Island · Co. Mayo
Achill Island
Achill is Ireland's largest western island, connected to the mainland since 1887. It features dramatic headlands, historic lighthouses, and a community that blends farming with tourism.
The town
Foxford is 16 km south of Ballina in County Mayo. The Irish name, Béal Easa, translates to “mouth of the waterfall.” This name originally referred to a large fox-shaped rock at a ford by the town. Some say it is the same rock known as “Cromwell’s Rock.”
The town sits on the N26 road between Swinford and Ballina. A railway station serves trains running between Manulla Junction and Ballina.
The river and the mountains
The River Moy runs right through Foxford. It is a salmon-fishing river, close to Lough Conn and Lough Cullin. The Nephin and Ox Mountains stand on either side of the town.
The Foxford Way is an 86-km waymarked tourist trail. It circles the town, taking in the Ox Mountains, bogland, archaeological sites, lakeshores and river banks. Many walkers use the town as a base for this route.
The mills
Agnes Morrogh Bernard founded a convent here in 1892. She also started a water-powered woollen mill. The Foxford Woollen Mills are known for their characteristic wool blankets.
The mills serve as the town’s main industry and landmark. Visitors often walk past the mill on their way to the river.
Practical
Foxford is 16 km south of Ballina on the N26. It sits on the River Moy between the Nephin and Ox Mountains. The Foxford Way starts in the town.
This makes it a good base for the Moy valley, the lakes and the two ranges. You can walk in the morning and visit the river in the afternoon.
