
How Ballinderry Supports Creative Communities

Rowan Stainsby

Ballinderry Park Estate
Because Community is Everything
At Ballinderry Park, we are proud to be part of a rich and diverse community rooted in centuries of history. Our local area is a tapestry of shared traditions, close-knit relationships, and a deep connection to the land that has defined East Galway for generations. Over the years, Ballinderry Park has not only been a home for many families but a gathering place for neighbors, friends, and visitors, fostering a spirit of togetherness that continues to thrive and remains central to our mission.
We believe in the power of community and the importance of preserving the cultural heritage that defines us. Whether through local events, collaborations with nearby businesses, supporting creative artists and musicians, or simple acts of kindness, we remain dedicated to contributing to and supporting the people and traditions that make our community unique. Our vision is to create a shared space where great food, a love of nature, and creative expression bring people together in meaningful ways.

Community gathering at Ballinderry Park
Community events and gatherings at Ballinderry Park bring people together
Supporting Local Creatives, Artists, and Musicians
Music and togetherness are the cornerstones of what we're building at Ballinderry Park. We believe that creative expression is essential to vibrant community life, which is why we've opened our doors to local artists, musicians, and creatives who want to share their talents in a historic and inspiring setting.

Music events at Ballinderry Park
Live music and creative events are central to our community mission
Showcasing Local Talent
Our beautifully restored Georgian estate provides the perfect backdrop for creative performances and exhibitions. From intimate acoustic sessions in our historic drawing rooms to larger gatherings in our outdoor spaces, we create opportunities for local musicians to connect with audiences in an authentic and memorable setting. We actively seek out emerging artists and established performers alike, offering them a platform to share their craft with both locals and visitors to the area.
Artist Residencies and Collaborations
We're committed to fostering long-term relationships with creative individuals in our community. Whether you're a visual artist looking for inspiration in our historic surroundings, a writer seeking a peaceful retreat, or a musician wanting to workshop new material, Ballinderry Park offers opportunities for collaboration and creative development. Our space is designed to inspire creativity while honoring the rich cultural heritage that surrounds us.
Creative Opportunities at Ballinderry
- Live music sessions and performance opportunities
- Art exhibitions in our historic spaces
- Workshops and masterclasses led by local creatives
- Collaborative events with local arts organizations
- Creative residencies and retreat spaces
- Support for emerging artists and musicians
Shared Spaces for Community Gatherings
Creating spaces where people can come together is at the heart of what we do. Our Georgian house, dating back to c.1740, has been carefully restored to provide versatile spaces that can accommodate everything from intimate family gatherings to larger community events. These spaces honor the building's 700-year history while meeting the needs of modern community life.

Interior spaces at Ballinderry Park
Our beautifully restored spaces welcome community gatherings
Versatile Event Spaces
From our elegant drawing rooms warmed by fragrant log fires to our expansive outdoor areas surrounded by nature, Ballinderry Park offers diverse settings for community events. Whether it's an art exhibition, a community meeting, a workshop, or a celebration, our spaces adapt to meet the needs of local organizations and groups. We believe that having access to beautiful, historic spaces should not be limited to private events - our community deserves to enjoy these surroundings too.
Community-Centered Design
Every restoration decision we've made has been guided by our commitment to community. We've preserved the historic character that makes Ballinderry Park special while ensuring our spaces are welcoming, accessible, and functional for modern community needs. Our goal is to remove barriers and create an environment where everyone feels welcome to participate in the cultural life of our area.

Community working together at Ballinderry Park
Working with the community to build a better future together
Food, Nature, and Togetherness Initiatives
Our vision is to involve our community in meaningful ways by creating initiatives that celebrate local food, the natural environment, and the simple joy of coming together. We believe these elements are fundamental to building lasting connections and supporting community wellbeing.
Celebrating Local Food and Producers
Ballinderry Park is committed to showcasing the incredible food producers, farmers, and culinary talent in East Galway and beyond. We regularly host dinners featuring fresh game from the estate and produce from local suppliers, creating opportunities for people to gather around shared tables and experience the best of what our region has to offer. These events are more than just meals - they're celebrations of our agricultural heritage and the dedicated people who maintain it.
Nature as Community Space
Set in the beautiful plains of East Galway, our estate offers natural spaces for the community to enjoy. Whether it's walking the grounds, participating in nature-focused workshops, or simply finding a peaceful spot to reflect, we encourage people to connect with the land that has sustained this community for centuries. Our approach to land stewardship respects both the historical significance of the estate and our responsibility to preserve it for future generations.
"We're creating a space that gives busy people permission to unwind amongst 700 years of history. Our vision is to help people truly disconnect from the chaos of day to day life and reconnect with what matters most - community, nature, and meaningful human connection."
Togetherness Through Shared Experiences
From seasonal celebrations to workshops, from informal gatherings to curated events, we create regular opportunities for our community to come together. These experiences are designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring that Ballinderry Park serves as a true community hub rather than an exclusive venue. Whether it's learning a new skill, enjoying live music, sharing a meal, or participating in a local tradition, we believe that shared experiences strengthen community bonds.
Heritage Preservation
We honor and preserve 700 years of history while making our spaces accessible to the entire community, ensuring this cultural heritage remains alive and relevant.
Creative Expression
We provide platforms for local artists, musicians, and creatives to share their work, fostering a vibrant cultural scene in East Galway.
Local Partnerships
We collaborate with local businesses, producers, and organizations to strengthen our regional economy and community connections.
Inclusive Gathering
We create welcoming spaces where everyone in our community can come together, regardless of background or circumstance.

Historic Ballinderry Park building
Discover 700 years of rich history at Ballinderry Park
Community Involvement and Partnerships
We don't just talk about community - we actively involve local people and organizations in everything we do. Ballinderry Park is built on the principle that the best outcomes emerge from collaboration and shared vision.
Partnering with Local Organizations
We work closely with local arts councils, community groups, heritage organizations, and businesses to create programming that serves real community needs. These partnerships ensure that Ballinderry Park remains responsive to what matters most to the people who live here. From co-hosting events to providing space for community initiatives, we're committed to being a supportive partner in the broader network of organizations working to strengthen our region.
Supporting Local Economy
Our commitment to community extends to supporting the local economy. We prioritize working with local suppliers, craftspeople, food producers, and service providers whenever possible. When visitors come to Ballinderry Park, they experience the best of what East Galway has to offer, from locally sourced food to handcrafted goods to the services of skilled local professionals. This approach ensures that the economic benefits of our work circulate within the community.
Building for the Future
As we continue to grow and develop Ballinderry Park, we remain dedicated to our community-first approach. Every decision we make considers its impact on the people and traditions that make this place special. We're not just preserving history - we're actively building a vibrant future where heritage and community life thrive together.
How to Get Involved or Propose Community Events
We're always open to ideas and collaboration! Whether you're a musician looking for a venue, an artist with an exhibition idea, a community group seeking event space, or simply someone with a creative vision, we want to hear from you.
Ways to Connect
- Propose a community event or gathering
- Inquire about performance opportunities for musicians
- Discuss artist residencies or collaborations
- Explore partnership opportunities for local organizations
- Share your ideas for community initiatives
- Learn about upcoming events and how to participate
Contact Information
We welcome inquiries from community members, artists, musicians, organizations, and anyone interested in being part of what we're building at Ballinderry Park.
Location: Ballinderry Park, East Galway, Ireland
Website:
Community Page:
Events:
Blog & Updates:
Follow our journey on social media to stay updated on community events, creative collaborations, and opportunities to get involved.

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Join Our Journey
As we continue to grow and evolve, we invite you to be part of our journey - celebrating the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to a bright future together. Ballinderry Park is more than a historic estate; it's a living, breathing community space where connections are made, creativity flourishes, and traditions are both honored and reimagined.
Whether you're a long-time resident of East Galway, a visiting artist, a local musician, or someone who simply values community and cultural heritage, there's a place for you at Ballinderry Park. Together, we're building something special - a community hub that will serve and inspire generations to come.
We're looking forward to welcoming you, soon.
About the Author

Rowan Stainsby
Rowan is a marketing professional and founder of Kraft Digital Agency. In 2024, he and his wife Laoise purchased Ballinderry Park, a stunning Georgian house dating back to c.1740 in County Galway. Together, they are passionately restoring this historic property and documenting the journey on their YouTube channel 'Call of the Curlew'. With a vision to create a space where busy people can unwind, Rowan oversees the transformation of Ballinderry Park into a luxury destination for stays, weddings, and events while honoring its remarkable 700-year heritage.