separately ticketed, and closed in 2021.
 * Surf: Bundoran beach is exposed to the Atlantic, with a clutch of nearby surf shacks: Bundoran Surf Co, Surf World and TurfnSurf. The strip extends north to Tullan Strand. Look elsewhere for kiddy-bathing.
 * Donegal Equestrian Centre is on Finner Rd, north edge of Bundoran. They have lessons and rides on the beaches.
 * Wardtown Castle 3 km northwest of Ballyshannon is the shell of a great 18th century mansion which fell derelict in the 1920s. It's now home to Castle Adventure Farm, a children's petting farm.
 * Belleek Marina gives access to Lower Lough Erne and the extensive Irish waterway network.
 * The Wild Atlantic Way is a coastal itinerary from Inishowen Peninsula at the north tip of County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, 2500 km in all. The section from Donegal Town through Ballyshannon to Sligo is self-evident.
 * Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival is held over the August bank holiday weekend.
 * Ballyshannon Agricultural Show is in mid-August.
 * Ballyshannon Agricultural Show is in mid-August.

Buy

 * Spar is the main store in Ballyshannon, north end of Market St and open daily 8AM-10PM.
 * Belleek Pottery is still made in that village. The shop is open M-Sa 10AM-3PM and factory tours are available.
 * Cross-border shopping hasn't been a feature here, but be aware that visiting Belleek means exiting the European Union. Price differentials on commodities like fuel may arise from time to time.

Eat

 * Ballyshannon has Shannon's Corner, Golden Dragon, Top Pizza and Nirvana.
 * Bundoran has a strip of cheap and cheerful places along Main St, such as Taj Mahal, Burro Burro, Blue Leaf, Mamma Rosa's, and Maddens Bridge.

Drink

 * The Thatch Bar is the picture-perfect little pub at the junction of Main St and Bishop St in Ballyshannon. It's run by Dorrian's Imperial Hotel, but remains closed in Aug 2021.
 * Ballyshannon also has Max Bar, Limit Bar, Owen Roes and The Bull Frog.
 * Belleek has Black Cat Cove and The Fiddlestone.

Sleep

 * Hostels in Bundoran include Roughey Lodge and Boathouse Lodge. Homefield Hostel has closed.
 * Fitzgerald's Hotel is next to Allingham Arms.
 * Hostels in Bundoran include Roughey Lodge and Boathouse Lodge. Homefield Hostel has closed.
 * Fitzgerald's Hotel is next to Allingham Arms.
 * Hostels in Bundoran include Roughey Lodge and Boathouse Lodge. Homefield Hostel has closed.
 * Fitzgerald's Hotel is next to Allingham Arms.
 * Fitzgerald's Hotel is next to Allingham Arms.
 * Fitzgerald's Hotel is next to Allingham Arms.

Connect
Ballyshannon has 5G from all Irish carriers, but as of Aug 2021 the coverage is much better in Bundoran.

Ballyshannon picks up a UK 4G signal from O2. Belleek also gets 4G from EE and Three, but no signal from Vodafone.

Go next

 * Donegal Town is a friendly small place, a good centre for exploring the central county.
 * Enniskillen is between the two Erne lakes, connected by navigable waterway to Dublin.
 * Sligo has prehistoric sites and brooding limestone crags.

title: Ballyshannon


text:
Ballyvaughan

Ballyvaughan (Baile Uí Bheacháin, "town of Ó Beachán") is a small village in County Clare, overlooking Galway Bay on the west coast of Ireland. It's a good base for exploring The Burren region.

Understand

 * Discover Ballyvaughan website

Get in
The main road is N67, which branches off M18 at Ennis and loops north through Ennistymon and Lisdoonvarna to  then via Kinvarra to Galway.

A slow scenic route is along the cliff tops, northwards branching off N67 at Ennistymon for Lahinch, Liscannor, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin and Fanore to Ballyvaughan.

Bus 350 follows that slow route from Galway six times a day via Kinvarra, Ballyvaughan, Fanore, Lisdoonvarna, Doolin village and pier, Cliffs of Moher, Liscannor, Lahinch, Ennistymon, Corofin and Inagh to Ennis. This means that by bus or train from Dublin, it's quicker to head for Galway then take the 350 south, than to come via Limerick and Ennis and take the bus north.

Get around

The village is small, but you need wheels to reach the surrounding sights.

See

 * Ballyvaughan village and harbour are picturesque.
 * puts on occasional exhibitions of student work. They're 2 km south of the village at Newtown Castle.
 * is the ruin of an early 13th century Cistercian monastery. The Romanesque church is roofless but otherwise in good condition, with fine carvings. There is the tomb of Conor O'Brien, King of Thomond, plus a neoclassical tomb of 18th or 19th century.
 * Oughtmama is a quiet lane heading into the hills southeast of the abbey, on the boundary with County Galway. There are three ruined early medieval churches, various cairns and cahirs, and the scraps of Turlough and Finvarra castles. Walk up Turlough Hill for views and the remains of a hill fort.
 * , just across the boundary in County Galway, is a 16th century tower house. It's primarily an upscale events venue but is sometimes open to tour.
 * , also in County Galway, is a monastery with one of the finest round towers in Ireland, 34.5 m tall.
 * was built circa 2000-3000 BC. A fabulous gold torque was found here, dated to 700 BC; it's now in the National Museum in Dublin.
 * was built circa 2000-3000 BC. A fabulous gold torque was found here, dated to 700 BC; it's now in the National Museum in Dublin.
 * is one of the most impressive in Ireland. Three portal stones support a massive capstone - originally they would all have been covered by an earth mound. The remains of 33 adults were found here, dating to 3200-3800 BC. Burial objects (now in Ennis museum) suggest they were high-ranking but their bones indicate a life of hard toil and death before age 40. Open 24 hours, free.
 * (An Carn) is a tiny settlement in the wilds of the Burren, best known for its perfumery. The area is dotted with dolmens. 3 km south is the stone fort of Cahercommaun, inhabited in the 8th and 9th centuries.
 * is a gaunt ruin along R476 the lane between Corofin and Kilfenora. It's unsafe to enter and on private land, so just admire the facade from the lane.
 * has a lighthouse amidst the fractured limestone ground. You'll need a map, compass and stout boots to make your way uphill to Cathair Dhun Iorais Iron Age ring fort. You can continue 1.5 km to the summit of Dobhach Bhrainin (318 m), but beware that the sea mist can roll in at any moment, there's no clear trail on the rocky ground, and there are some sheer edges below you.
 * is a sandy beach with Atlantic surf.
 * is a sandy beach with Atlantic surf.

Do

 * Change to low gear for Corkscrew Hill, the hairpin gradient on N67, six km south of Ballyvaughan.

Buy

 * Ballyvaughan Farmer's Market is open Saturdays May-Oct 10AM-2PM.
 * There are a couple of craft shops in the village, plus a pharmacy, a petrol station and a small supermarket.
 * Burren Perfumery in Carran produces scents from local wild flowers. The shop is open Oct-Apr 10AM-5PM, May Jun Sep to 6PM, Jul Aug to 7PM. The tearoom is open April-Oct.

Eat

 * Soda Parlour on Main St does light bites F-W 9:30AM-5PM.
 * There's upscale dining at Hylands Hotel and at Gregans Castle Hotel, see "Sleep".
 * There's upscale dining at Hylands Hotel and at Gregans Castle Hotel, see "Sleep".
 * There's upscale dining at Hylands Hotel and at Gregans Castle Hotel, see "Sleep".

Drink

 * Greene's Bar is in village centre.
 * Greene's Bar is in village centre.

Sleep

 * There's a string of small B&Bs and hotels with a km or so of the village, eg Burren Atlantic, The Creggs, Meadowfield and Hazelwood Lodge.
 * There's a string of small B&Bs and hotels with a km or so of the village, eg Burren Atlantic, The Creggs, Meadowfield and Hazelwood Lodge.

Connect
As of July 2020, there's a good mobile signal in Ballyvaughan from all Irish carriers, but only Three supports 4G. 5G has not yet reached this area.

Go next

 * Kilfenora inland has an odd-looking cathedral with High Crosses. Look up your Irish ancestors at nearby Corofin.
 * Doolin south along the coast has the Cliffs of Moher, caves and boat trips to the Aran Islands.
 * Galway across the bay is a lively little city.

title: Ballyvaughan


text:
Balmaseda

Balmaseda is a town of 7,700 people (2018) in Vizcaya, Basque Country. A small and charming Basque town near the border with Burgos. Nestled in the mountains, it is an excellent base for exploring the wilderness.

Get in
Balmaseda is 30 km from the province capital city Bilbao.

By bus
BizkaiBus has service between Bilbao bus terminal and Balmaseda. Balmaseda does not have a bus station, so the drop-off point is the same as the pick-up point.

By train
Renfe feve runs up to two trains an hour to from Bilbao La Concordia on line C4 taking just under an hour. Barik transport cards can be used.

Get around
Balmaseda is small, so walking is the best way to get around.

See

 * Old Bridge, Roman medieval Bridge (13th century)
 * Saint Severine's church (14th century)
 * Balmaseda Historical Museum
 * Horcasitas Palace
 * Saint John's Church
 * Saint Roch and Saint Sebastian's hermitage (chapel) on top of mount Kolitza
 * Santa Clara Church and museum
 * Santa Clara Church and museum

Do

 * Good Thursday and Good Friday Passion play: Procession and representation of Christ's Last Supper, Judgement and Crucifixion by locals.
 * San Severino festivals: 23rd October.

Buy

 * Medieval market in March.

Eat

 * Bar "Los Gemelos"
 * Bar "Sauto"
 * Many cafes and bars around Plaza San Severino have a great selection of tapas
 * Bar "Sauto"
 * Many cafes and bars around Plaza San Severino have a great selection of tapas

Drink
Try any one of the cafes or bars in Plaza San Severino.

Sleep

 * Hostal Begoña 		 Plaza San Severino, 12. tel 946 102 326
 * Hostel/Pension Mendia	c/Martin Mendia, 6. tel. 946 102 258
 * Refugio Kolitxa   	Monte Kolitxa    tel. 946 800 000
 * Albergue El Peñueco	Barrio el Peñueco  tel. 629 535 249
 * Albergue La Garbea	Monte La Garbea  tel. 946 800 000
 * Albergue La Garbea	Monte La Garbea  tel. 946 800 000

title: Balmaseda


text:
Balneário Camboriú

Balneário Camboriú is a resort city in the state of Santa Catarina.

Understand
The Tupí–Guaraní Indians were the first ones to enjoy this land. The historical story registers that, in 1826, the Portuguese farmer Baltazar Pinto Correa received, from the government of the Province of Santa Catarina, this area to be populated. He had come from the colony of Porto Bello, searching fertile lands. He and his family had fixed residence in the left edge of the River, now known as neighborhood of Barra, which is still conserving the Azorian traditions.

In 1849 the village got an upgrade, the construction of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso, made by slaves, in mortar of rude rocks and whale oil. The temple is known by Church of Santo Amaro. The Village, at the same time was the beginning of the cities of Camboriú and Balneário Camboriú, belonging to Itajaí, and to these two cities, before it became a forgotten neighborhood, after some politician pressures that transformed Camboriú, at that time in 1884, known as Vila dos Garcias, into the new headquarters of the town.

By plane
The nearest airport is Ministro Victor Konder in Navegantes city (NVT) which is about 30 km from Balneario Camboriu. This airport has direct flights to and from São Paulo, Campinas, Ribeirão Preto, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre and Florianópolis. LATAM, GOL, and Azul do these routes. From the airport to Balneario Camboriu you can go by bus but a taxi will not cost that much.

Also you can rent a car. The biggest Brazilian rent a car company is Localiza. Consider adding a GPS to the rented car so you don't waste your time getting lost. Driving in Brazil is not that easy as the signage is not that good.

As an option you can use the Florianopolis Intl Airport (FLN) which is located about 80 km south to Balneário Camboriú but has more route options such as Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre.

By car
Driving to Balneario Camboriu is pretty easy. Just get yourself into the BR-101. Just pay attention to the signs, but you usually will have to drive to the south. Distance from other cities:
 * Florianopolis: 80 km
 * Blumenau: 80 km
 * Curitiba: 220 km
 * Porto Alegre: 550 km
 * São Paulo: 600 km

By bus
You can find plenty of option to get into the city by bus.

See

 * Praia dos Amores - Here the Atlantic forest shelters many species of fauna and flora native to Santa Catarina. It is possible to observe birds, animals and plants. The Atlantic Ocean bathes the well-kept rural beach where the regional fisherman culture is maintained and where locals and tourists alike come to surf. The Azorean heritage here is evident in the construction of the fishermens' huts.

Do

 * Downhill at Laranjeiras
 * Kart at Balneario Camburiú
 * Many sports at Parque Unipraias

Stay healthy
As elsewhere in Brazil, some beaches in Balneário Camboriú are not suitable for bathing, and conditions can change from day to day. On the day of your visit, check the map of the bathing report (in Portuguese, relatório de balneabilidade) of the state's Environment Department (IMA).

title: Balneário Camboriú


text:
Balochistan

Balochistan or Baluchistan (Urdu: بلوچستان) is one of four provinces in Pakistan. It is the largest of the four provinces and is the future of Pakistan's CPEC project.

Regions
Balochistan, Pakistan is the largest province, with 8 administrative divisions:

 * 1) Kalat Division
 * 2) Las Bela Division
 * 3) Makran Division
 * 4) Naseerabad Division
 * 5) Quetta Division
 * 6) Rakhshan Division
 * 7) Sibi Division
 * 8) Zhob Division

Cities

 * — the provincial capital and the largest city
 * — a port city on the shores of the Arabian Sea
 * — an agricultural city and part of the "Pashtun Belt"
 * — a town situated near the Iranian border
 * — the administrative centre of Kech District, and the historical capital of Makran, one of four princely states that once comprised Balochistan
 * — where Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, spent his last few months before his death.
 * — the third largest city in the province
 * — the third largest city in the province

Other destinations

 * Gadani beaches
 * — the archaeological site of the Mohenjo-daro civilisation, dating from 7000-5000 BC.
 * Makran Coastal Highway (over 770 km From Karachi to Gwadar) is unique fascination for tourists. It is pertinent to mention here that Alexander had passed through the coastal belt of Balochistan in 325 BC covering a long trail.
 * — Resort town surrounded by a valley containing one of the largest Juniper forests on the planet
 * Coal Mines & Caves including Somiani caves.
 * Chaman railway tunnel - considered to be one of the biggest and oldest tunnels in the world.
 * Historical wetland of Band Khushdil Khan in Pishin district.

Understand
Balochistan is one of four provinces of Pakistan, and in terms of land area, it is the largest of all the four provinces. The province serves as South Asia's gateway to Iran and southern Afghanistan.

Although the country possesses a vast collection of natural resources, it is the least developed province in Pakistan. Development in the region has been hindered by poor governance, political instability, sectarian violence, and terrorism. A mountainous terrain and dearth of water resources also hamper economic prospects.

Balochistan was once composed of four princely states: Makran, Las Bela, Kharan, and Kalat. During the partition of India, Makran, Las Bela, and Kharan voted to accede to Pakistan, but Kalat on the other hand, declared independence, as this was one of the options presented to all of the princely states of India during the partition. Due to rising and mounting pressure from the Pakistani government, Kalat eventually acceded to Pakistan, which angered many people, including members of the Kalat monarchy. This event is widely believed to be the cause of the ongoing separatist movement, as some members of the Kalat monarchy staged uprisings against Pakistan.

Although things calmed down during the 1970s, the rape of a female doctor re-ignited the conflict in 2005. Since then, the province has been ravaged by violence and instability, and the prospects of change seem remote as of 2021, even though the insurgent movement is dying down.

The Pakistani government and Baloch insurgent groups have been accused of committing grave human rights violations, with scholars repeatedly condemning Pakistan's security forces for engaging in activities such as forced disappearances, kidnapping civilians, and so on.

While some Balochis hope for an independent country, the majority seem to simply want peace and autonomy.

By plane
Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are the main gateways to Pakistan by air. However, there are 134 airfields in Pakistan. Six other international airports are in Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan, Turbat, Quetta and Gwadar.

By train
Balochistan has train links with other parts of Pakistan and Iran, though none of these trains are the fastest or most practical way to enter Pakistan. Should speed be a priority it is better to take the bus, or if you are really in a hurry, to fly, however the trains are sights in their own right.

Iran has one link, from Zahedan to Quetta.

By bus
From Iran: One comes to Pakistan from Iran via the Mirjaveh border in Iran which is half an hours drive from Zahedan. The Pakistani border town is called Taftan and has facilities of immigration, customs, and hotels, although it's a much better idea to head directly to Quetta and not stick around. There are buses to Quetta in the early afternoon, taking 12-14 hours.

By road
Buses or coaches are the best way to get around Balochistan. At 350,000 km², Balochistan is a large region so by road can be tiring experience, but unfortunately it remains the only practical option for getting around.

By plane
PIA offers air travel inside Balochistan. There are flights from Quetta to Gwadar and Turbat to Gwadar.

Talk
Baloch is the main language of the region, and many people have it as a first language. Other commonly spoken languages include Pashto, Sindhi, Punjabi, and Saraki. Most educated people speak English and Urdu.

Illiteracy is a major problem in Balochistan. Many people cannot read Baloch, even though it has the same script as Urdu and Persian.

Hanna Lake
If you want to enjoy an excursion near the city, you can visit to Hanna Lake. It is in the hills overlooking Quetta, approximately 10 km from the city and very close to the Urak, where benches and pavilions on terraces have been provided. Golden fish in the lake come swimming right up to the edge. A little distance away, the waters of the lake take on a greenish blue tint. Right where the water ends, pine trees have been planted on the grass filled slopes. The turquoise water of lake is a stark contrast to the brownish-green hills that surround the area.

Wagon service operates from city bus station at Circular Road. The transport can be hired through the PTDC Tourist Information Centre, Muslim Hotel, Jinnah Road Quetta.

Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
Hazarganji literally means "Of a thousand treasures". In the folds of these mountains, legend has it, that, there are over a thousand treasures buried, reminders of the passage of great armies down the corridors of history. The Bactrian, Scythians, Mongols and then the great migrating hordes of Pashtuns, all passed this way.

In the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, 20 km southwest of Quetta, Markhors have been given protection. The park is spread over 38,437 acres, altitude ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 metres.

Nature lovers, students, scientists and researchers are welcome to visit the park at any time of the year. For overnight stay, accommodation is available at the Forest Department Rest House which is 5 km inside the park.

Park Rangers help the visitors to see animals. Access trails have been developed in the park for visitors. A small museum of natural history is located near the Park entrance.

Hingol National Park
With 1,650 km² Hingol National Park is the largest National Park of Pakistan.

Museums
Has a collection of rare antique guns, swords and manuscripts. It has a display of Stone Age tools, prehistoric pottery and articles found from Mehrgarh. There are also coins, manuscripts and photos of Quetta before 1935 earthquake.
 * The Archaeological Museum, Fifa Road. Open 09:00-16:00 daily.

 * The Geological Museum, Sariab Road (near Balochistan University). Has a collection of rocks and fossils found in Balochistan. The Command and Staff College Museum is worth a visit for those interested in British military history. It is housed in the former bungalow of Field Marshal Montgomery.

Amusement and recreation
The Askari Park at the Airport Road and Liaquat Park on Shahrah-e-Iqbal offer amusement and recreational facilities. Balochistan Arts Council Library is located on Jinnah Road. The Chiltan Hill viewpoint on Brewery Road offers a panoramic view of Quetta.

Karkhasa is a recreation park that is 10 km to the west of Quetta. It is a 16-km-long narrow valley having a variety of flora like Ephedra, Artemisia and Sophora. You can see birds like partridges and other wild birds in the park. Limited recreational facilities are provided to the visitors through the Forest Department, Spinney Road, Quetta.

Urak Valley
Driving through wild roses and fruit orchards, you may reach the Urak Valley at a distance of 21 km.

Pishin Valley
Filled with numerous fruit orchards, the Pishin Valley is 50 km away from Quetta. These orchards are irrigated by 'karez'. There is yet another attraction of cool waters, i.e. man-made lake with Bund Khushdil Khan. A wide range of ducks provides enticing beauty during winters. The festivities include a colourful programme of folk dancing by thousands of participants from different regions. Horse jumping, trick horse riding, trick motor cycle riding, dare-devil motor car driving and a dog & hare race are among the highlights of the festival. The principal attraction of the show is the impressive display of the best available specimens of Pakistani livestock. As the sun sets over the impressive Fortress Stadium, the venue of the show, fireworks display, military tattoos and brass band pageants enliven the evenings.

Ziarat
A visit to Quetta will however, be incomplete without a trip to Ziarat (133 km from Quetta, 3 hours by car), a hill town above sea-level air-conditioned coach and taxis take between an hour or two from Quetta an ideal and relaxing summer retreat with rows of juniper trees and ever green slopes.

The word Ziarat means holy place to be visited and the valley is known by that name because of a shrine of a holy saint, Tahir Baba Kharwari. There are other graves as well. However, the world knows it more because of the oldest and tallest juniper jungle, which needs to be looked after properly for future survival.

Ziarat is also famous for being the site of Mohammad Ali Jinnah's summer vacation home. It is incidentally the home he passed away in- and is now a museum of his personal belongings and living space- visited by people from all over Pakistan.

Extremely delicious species of apple, black cherry and almond trees are abundant in Ziarat, covering about 4,416 acres in the lap of mountains.

While Ziarat abounds in tall chinar trees and juniper grows wild as does walnut and a variety of other trees, the area west of this hill station leading up to the Afghan border is rocky and barren. The drive through this unfriendly terrain provides one the grim reminder of the fierce tribes who roamed free in the region and kept the British weary and fearful. The border village of Chaman is also a major trading centre for a variety of fruit, a large quantity of which is still brought in from Afghanistan.

Pir Ghaib
At a distance of 70 km from Quetta on Sibi Road is situated a popular picnic spot known as Pir Ghaib. Here a waterfall cascades down rocky mountain side making its way through many streams and ponds among the shady palm trees. You need a 4-wheeled transport to reach the spot from the main road.

Khojak Pass
This pass will lead you directly to the Chaman border of Afghanistan, 153 km from Quetta. The scenic beauty is enthralling. The journey through the border is achieved via Khojak Sheela, a 4 km long tunnel, at an elevation of more than 1,945 m above sea level.

Bolan Pass
Through the centuries several armies from Central Asia and north intruded into Balochistan through the valley.

Lak Pass
While cruising through the hilly tract between Quetta and Kalat, you would come to see the route to Zahidan, Iran. Koh-e-Taftan and Saindak copper mines are en route.

Harnai Pass
The entire population of Kharwari Baba and for that matter of the entire Ziarat, migrates to Harnai in extreme winter. Harnai Pass, about hours drive from Loralai, is just as spectacular as the Khyber Pass near Peshawar.

Mehergarh- the newest discovery of ancient civilization
During recent decades, a lot has been done to explore the culture and civilization of ancient people. The most distinguishing one is Mehergarh, which experts say remained the centre of high development some 9,900 years ago. Researchers claim that this was a civilized society of 7000 BCE that is even older than Moenjodaro and Harappa.

Do
Take a drive on Makran Coastal Highway – (over 770 km from Karachi to Gwadar) provides a unique destination for tourists. The highway, which follows the route that Alexander the Great took through the coastal belt of Balochistan in 325 BCE, takes you by some beautiful beaches.

Buy
Baluchis are famous for carpets, especially prayer rugs.

Learn
Educational facilities in Balochistan are poorly developed, and the province has the lowest literacy rate of all the four provinces.

Eat
Typical Balochi cuisine includes the lamb-skewed Sajji which have gained massive popularity among other parts of Pakistan, including the food hubs of Karachi and Lahore. Kaak, a rock-hard prepared bread, is another a notable dish. Khaddi Kabbab is a dish in which a whole lamb or goat is cooked on fire, usually there is raw rice in the stomach of the lamb and the rice is cooked in the fat of the lamb.

In the old bazaars one comes across quaint old tea-shops. These are the local "clubs". There are also many popular eating houses offering different types of delicacies. Among the delicacies you must try is Sajji (leg of lamb), which is roasted to a delightful degree of tenderness and is not very spicy. It is a whole leg of lamb deliciously marinated in local herbs and spices and barbecued beside an open fire. It is very popular among the locals and is offered with great insistence to the guests. The Pathan tribesmen of the valley also enjoy Landhi (whole lamb) and Khadi Kebab. "Landhi" is a whole lamb which is dried in shade and kept for the winters. "Kebab" shops are very popular, the best being Lal Kebab, Tabaq, Cafe Farah and Cafe Baldia. They serve Pakistani and Continental food. The other Chinese restaurant that is one of the oldest in town is Cafe China. Some of the finest mutton in the country is raised around Quetta. It has a delicious smell which can be sampled in the Pulao that most of the eating houses offer.

There is famous Lehri Sajji house and Mir Afzal Karahi at Jinnah Road. The most famous is the Khadi kebab which is just behind the street at Liaquat Bazaar

The Pashtun people are also very famous for their refreshing green tea and Dood Pati shops

Very few places can compete with Quetta valley in having wide range of tasteful fruits, exported to all parts of the country as well as abroad. There you can find plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, olives, different types of melon, water-melon, cherries, pistachios, almonds and other dry fruits. Saffron and tulip are also grown and cultivated on a commercial scale. The fruits heaven is Urak, called samaristan, meaning the land of fruits in Persian.

Drink

 * Quetta is known for its kawa (green tea), and is usually served sweet.
 * Sharbat-e-Sandal is a sweet, non-carbonated drink unusually found in markets in summer. It has a good taste and a yellowish-green transparent colour - look out for the black seeds. Served ice cold.

Stay safe
The situation in the province is far from stable. Outbursts of politically motivated violence and civil disobedience are common, and things can deteriorate at any given time.

Avoid going near the Iranian border; it's incredibly risky and dangerous. In 2013, two women from the Czech Republic were kidnapped and held ransom despite having an armed escort.

Go next

 * To Iran
 * To Karachi
 * To Peshawar

title: Balochistan


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Balta

Balta is a small town of 73 people in the Lakes and Gardens region of North Dakota. Its elevation is 1,542 feet.

Understand
So close, yet so far away: Balta is located about 16 miles south of the geographical center of North America. That distinction goes to Rugby, the county seat. Originally, the town was named Egan, in honor of Egan Pierce, an official with the Soo Line railroad. It was renamed by the locals after Balta, in Russian Ukraine, the original home of many immigrant settlers.

Get in

 * By car: Exit 200 from I-94, north about 90 miles on ND-3 (past US-52).

title: Balta


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Balti

Balti may refer to one of several locations:

Moldova

 * Bălţi — the second largest city administered by the Moldovan government.

Pakistan

 * Baltis are the main ethnic group and Balti the main language in Baltistan, in the north of the country

Estonia

 * Balti jaam (Baltic Station) - the local name of Talinn's main railway station.

United Kingdom

 * Balti triangle - an area of Birmingham (England) notable for its Balti restaurants.

title: Balti


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Baltic sea

The Baltic Sea is a sea in northern Europe. It is enclosed by Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Poland and Germany.

We have the following travel topic articles on travelling this sea:

 * Cruising the Baltic Sea
 * Baltic Sea ferries
 * Boating on the Baltic Sea

title: Baltic sea


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Baltic Sea Coast (Germany)

The Baltic Sea Coast (Ostseeküste) of Germany is a vacation region located in the northern federal states of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The eastern part of it is known as the German Riviera. Besides the obvious draw of a beach destination, many of the old towns in this area bear witness to the former wealth of Hanseatic cities and are well worth a visit.

Cities

 * : university, ferry line, sea port, sailing regatta "Hanse Sail"
 * : German Oceanographic Museum with the Ozeaneum, which was chosen European museum of the year in 2010. Rathaus. Brick Gothic churches.
 * : Brick Gothic churches, old town, harbour, technical university
 * : university, nuclear fusion reactor "Wendelstein 7-X"
 * : beach, shopping, two town centres, pier, marina
 * : Baltic Sea spa on Usedom, large pier
 * : university, ferry line, capital of Schleswig-Holstein, and historically one of the most important ports for the German navy
 * : university, college, ferry line, sea port, once the most important city of the Hanse it has lost much of its former influence, but its former wealth is still visible in the buildings of the old town
 * : on the island of Rügen, ferry line, fishing port with the longest outside molo of Europe, chalk-cliffs (best known Königstuhl - Kings chair)
 * : on the island of Rügen, ferry line, fishing port with the longest outside molo of Europe, chalk-cliffs (best known Königstuhl - Kings chair)

Understand
The Baltic Sea Coast developed into one of the today's most popular holiday regions from the 19th century onwards. It is especially famous for its long bathing beaches between the island of Usedom and the city of Kiel. The Baltic Sea spas on Rügen and Usedom as well as the city Kühlungsborn have already been very popular in upper-class circles in the 19th century. Evidence of this can in particular be found in the mansions built in the spa style of the turn-of-the-century. Besides beaches and sea spas the region is famous for its different types of coastline (bodden coast; cliff coast) and the diverse nature. The National Park Jasmund on Rügen is a World Heritage - natural site, whereas the old towns of the Hanseatic cities Stralsund and Wismar are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage - cultural site. In the former East Germany, the Baltic Sea coast was one of the most popular (and affordable) vacation destinations for easterners, and FKK (Freikörperkultur — that is, nudism) was and still is very popular along many beaches in the Bundesland of Mecklenburg Vorpommern. There is usually a textile-free as well as a clothed beach option, however. On Schleswig Holstein's beaches FKK certainly does exist, but it has never gained the popularity it has in former East Germany.

Talk
As this has historically been a destination mostly for domestic tourists, expect to hear mostly German. In the former East (east of Lübeck) you might get lucky with Russian as it was commonly taught in schools prior to 1989, whereas in Schleswig Holstein your chances with English are significantly higher. However this difference is more and more levelling, as the younger generation is taught English almost exclusively for their foreign language. In university towns (such as Lübeck, Kiel and Greifswald) you might also have a chance of getting around with French, Spanish or Italian.

By train
As some of the destinations in this area have been important for tourism since the 19th century, many were connected to the railway network back then and have been ever since. Lübeck and its beach for example are connected to Hamburg with hourly regional trains. For more information see the individual city articles. As for ICE / IC high-speed service; this region is sadly underserved and there are not many plans to change this anytime soon, making the car often faster (excluding peak time travel during the summer holidays and on weekends) albeit not cheaper.

By plane
If you are coming from outside of Germany the airports of Berlin and Hamburg and onward trains or a rental car from there are probably your best bet. There are some smaller regional airports in Lübeck, Rostock Laage (mostly serving charter and no-frills flights to southern European beach destinations) and smaller ones that only serve domestic routes and general aviation.

By ferry
Check Baltic Sea ferries. Major ports are Lübeck/ Travemünde, Rostock (Warnemünde) and Kiel, the endpoint of the Kiel canal connecting North Sea and Baltic Sea. Some ferries also dock at Sassnitz on the island of Rügen.

By car
The major travel ways are the motorway A20 with good connections to the German capital Berlin and the city of Hamburg. The missing connections in the network, that were left by the separation of the two German states are now mostly built or in the process of being built.

By bus
Long-distance bus operators such as Flixbus serve a number of tourist destinations all along the coast. As many lines end at the coast, they often serve a number of stations in close proximity.

Get around
In order to explore the Baltic Sea Coast you can use public means of transport such as trains. Also bikes can be used to make trips in defined regions. During the high season the roads on the islands of Rügen and Usedom tend to be overcrowded. Traffic jams are a common experience on Saturdays.

See
The coast and the sea itself are obviously the major drawing factor of this region, but the old towns of the former hanseatic towns of Lübeck, Wismar or Stralsund are worth exploring as well as the cliffs or Rügen, that were immortalized in several paintings (most notably by romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich).

Do
The Baltic Sea Coast offers a variety of sights in particular on Rügen and Usedom as well as in Stralsund. People interested in culture, nature and science are provided with a lot of opportunities.

Eat
As the Baltic Sea Coast is a major tourist region, there are restaurants of different standards in most locations. In particular the major sea spas such as Binz, Sellin, Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck and Kühlungsborn offer high quality restaurants. Due to the vicinity to the Baltic Sea seafood restaurants are quite common.

A specialty in Lübeck is Marzipan, a mixture of almonds and sugar. There are many stores in the inner city selling everything from a fifty kilo painted figure of the Holsten-gate (expect to pay in the order of several hundred euros for something like that) to "2nd grade" (that is, aesthetically less appealing) Marzipan that tastes just as good and is sold well below normal market rates (starting at per ). The most famous company is Niederegger who also have a Marzipan museum, but other brands are just as good and you don't have to pay for the name.

Drink
A wide range of places to drink can be found in the bigger cities of Stralsund, Rostock, Greifswald, Lübeck, Kiel and Schwerin as well as in the major sea spas.

Stay safe
The crime rate is comparably low at the Baltic Sea Coast. Only bicycle theft and right-wing extremist criminal acts are quite common in particular in the eastern area of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Go next
Big cities Berlin and Hamburg are worth a visit. The Baltic Sea route continues along the traditional region of Pomerania as you cross the Polish border all the way to the Baltic republics.

title: Baltic Sea Coast (Germany)


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Baltic Sea ferries

 * This article is about cruise ferries local to the Baltic Sea. See Cruising the Baltic Sea for international cruise ships visiting the Baltic Sea, and Boating on the Baltic Sea for independent boating.

There are many passenger ferries crossing the Baltic Sea, between all countries along its coastlines. Those between Sweden and Finland are in Sweden called Finlandsbåt or Finlandsfärja ("Finland boat/ferry"), while in Finland Ruotsinlaiva or Sverigebåt ("Sweden boat") whereas Finns (at least in Helsinki) commonly refer to the Helsinki-Tallinn ferries as Tallinnanlaiva ("Tallinn ferry").

Most of these ferries carry passengers, car traffic and trucks between countries and often also function as cruise ships for shopping trips of 2–48 hours. Evening departures on the Stockholm–Turku, Stockholm–Helsinki, Helsinki–Tallinn and Tallinn–Stockholm routes — especially during weekends and holidays — are wild party cruises, with heavy drinking and crowded dance floors. Other cruises tend to be more laid-back, with more travellers who actually intend to visit a foreign country. Some of the ferries between Sweden and Finland, and most long-haul services, are quiet and Spartan, concentrating on lorries but providing a good alternative for some travellers too. Historically a number of ferries also carried trains, but this has diminished with the construction of fixed links, the rise of aviation and the opening of many European borders. The only two such ferries that remain serve the sea stretch of the Malmö–Berlin sleeper train services. More such services exist for cargo.

If you have a day or more to spare in a city served by these ferries, consider a cruise. This gets you low-cost accommodation, as well as on some routes a one-day stop in another city. On the Stockholm–Helsinki/Tallinn/Riga routes the ferries do the passage overnight and stay the day in port, allowing you to leave belongings locked in the cabin (to which you have access if need be) while you spend the day in the city. The Turku–Stockholm ferries and Helsinki–Tallinn day tours return immediately, so you cannot even leave the ship without taking your belongings with you. Some evening departures on the latter route let you spend the night on board.

Occasional cruises are special events, such as music festivals or conferences. These might cost extra.

Tickets
Tickets are usually booked on-line. Check for "Red tickets" or "Last minute offers" for cheap cruises to Stockholm.

If you intend to use the ships to travel between Stockholm and Helsinki or Tallinn it is almost always cheaper to book a round-trip cruise (Swedish: kryssning, Finnish: risteily), or even two head-to-head cruises and discard the returns, rather than buy one-way tickets. Tickets can often be had for as low as €10/80 kr for a full 4-person cabin on a two-night Stockholm–Helsinki return cruise, making it practically the cheapest accommodation one can find in a high-income country – provided you book early or last minute during the weekdays. The cruise price rarely (even for a weekend cruise in high season) exceeds €50/400 kr for the cheapest 4-bed cabin, while a single berth in a cabin shared with strangers, one-way from Stockholm to Helsinki or Tallinn, in comparison, usually exceeds €125/1000 kr.

Weather

As the Baltic Sea is rather small, swell dies down in a day or two, so the sea is rough mainly when the wind is strong. Many of the Baltic ferries are very large, with stabilisers to reduce rolling, so rolling is gentle except in very rough seas. On the other hand, if there is a storm, restaurants are often closed, as serving the few that still want dinner is not profitable. The situation is different on the ships not serving cruise clientèle.

In January–March sea ice affects most shipping, but the large cruise ferries and the ROPAX ferries on Northern Baltic routes are built for icy conditions. Sea ice may result in delays but cancellations are rare. The Southern Baltic is much less affected by ice.

Northern Baltic

Most ferries on a nearby route call at Åland, to allow tax free shopping.
 * Eckerö Line operates a 2000-passenger ferry between Tallinn and Helsinki. It often has the cheapest fares (especially on daily round-trips). It also has a connection between Grisslehamn in Sweden and Eckerö in Åland, the shortest passage over the Sea of Åland, under the original brand Eckerölinjen.
 * Tallink/Silja Line between Sweden, Finland and Baltic states is a mid-market carrier, offering good standard of food, accommodation and entertainment for road-trips and entertainment cruises. The Silja Line ships between Stockholm and Helsinki meets the standard of many cruise ships.
 * St. Peter Line has two ships between Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and St. Petersburg.
 * Viking Line operates between Sweden and Finland and Tallinn, competing closely with Silja and keeping similar standards, but often being the cheaper option.
 * DFDS Seaways  between Paldiski  and  Kapellskär.
 * Wasaline operates between Vaasa (Finland) and Umeå (Sweden). It tries its best to mimic the atmosphere on the Turku–Stockholm ferries, although with a shorter passage and without tax free sales.

Southern Baltic

 * Bornholmer Færgen between Germany, Sweden, mainland Denmark and Bornholm/Rønne
 * DFDS Seaways  between Kiel, Karlshamn, Copenhagen and Klaipėda.
 * Kołobrzeska Żegluga Pasażerska Kołobrzeg (Poland)–Bornholm/Nexø.
 * Polferries : Świnoujście–Copenhagen, Świnoujście–Ystad, Gdańsk–Nynäshamn/Stockholm.
 * Scandlines Denmark, Sweden, and Germany
 * Stena Line between ports in Latvia, Poland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Norway.
 * TT Line between Travemünde and Rostock in Germany and Trelleborg in Sweden, Klaipėda–Trelleborg.
 * Unity Line  between Świnoujście and Ystad in Sweden.

Northern and southern Baltic

 * Finnlines links most countries with Baltic ports. Operates the longest ferry trip on Baltic Sea – a two and a half day cruise from Lübeck to St. Petersburg via Sassnitz and Ventspils.

Sleep

For overnight cruises, the ticket price is per cabin. A regular cabin accommodates four passengers, holds a standard comparable to two-star hotel room (toilet, shower, soap, towels, reading light), and is much cheaper than a hotel room in Stockholm or Helsinki. The cheapest (C-class and some of the B-class) cabins are on the lowest decks and have no windows, while A-class and above have window views either facing to the sea or to the interior space. At the upper end of the scale, high floor suites can offer panoramic ocean views and perks like access to dedicated lounges. Some ferries return immediately and you might have to spend some time ashore before the destination city awakes.

The ferries between the Stockholm and Turku regions have very tight schedules with just an hour in port, which means cabin cleaning begins very early (unless you have a return ticket). Do not count on being able to sleep until just before the ferry arrives. In summer (with early sunrise) waking up for the pricey but plentiful breakfast and watching the huge archipelago while approaching may be a good option.

If crossing the Northern Baltic in winter, check the cabin location, as going through ice causes quite horrible noise for those most affected. The season with sea ice on the Tallinn/Helsinki/Turku–Stockholm routes is mostly January to early March, varying by location and year; there are maps on the extent of the ice cover.

When travelling between Helsinki and Tallinn during the day, the trip is so short (about two and a half hours) that a cabin is not needed, you can just pay for the trip itself and stay on the decks for the whole trip.

Eat

Most cruise ferries have several cafés and restaurants at all price levels (although the budget options will not keep your hunger away), at a standard typical to Sweden and Finland; you know what you get, but you won't be impressed. The most famous one is an all-you-can-eat Nordic buffet/smörgåsbord at around. Should traditionally be eaten as seven servings; herring, other seafood, cold cuts, warm meat, sausage, cheese and dessert.

For booked tables when your origin and destination are in different time zones (eg. Tallinn to Stockholm), inquire in advance which timezone is used, as it usually is ship's time that counts, not the actual timezone, even if called "local time". Typically the timezone at the port of departure is the timezone used on the ship.

Drink
Drinks in the bar are slightly cheaper than in regular Swedish or Finnish pubs, although expensive compared with the ones in Estonia, Latvia and Russia. Cocktails start around €8.

On some party cruises, alcoholic beverages may not be brought on board. The crew might search passengers' luggage for them. St.Peter Line actually x-rays your luggage to look for alcoholic beverages when boarding as a pedestrian. Any such bottles will be taken away, you'll get a receipt and get the bottles back at the information desk the next morning half an hour before arrival.

The cruise ferries have performances, karaoke, troubadours, live dance music, discos, bars and nightclubs. Check the cruise program.

Buy

Most cruise ferries between Sweden and Finland make a stop at Åland, to earn the legal opportunity to host duty-free shopping (as Åland for tax purposes isn't part of the EU). These stores, with alcohol and tobacco prices far below Swedish and Finnish levels, are the main attraction for many passengers. Consumption on board is officially not allowed, but happens all the time. At weekend party cruises, these stores do not sell alcohol during the evening. Also cruises to or from Russia have duty free shops, although much smaller ones.

The stores also offer the classic duty-free supply of perfume, make-up and sweets. Some ships also have shops for clothing, toys and other consumer goods. Know what you'd pay elsewhere if looking for bargains.

Ferries accept credit cards, and at least local currencies (in most cases euro and Swedish krona). Payment by Google Pay / Apple Pay (and PayPass / Visa PayWave) is frequently not accepted on Tallinn-Stockholm ferry by Tallink.

Do

 * Dancing to live music, nightclubs, karaoke, disco. The clientèle and performers vary depending on time of day, day of week, departure port and time of year.
 * Gambling at slot machines and roulette tables. If you do this, keep to your budget even if the net income – at least on ships with the Finnish flag – is distributed to good causes.
 * Most cruises have free play areas for children with ball pits, climbing gyms, game consoles etc, as well as a rotating schedule of activities.
 * Sauna. Separate for male and female, so no bathing suits are needed there. Some ships also have a common area, with a hot tub or a pool, and perhaps Turkish sauna (hamam). The entry fee is around €7.
 * Sunbathing on the upper deck, if the weather allows.

See
Elevated view of e.g. the Stockholm archipelago, Åland and the Finnish Archipelago Sea (depending on route). Stage performances nightly and often now and then also in the day.

Stay safe
Ship safety is serious business on these ships, with experience from the M/S Estonia disaster in 1994.

Do not enter restricted areas. Avoid the open deck at night and in harsh weather. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

Drunkenness is common on these ferries at night, and differences in languages and manners often provoke conflicts. While security guards tend to forgive drunkenness, they will lock violent passengers in a cell for the rest of the journey, or even put them off the ship at the next port.

Cabin parties are common, but security will respond if neighbours complain.

For safety reasons, avoid going alone to strangers' cabins. If something nasty happens, do report it as soon as possible – police will probably meet in port.

Connect
On most cruise ferries, Wi-Fi is available at least in common areas and higher-class cabins throughout the trip, accessible through individual passwords printed on each passenger's ticket or from reception. The connections may be slow and sketchy though, with data-intensive applications blocked (to maintain a fast connection to the shore is very expensive). Mobile voice and data connections are good when in the archipelagos or otherwise close to the shore, you may prefer a cabin with a window to get a better connection.

Cope
Most of the cruise ferries have playing rooms for children and children's cruise programs, some have separate entertainment rooms for older children and youth. Also some of the mostly-trade ropax ships have some facilities for families with children. Check with the company about arrangements provided. Consider to what extent you want to expose your children to playing machines and drunk co-passengers. You might want to avoid certain areas if you are up late. You may be able to choose a cabin in a quiet corridor.

Go next
Saint Petersburg cruises include time in town. Cruise passengers are exempted from visa requirements (check the terms).

A 40-hour cruise Stockholm–Helsinki, Stockholm–Tallinn, Stockholm–Riga or vice versa includes an 8-hour stop in the destination city, enough for visitors to make a short tour.

Between Stockholm and Turku returning with the same ship means 23-hour cruises, without time ashore.

The pass over Gulf of Finland is short enough to give time in Helsinki or Tallinn, if taking a morning ferry and returning in the evening.

title: Baltic Sea ferries