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Ballinamore

Co. Leitrim • 34 stories • Since 2026-02-09

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planning

Former convent converted to 12-room aparthotel with café and restaurant

Hugh Murray is planning to convert a former convent building on Convent Road in Ballinamore into a 12-room aparthotel with a ground-floor café and restaurant. The project includes a new lift, kitchen extension, glass porch, covered outdoor seating, and a link corridor to existing outbuildings, plus on-site car parking.

Hugh Murray
File ref: 2660123 · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council (Planning)
leitrim

1,000 Free Pints Up for Grabs at Cowboys and Heroes

Ireland’s biggest country music festival returns to Ballinamore Country music fans heading to Ballinamore for this year’s Cowboys and Heroes festival could be in for an extra treat — with organisers announcing they will give away 1,000 free pints over the June Bank Holiday weekend. The hugely

Leitrim Observer
planning

House renovation, garage conversion, and new single-storey extension

Rob Dee Lane is planning to renovate an existing house in Aghaleague, Ballinamore, with internal and external updates. The attached garage will be converted into living space, and a new single-storey extension will be added to the front side of the property. All necessary site works are included in the proposal.

Rob & Dee Lane
File ref: 2660121 · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council (Planning)
ballinamore

Support grows for proposed aparthotel development in Leitrim

A planning application to redevelop the former Convent of Mercy in Ballinamore into tourist accommodation with 12 aparthotel units, café and restaurant has drawn support locally. There has been a strong show of support following the submission of a planning application which, if approved, wou

Leitrim Observer

News

8 stories
leitrim

RTÉ Journalist behind famous Leitrim ‘No Comment’ report passes away

RTÉ journalist Brendan O'Brien has passed away at the age of 82 Former RTE journalist Brendan O’Brien, the reporter behind the famous ‘no comment’ RTE report in Ballinamore, passed away. O’Brien was an award-winning investigative journalist who worked for the public broadcaster between 1974 a

Leitrim Observer
ballinamore

Former convent in Leitrim could become aparthotel under new plans

A planning application has been submitted for the conversion of a former convent in Ballinamore into an aparthotel, including a café, restaurant and associated extensions. A planning application has been submitted which, if approved, would see a former convent transformed into an aparthotel.

Leitrim Observer
leitrim

Significant fine issued as Gardaí warn of more checks in Leitrim areas

Leitrim Gardaí issue a heavy fine to the driver going 30KM/H over the speed limit in the Ballianamore area Gardaí in Leitrim have issued a €160 fine after a motorist was caught speeding last week. The driver of the vehicle was caught by a roadside Gardaí Speed Check, which was conducted in th

Leitrim Observer
leitrim

'Major visitor attraction' for Leitrim town in the works

It is proposed that the former courthouse in Ballinamore will be developed into the John McGahern Gateway Centre as a hub for fans of the famous writer, and provide local tourism information for visitors. He is hailed as one of the important Irish writers of the latter half of the twentieth c

Leitrim Observer
ballinamore

PICTURES: Stunning photography exhibition coming to Leitrim town

The exhibition brings together four photographers in a unique “joint solo” format, where each artist presents an individual body of work while contributing to a shared thematic vision. A new collaborative photography exhibition, Unity in Focus, will open on May 15, 2026, at 7:30 pm at Solas A

Leitrim Observer
leitrim

Former Taoiseach under fire - Leitrim Live readers have their say

Leo Varadkar had stated that "the interests of farmers in the agriculture industry is by and large not in the interests of Ireland as a nation" and went on to state that farmers "still see themselves as the people who bring money and jobs into Ireland, where actually a lot of the time they bring cos

Leitrim Observer

Crime & Courts

1 story

Planning

8 stories
planning

New car museum with entrance and car park for tourism amenity

Ron Weisz is proposing to build a detached car museum at Derrygoan near Ballinamore as part of the Drumcoura City tourism amenity. The plan also includes a new site entrance, car parking, landscaping, and connections to the storm water network.

Ron Weisz
File ref: 2660118 · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council (Planning)
planning

Two-storey house gets rear extension, pitched roof, front extension, and garden work

Liam Conlon has been granted permission to renovate and extend his two-storey semi-detached house at Marie Mount Terrace in Ballinamore. The work includes adding a two-storey extension to the rear, converting the flat roof on the side extension to a pitched roof, adding a single-storey extension to the front, and making changes to the front garden. The council also approved retention of the existi

Liam Conlon
File ref: 2560217 · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council (Planning)
planning

Details not available

We don't have enough information to summarise this planning application. Leitrim County Council's records for reference 2560315 are missing key details like the location, what's being built, and who's applying. You may want to contact the council directly to find out what this proposal involves.

Claire Rowley & Rory Mc Tague
File ref: 2560315 · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council (Planning)
planning

Retention of house extension built at variance to original approved design

John Gildea is seeking permission to keep an extension to his house at Kiltymoodan that was built differently from what was originally approved. The extension doesn't match the design that was granted under a previous permission, and he's now asking the council to regularise it as it stands.

John Gildea
File ref: 2660095 · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council (Planning)
planning

Retaining unauthorized extensions and garage at Kildorragh, Ballinamore

Malachy Breege Mc Kiernan is seeking permission to keep unauthorized building work already done at a house in Kildorragh, Ballinamore. The work includes two single-storey extensions (one to the southeast, one to the southwest), a dormer-style first-floor extension, a detached garage, a wastewater treatment system, and changes to the house's exterior. The council is also being asked to approve modi

Malachy & Breege Mc Kiernan
File ref: 2660097 · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council (Planning)
planning

Commercial building converted to 3 apartments with new extension

A commercial building on Ballinamore's High Street is being converted into three apartments. The plan involves knocking down a two-storey extension at the back and replacing it with a new three-storey extension that will include one shower room per floor to service the apartments.

Ciarán McCabe & Gráinne Sharpley
File ref: 2660050 · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council (Planning)
planning

Porch demolition, new porch, and 1.5-storey rear extension at residential property

Gillian McNeill has been granted permission to demolish an existing porch at Drumnamore, Ballinamore and build a new single-storey porch along with a 1.5-storey extension to the rear of the house. The approval also covers decommissioning the old septic tank and installing a new wastewater treatment system, plus retention permission for a pond feature, upgraded agricultural entrance, and wastewater

Gillian McNeill
File ref: 2560163 · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council (Planning)
planning

House extension with new front elevation and boundary retention

Philip P Farrelly is applying to extend his house at Ardrum in Ballinamore and make changes to how the front of the building looks. He's also seeking to keep a boundary change that was approved in a previous planning permission, along with related site works.

Philip P Farrelly
File ref: 2660091 · Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council (Planning)

Politics & TDs

1 story
politics

Public representatives making promises but failing to deliver on heritage issues

Rowland O'Callaghan expresses frustration with local councillors and TDs, stating he has written letters, given presentations, and raised concerns about Ballinamore's neglected heritage multiple times, but receives only promises with no follow-through or solutions. He's calling for more decisive action from elected representatives to support the town's historical preservation.

Rowland O'Callaghan

Community

4 stories
heritage

Ballinamore heritage at risk as traffic damages historic bridge

Rowland O'Callaghan, chair of the Ballinamore Leo Casey Historical Society, warns that Archie Bridge—one of 86 historic storm bridges in Ireland built between 1815-1817 as part of the Royal Canal heritage—is being damaged by heavy traffic and faces potential destruction. He's calling on local authorities and councillors to implement weight restrictions and carry out urgent restoration work (repinning and recapping) before the deteriorating stonework leads to structural failure or an accident.

Rowland O'Callaghan
Archie Bridge is located outside Ballinamore on the Longford road. Weight restriction needed urgently. Scalli's Bridge in Abbey Frule cited as reference example of successful restoration.
community

Ballinamore ICA celebrates 60 years with community field day

The Ballinamore ICA Guild marked its 60th anniversary with a community event at Ballinamore Old Fairday, featuring demonstrations of traditional cooking, home-baked goods, and social activities. The event showcased the organisation's range of activities beyond baking, including social outings and community support initiatives. Members including Tess Murphy and David Lutton (chairperson) highlighted how the ICA provides companionship and opportunities for women of all ages.

Tess Murphy, David Lutton, Lillian
Event held at Ballinamore Old Fairday; ICA Federation headquarters located at barracks in Longford; head office in Dublin
heritage

Traditional boxty-making demonstration at Ballinamore community event

Radio presenter Norbert Fielbe documented a traditional boxty-making demonstration at the Ballinamore ICA field day, with volunteer David showing the preparation process using potatoes, flour, eggs, and milk. The traditional Irish dish, similar to a pancake, was being cooked on site for visitors to the community event.

David, Norbert Fielbe
Demonstration held at Ballinamore Old Fairday during ICA community event
religion

Father Edward Flanagan elevated to Venerable by Pope

Father Edward Flanagan, a priest from the Roscommon/Galway border who founded Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska, has been elevated to Venerable by Pope Francis—a significant step toward canonization. The announcement was welcomed by the Father Edward Flanagan Visitor Centre in Ballinamore and church leaders including Bishop Kevin Doran. This recognition honours Flanagan's pioneering work with homeless and at-risk children.

Father Edward Flanagan, Bishop Kevin Doran, Fidel Macron
Father Edward Flanagan Visitor Centre located in Ballinamore, open to public; established three years ago
Also covered in: Elphin

Business

1 story
business

Ballinamore has potential as standalone tourist destination, says heritage society

Rowland O'Callaghan highlights Ballinamore's untapped tourism potential, citing its location between the Royal Canal and Inny River, proximity to six golf courses, woodland walks and trails, water sports opportunities (canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding), and quality local restaurants and accommodation. Despite having all the ingredients for a thriving weekend/week-long destination, he argues the town's rich historical heritage—spanning from ancient Gaelic times through Cromwellian era to Irish independence—is being neglected by public authorities.

Rowland O'Callaghan
Ballinamore features: Scalli's Restaurant and Guesthouse, Bar and Restaurant, Kunis Hotel, Jolly Voys, Peacin Grill, Wilder and Golden, accommodation options, six nearby golf courses, Newcastle Woods walks/trails, water sports on Royal Canal and Inny River.

Deaths

6 stories
death

20th Anniversary of Acclaimed Writer John McGahern's Death Marked

March 30th marks the 20th anniversary of the death of John McGahern, one of Ireland's most accomplished writers. McGahern, who was born in Dublin but had strong connections to County Leitrim and Roscommon, is remembered for groundbreaking novels including 'The Barracks' and 'Among Women'. Author and broadcaster John Scally reflects on McGahern's life, his controversial writings on sexuality that cost him his teaching job, and his legacy in Irish literature.

John McGahern, John Scally, Tony Doyle
March 30th, 2026 (anniversary date). John McGahern Barracks in Cooke Hall, Roscommon, operated by volunteers and dedicated to McGahern's memory.
death

20th anniversary of death of acclaimed writer John McGahern

Today marks 20 years since the death of John McGahern, one of Ireland's most accomplished and important writers. Born in Dublin but reared in Ballinamore, County Leitrim, McGahern was known for his novels including 'The Barracks' and 'Among Women'. Author and broadcaster John Scally reflects on McGahern's life, his controversial writings that cost him his teaching job, and his later contentment farming in Fina, County Leitrim.

John McGahern, John Scally, Tony Doyle
March 30th marks the anniversary. The John McGahern Barracks in Cookshill is operated by volunteers and is dedicated to McGahern's works and memory and is open to visitors.

Court Reports

Cases and rulings mentioning Ballinamore from local newspapers and Courts News Ireland.

Council Decisions

Motions, planning and decisions from Leitrim County Council and Municipal District meetings mentioning Ballinamore.

Ballinamore Municipal District appointment 2025-06-23

Election of Cathaoirleach of Ballinamore Municipal District 2025/2026

Councillor Gary Prior was nominated and elected as Cathaoirleach (Chair) of Ballinamore Municipal District for the term 2025/2026. The nomination was proposed by Councillor Paddy O'Rourke and seconded by Councillor Enda McGloin, with no other nominations received. Prior thanked his colleagues and outgoing Cathaoirleach Ita Reynolds Flynn for her work during the past year.

Decision: Councillor Gary Prior elected Cathaoirleach of Ballinamore Municipal District for 2025/2026

Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn, Cllr Gary Prior, Cllr Paddy O'Rourke, Cllr Enda McGloin

Ballinamore Municipal District appointment 2025-06-23

Election of Leas Cathaoirleach of Ballinamore Municipal District 2025/2026

Councillor Paddy O'Rourke was nominated and elected as Leas Cathaoirleach (Vice-Chair) of Ballinamore Municipal District for the term 2025/2026. The nomination was proposed by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn and seconded by Councillor Enda McGloin, with no other nominations received.

Decision: Councillor Paddy O'Rourke elected Leas Cathaoirleach of Ballinamore Municipal District for 2025/2026

Cllr Paddy O'Rourke, Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn, Cllr Enda McGloin

Ballinamore Municipal District procedural 2025-06-23

Schedule of meetings for Ballinamore Municipal District

The council agreed to continue holding Ballinamore Municipal District meetings at 10:00 am for each meeting in the 2025/2026 term.

Decision: Meetings to be held at 10:00 am

Cllr Paddy O'Rourke, Cllr Brendan Barry

Ballinamore Municipal District procedural 2025-06-23

Rescheduling of July and September meetings

Two meeting date changes were approved: the July meeting was moved from 28 July to 21 July at 10:00 am, and the September meeting was moved from 22 September to 29 September at 10:00 am.

Decision: July meeting rescheduled to 21 July 2025; September meeting rescheduled to 29 September 2025, both at 10:00 am

Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn, Cllr Paddy O'Rourke, Cllr Enda McGloin, Cllr Brendan Barry