Ballybay grew as a linen town in the middle of the 18th century. At Derrygooney, in the Connolly estate, is the Billy Fox Memorial Park where there are some good forest walks and picnic sites. Ballybay lies along the shores of Lough Major with the challenging Dromore river system right on the door-step. This 200 acre lake has excellent access on all shores. From the lake, the Dromore river flows through a valley forming several lakes that provide an abundance of all coarse fish. Ballybay is an ideal base for both fishing and touring holidays.