Remarks by President Joe Biden in Ballina, Friday, April 14
St. Muredach’s Cathedral, Friday 14 April, 2023. Programme begins at 7pm.
This is a free public event. Entrance will be on a first come first served basis, but you can register to attend to receive updates in advance.
Please be aware of key road closures: Upper and Lower Bridge, Cathedral Road and Emmet Street
There is no official event parking near the site, with street closures limiting many options. Please plan accordingly.

Ballina 2023 is proud and delighted that President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, will join the Ballina 2023 celebrations and will visit Ballina on Friday, April 14 2023, to deliver a public address outside our iconic St Muredach’s Cathedral on the River Moy.
Below is some information about the event for people hoping to attend, courtesy of the US Embassy in Dublin.
Registration
Registration for this event is not essential, but will help the organisers to plan for crowd control, and will ensure you receive information in advance of the event.
Arrival and Departure
Site Entrances
There are two entrances to the site, one near the junctions of Barrett and Tolan Streets and the other near the junction of Dillon Terrace and Lower Pearse Street. Both entrances will only be accessible by foot.
If coming from the Pearse St. side of the River Moy, proceed to one of two gated entrances, (1) at the junction of Barrett and Tolan Streets or (2) at the junction of Dillon Terrace and Lower Pearse Street.
If coming by foot from the Ardnaree side of River Moy the only access will be via the pedestrian bridge; once on the Barrett St. side, please proceed to the gated entrances listed above.
Shuttle Buses
Free, optional, limited Shuttle Bus services will be provided to and from the event and available on a first come first, served basis. Stewards will be onsite at each location to provide support and answer questions.
Shuttles will begin departing park-and-shuttle locations at 16:30.
The last shuttle to the event will depart at 19:00.
Return shuttles will depart from the pre-event drop-off location and will begin when the evening’s programme concludes. Stewards will guide attendees on-site to the shuttle bus pick up locations.
Park-And-Shuttle Locations:
Zone 1 – Knockmore Pick-up: Knockmore GAA Car Park. Drop-Off and Return Location: Junction of James Street & Hill Street (beside Coyne Tyres)
Zone 2 – Castleconnor Pick-up: Community Centre Car-Park. Drop-off and return location: Bunree Industrial Estate
Zone 3 – Crossmolina: Various parking around town. Drop-off and return location: Mercy Road
Zone 4 – North Ballina: McVann Furniture, Killala Road, Drop-off and return location: Bohernasup
Public Transport: Bus and Train
The Bus Eireann bus depot is located less than 1 km from the entrances on the N26 Foxford/Dublin Road, a 10 min walk.
The Irish Rail train station is located just over 1 km from the entrances on the N26 Foxford/Dublin Road, a 15 min walk.
Individuals needing disability access
Individuals utilising a wheelchair can be dropped off at Barrett Street, just before Tolan Street. Irish government issued blue disability badges for vehicles will be required in order to access the drop off. There will be NO PARKING for these vehicles. This is a drop off point only.
There will be reserved areas at the event for individuals needing disability access.
There will be limited parking for individuals needing disability access and have Irish government-issued blue disability badges for their vehicles. More details to come – please check back.
Reminders
This is an outdoor, standing-only event. Please stay hydrated, bring layers, and wear the appropriate footwear.
Local businesses will be open near and in the event space.
Prohibited items
- Firearms, ammunition, stun guns, knives of any kind, mace, fireworks, lighters, any weapons or weapon device and any item that could be determined to be a safety hazard
- Water, water bottles, any beverages or reusable (glass, metal, thermal) containers
- Backpacks or large bags, signs and flags
- Cameras with detachable lenses, tripods, video cameras, selfie stick, drones
- Computers and tablets are highly discouraged and will not be allowed on-site
- Other items – aerosols, animals other service guide animals, bicycles, folding chairs, balloons, packages, vapes, umbrellas
General map of area with access points

