View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Home
Destinations
Mayo
Ballina
Marshall Doran Collection ...
Marshall Doran Collection at Belleek Castle
Marshall Doran Collection at Belleek Castle
More from visitors like you
Ballina, Co. Mayo
  • Autumn
  • Family fun
  • History and heritage
  • Rainy days
Family friendly
Rainy days
Free car parking
Pre-booking essential
Marshall Doran Collection at Belleek Castle
More from visitors like you
Marshall Doran Collection at Belleek Castle is a unique museum experience in Ballina, County Mayo. The Belleek Castle tour includes an explanation of the origins of the Castle and the history of its former owners, The Knox-Gore Family and the Earls of Arran.

The highlight of the tour at Belleek Castle is the Marshall Doran Collection which is one of the finest collections of arms and armour, fossils and antiques in Ireland. You will also see the Grace O’Malley room and the last wolf shot in Connaught.

When taking part in the tour you will see private dining rooms decorated in opulent romantic style, including the Medieval Banquet Hall, the Spanish Armada and the Tween Deck rooms. Belleek Castle was built between 1825 and 1831 on the site of a medieval abbey, one of four along the River Moy. Belleek Castle was commissioned by Sir Arthur Francis Knox-Gore. The manor house was designed by the prolific architect John Benjamin Keanes, and the neo-gothic architecture met the taste of the time when medieval styles become fashionable. The Knox-Gores lived in Belleek Castle until the early 1940’s.

Marshall Doran, a merchant navy officer and an avid collector of fossils and medieval armour, acquired the run down property in 1961, and restored it. Some of the rooms are still in the 19th century style, whilst most of the interior design has a medieval and nautical touch. Marshall, being quite a craftsman, did a lot of the work himself, assisted by John Mullen, and supervised the restoration expertly. Today the castle is managed by Marshall's son Paul Doran and Ms Maya Nikolaeva.

Visit website
map
Tips from locals

Enjoy a coffee and a tasty treat in Jack Fenn’s Café & Bistro, which is in a restored 19th century coach house on the grounds of the castle.

map
Visit Website
Contact details
+3539622400
Belleek Castle, Garrankeel, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 1 to 2 hours here.

Experience as part of
Wild Atlantic Way LogoWild Atlantic Way
Travel inspiration to your inbox?

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.

Sign me up
Award IconMobile Excellence Award Winner
  • Wild Atlantic Way
  • Visit Dublin
  • Ireland’s Ancient East
  • Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Getting around
  • Terms of use
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy statement
Find accommodation
Failte IrelandFailte Ireland Logo© Fáilte Ireland. All rights reserved
Find and follow Discover Ireland
  • Home
  • Popular destinations
    • Donegal
    • Cork
    • Sligo
    • Kilkenny
    • Mayo
    • Waterford
    • Galway
    • Kerry
    • Limerick
    • Dublin
    • See all destinations
    Regions
    • The Ring of Kerry
    • The Burren
    • The Boyne Valley
    • Wild Atlantic Way
    • Ireland's Ancient East
    • Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
    Trip type
    • City breaks
    • Coastal escapes
    • Lakes & rivers
    • Islands
    See all destinations
    • Attractions
      • Arts & culture
      • Houses & gardens
      • History & heritage
      • Health & wellbeing
      • Food & drink experiences
      • Nature & wildlife
      • See all things to do
    • Activities
      • Adventure & sports
      • Horse riding
      • Golf
      • Tours
      • Cycling
      • Water activities
      • Greenways
    • Inspiration
      • Romantic breaks
      • Free things to do
      • Rainy days
      • Family fun
      • Car-free travel
      • Sustainable travel
    See all things to do
  • Guides
  • Festivals & events
  • Walking & hiking
  • Accommodation
View Map
Newsletter
Popular destinations
  • Donegal
  • Cork
  • Sligo
  • Kilkenny
  • Mayo
  • Waterford
  • Galway
  • Kerry
  • Limerick
  • Dublin
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
See all results