New hostel set to be a game changer for tourism in north Mayo

Ahead of what promises to be a bumper tourist season for Ballina and north Mayo, a new 38-bed hostel is opening right in the heart of the town centre.

Heyday Hostel will offer 38 beds in a mix of private and shared rooms, making it the perfect place for solo travellers, couples, families and groups to stay.

The hostel's comfortable and modern facilities will include free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and a cosy common area where guests can relax and meet fellow travellers.

Heyday Hostel is located where Lower Pearse Street meets Dillon Terrace on the site which was once occupied by Peggy Farmers and more recently, John O'Donnell's grocery store.

The prominent location on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way has been vacant for over a decade and will now be revitalised through this substantial investment in the North Mayo capital.

The renovations include the remodelling of three ground floor retail units, an extension to the front and the conversion of two first floor apartments.

Local builders John Healy Construction in conjunction with Simon Beale & Associates are currently at an advanced stage of works on the project.

The project is the brainchild of Mark Duffy, local councillor who spent much of his early twenties travelling around the world, regularly staying in hostels.

Mark, who relocated back to Ballina ahead of the local elections in 2019 saw that the lack of hostel accomodation was something that needed to be addressed to help North Mayo realise its tourism potential.

Mark reached out to entrepreneur and native of Ballina Padraig Jordan, the son of the late Paddy Jordan of Station Road, a member of the Mayo 1951 team.

Having worked through architectural plans, Mark presented his work and market research to Padraig, knowing his support could bring the project to life.

Duffy said: "I extend thanks to fellow Ballina native Padraig for seeing the potential and supporting this significant and much needed facility in the town centre.

"It's a strong vote of confidence for tourism in Ballina and North Mayo which we hope can grow the tourism base in the region.

"It's a great news story for the town, it's breathing life back into vacant buildings on a prominent corner. The hostel accomodation will allow a new demographic and type of tourist to come to experience the best of what North Mayo and West Sligo has to offer."

Padraig stated: “I am delighted to support this project which provides tourism infrastructure for my home town of Ballina.

"It widens the net for tourists seeking affordable accommodation in this beautiful part of the world.

"Mark’s approach was timely as I had surveyed the family pub with a view to developing it. However, construction costs were prohibitive. I also felt a downtown location was a stronger option."

The hostel is due to be completed in June 2023, right on time for the peak summer season in the area.

The venture will create an additional 13,000 bed nights annually which is a significant boost for the hospitality sector locally.