Ballon, Co. Carlow

Select County Dublin City Co. Antrim Co. Armagh Co. Carlow Co. Cavan Co. Clare Co. Cork Co. Donegal Co. Down Co. Dublin Co. Fermanagh Co. Galway Co. Kerry Co. Kildare Co. Kilkenny Co. Laois Co. Leitrim Co. Limerick Co. Londonderry Co. Longford Co. Louth Co. Mayo Co. Meath Co. Monaghan Co. Offaly Co. Roscommon Co. Sligo Co. Tipperary Co. Tyrone Co. Waterford Co. Westmeath Co. Wexford Co. Wicklow Kells Kells

Ballon (Balana in Irish) is a village in County Carlow. It is located in the heart of County Carlow on the N80 road near Carlow Town.

Ballon boasts a rich history of stonemasonry, one of Ireland’s oldest crafts, whilst Ballon Hill provides excellent views of the surrounding countryside.  Historians believe that Ballon Hill was the burial place of the King of Ireland, Cathair Mor, in 177 AD; ancient burial grounds are very common in Ballon.  A guided tour of Malone’s 12 acre fruit farm (+353 (0) 503 59477, open May to October) is well worthwhile.  

Within a short distance of the village is Altamont Gardens, set in a small and uniquely beautiful estate, the gardens at Altamont are one of County Carlow's premier tourist attractions and touted as the 'most romantic gardens in Ireland'.

Ballon Hill is a beautiful place for a walk, and it is where a lot of houses are situated. It is only about 450 feet above sea level, but provides a marvellous view of the countryside, it is said, sight of nine counties.