Situated seven miles from Castlebar, Ballintubber is set at the foot of the Partry Mountains. The Gaelic name for Ballintubber is Baile Tobair Phadraig which means the townland of St. Patrick's Well. The village is steeped in history with Ballintubber Abbey being the most famous historical site.
Founded in the early 1200s by King Cathal O'Conor, the abbey is the only church existing in Ireland today that was founded by an Irish king. The abbey has survived numerous attacks through the centuries, including a burning by Cromwell's army in the 1650s, as religious suppression was inflicted upon the people. An interpretive centre is now located within the abbey while the landscaped gardens make this one of the major tourist attractions in the area. Also worth viewing are Mayo Abbey and the round tower at Aghagower.
Local activities include boat hire on Lough Carra available from Carra Boat Hire. The boats are based at Moorehall, which is approximately 10 minutes drive from Ballintubber.