According to Galway East "… the river Suck in Ballinasloe is deep and slow - it is probably Ireland's most productive coarse fishing river. There are great shoals of bream to 8lbs everywhere and throughout the summer, bags in excess of 100lbs are common." The stretch south of the town near Coreen Ford has an excellent stock of tench to 6lbs and rudd over 2lbs are common, as are pike up to the 40lb mark. Maggots and coarse fishing equipment is available locally.

Boating enthusiasts will be familiar with the fact that it is a mere ten miles to the confluence of Suck and Shannon, the largest river system in the British Isles. Having opened in 2003, it is testament to the interest it has aroused that in excess of three thousand boats now pass by Moycarn lodge per year.
There are faster flowing stretches along the river making it a perfect place for canoeing and kayaking. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent. Details are available at our reception

Golfing enthusiast have a wide range of excellent courses in the immediate area. Ballinasloe Golf Club, Athlone Golf Club, Glasson Hotel and Country Club, Loughrea Golf club, Portumna Golf Club and Roscommon Golf Club are all within easy reach of Moycarn lodge.

Ballinasloe plays host each October to the 'Great October Fair', the oldest horse fair in Europe. It is claimed that Napoleon , in the early eighteen hundreds, purchased horses there for his continental campaigns. It has its origins in the 'Gathering of the Hostings' dating back to the High Kings of Tara. It's formal charter was granted by King George to the second Earl of Clancarty in 1722.

The hinterland of Ballinasloe is also privy to some early monastic sites-most notably that of Clonmacnoise. It was here that the famed Book of Kells was created in the late eighth or early ninth century. Local historian, Stephen Heery, writer of the book 'The Shannon Floodlands', is currently organising local historical tours. The Aughrim Interpretive Centre is a reference point for those curious about the Battle of Aughrim, a decisive turning point for the Williamite forces in British and Irish history. The Centre is an invaluable source for those seeking to unearth their genealogical roots.

For more info on all local activities go to the Links page