Ballyshannon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ballyshannon Béal Atha Seanaidh |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Map | |
  |
|
| Town population: | 2200 (2002) |
| Rural population: | 2600 (2002) |
| Elevation: | 0 - 100ft |
| County: | Donegal |
| Province: | Ulster |
Ballyshannon (Béal Atha Seanaidh in Irish) is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. It is located where the N3 and N15 roads cross the River Erne. Ballyshannon attracts many tourists by virtue of lying quite close to the popular seaside resort of Bundoran.
Contents |
[edit] Location
Ballyshannon lies at the mouth of the river Erne. Just west of the town the Erne widens and its waters meander over a long sandy Estuary. The northern bank of the river rises steeply away from the riverbank, while the southern bank is flat with a small cliff that runs parallel to the river.
[edit] History
A hydoelectric station was built in the town in the 50s - a project that utterly changed the face of Ballyshannon, socially and physically. The station involved building a dam upriver from the town at Cathleen's Falls and digging out a deep channel to lower the riverbed through the town. The idea was to increase the head of water at the dam in order to drive the turbines. Before the station was built, the river was wide, and the water level much higher than it is today. A long bridge spanned from the northern shore to the 'port' on the southern bank. The waters of the Erne spilled over a number of waterfalls, among them Cathleen's Falls and Assaroe Falls, before meandering out to sea. Today, however, the river runs through a narrow channel, far below the level of either bank and a narrower single arch bridge has replaced the old one.
[edit] Local attractions
- The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival takes place in Ballyshannon in 2007.
[edit] Transport & Communications
Ballyshannon lacks train services but in April 2006, a new 80 million euro Bundoran/Ballyshannon bypass was opened.
[edit] People
- Birthplace of poet William Allingham
- Birthplace of legendary blues rocker Rory Gallagher.
- The Local County Councillor is Barry O'Neill who is also a well known Sports Broadcaster with RTE 2FM.
Jim McGrath and Backing Dancer Patricia Melly: Local Cabaret Singer often performs in the Bridgend Bar
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
Ballyshannon Website
The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival
 |
This Ireland geographical article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
