Ashford Rovers’ 7-a-side and 9-a-side matches are played at Ballinalea Park. Historical photographs also record a former place name and a cycling race through Ballinalea. In this way, club football and local history come together in Ballinalea. The Bel-Air Country House Hotel adds a specific accommodation and architectural dimension to the local story; County Wicklow provides a broader setting for exploring culture and landscapes.
Club Football and Historic Local Scenes
Ashford Rovers AFC has been based at Ballinalea Park in Ashford, County Wicklow, since 1972. The club has two senior teams and two youth teams in the Wicklow District Football League, as well as teams from U8 to U16 in the WDSL schoolboy league. Team structures and fixture schedules may change.
Historical photographs show Ballinalea in the 1950s and later under the name Bonalea. Another photograph documents a cycling race from the 1940s that passed through Ballinalea in the direction of Glenealy. Together, the images offer insight into different aspects of the area’s history: a former name and a sporting procession through the village.
Getting There and Accommodation
The timetable printed in November 2025 listed Ballinalea as a stop on bus route 183 travelling north. As timetables may change, check the latest departures before travelling.
The Bel-Air Country House Hotel was built in 1890 on the site of an older house. The Bel-Air Hotel has ten en-suite rooms. The number of rooms and their availability may change, so check whether a room is available for your travel dates.
County Wicklow: History, Landscapes and Culture
The wider destination of County Wicklow offers further distinct themes. In Glendalough, Saint Kevin founded a monastery in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. There was also a monastery at Kilmacurragh in County Wicklow in the 7th century. In 1996, 21 hectares of the former Kilmacurragh demesne became part of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. Kilmacurragh’s Rhododendron Week takes place every April; check the latest event dates before travelling.
For nature lovers and walkers, Wicklow Mountains National Park and County Wicklow’s network of trails are distinct points of reference. The national park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for residents and tourists. The Wicklow Way was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail. The county also has more than 50 walking trails, which can be selected by length, location, type, theme and difficulty. As the trail network may change, it is worth checking the latest route information.
In Rathdrum, Beyond the Trees Avondale features a 1.4 km treetop walk that ends at a 38 m-high viewing tower. From there, panoramic views stretch across the Wicklow Mountains, the Avonmore River and the Vale of Avoca. A 90 m spiral slide descends from the viewing tower. When planning your visit, check the latest operating information for this attraction too.
In Ashford, Mount Usher Gardens extend over 22 acres along the River Vartry. Meandering paths and seasonally changing plantings define the garden; its design is an example of the Robinsonian style. Walking paths follow the river. Also in Ashford, Sculpture in Woodland is an area featuring contemporary sculptures by Irish and international artists. Near Mount Usher, visitors can explore the Avoca food market, which offers a selection of artisan-produced foods. Paths and market offerings may change; check the latest information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Kilmacanoge, Enniskerry, Ballyknockan, Kiltegan, Roundwood, Hollywood, An Láithreach, Arklow.
For the wider travel overview: County Wicklow.
