Mayo towns selected for urban 'wonder wander' walking trails
Ballina and Westport have been selected as two of the latest locations for the Wonder Wander Walking Trails, an initiative launched in 2024 by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) to celebrate the distinctive architecture, character and stories of Ireland’s Architectural Conservation Areas.
The Ballina and Westport trails are being developed as a joint initiative between the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage and Mayo County Council’s Architectural Conservation Office, with Studio Myco and James Grieve Architects appointed to develop the new trails.
Each Wonder Wander trail is shaped in partnership with the local community, bringing together well-known landmarks, overlooked buildings, architectural details, local stories and places that hold particular meaning for the people who know the towns best.
The completed self-guided trail will combine an illustrated map, accessible information on selected stops and a scavenger hunt encouraging people of all ages to look up, look closer and discover details they may have passed by before.
As part of the engagement process, local people are invited to share their favourite buildings, places, stories and memories, as well as the architectural features and lesser-known details they think make Ballina and Westport special.
This local knowledge will help identify and enrich the places and stories that ultimately feature on the trails.
Community engagement events will take place in Westport on Tuesday next, August 25.
Town Hall Theatre, Westport — 1 to 3 p.m.
Westport Library — 5 to 7 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to drop in, share their knowledge and help shape the Westport trail.
Community engagement events will take place in Ballina on Wednesday next, August 26.
Pearse Street (Across from Ballina Library) — 12 to 2 p.m.
Ballina Library — 4 to 7 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to drop in, share their knowledge and help shape the Ballina trail.
The completed Ballina Wonder Wander Walking Trail and Westport Wonder Wander Walking Trail, together with a programme of launch activities, will be unveiled in spring 2027.