Ballina Salmon Festival to County Mayo from 12 to 20 July, marks its 61st year as Ireland’s longest-running community festival along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Hosted in Ballina, known as the Salmon Capital of Ireland due to the River Moy’s rich fishing heritage, the nine-day event offers a diverse programme of family-friendly activities, music, sports, and cultural displays. Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the town’s history and community spirit, with events designed to appeal to all ages.
The festival opens on 12 July with the Lady of the Moy competition at the Great National Hotel Ballina, an event honouring local women who embody community values. The following day, the Ballina Agricultural Show at the Ballina Stephenites GAA Club grounds features livestock competitions, craft displays, and live music from Irish country artist Ciarán Rosney. A highlight is the Moy Swim on 19 July, one of Ireland’s oldest river swims, offering 600m and 2.5km races, plus a youth distance, in the scenic River Moy.
Ballina’s town centre transforms on 16 July into a living history exhibit, with traditional crafts like butter-making and blacksmithing, accompanied by music from NxNW and Laura Jo on the Post Office Main Stage. The festival concludes on 20 July with a fireworks display and a community parade by Macnas, alongside the Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Tom Ruane Park, part of a 60-event children’s programme including treasure hunts and workshops. Other notable events include the Cruinniú na mBád boat gathering on 14 July, the Mayo Fit Games, and the Great Hill Ball Run, a quirky race of numbered balls.
The festival began in 1964 as the Moy Salmon Festival, founded by Ballina Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the River Moy’s significance and boost local tourism. Initially focused on fishing, it evolved into a broader celebration of Ballina’s culture, renaming itself the Ballina Salmon Festival. The founding vision was to create a community-driven event that highlighted Mayo’s heritage, a goal that persists today, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually. The festival has grown to include modern additions like the Innovation Quarter’s music stage, hosting artists like Mike Denver and CEOL, while retaining traditional elements such as fishing competitions and heritage displays.
The event is managed by a dedicated committee under Ballina Chamber of Commerce, chaired by Mary Dunne and supported by volunteers and local businesses. This team ensures the festival remains inclusive, with many free events and a focus on accessibility. The 2025 edition builds on the success of its 60th anniversary in 2024, which marked Ballina’s 300th anniversary, reinforcing its role as a cultural cornerstone.
Visitors can expect a vibrant yet relaxed experience, with Ballina’s streets alive with street performers, food stalls, and music. The festival’s riverside setting, framed by St Muredach’s Cathedral, adds a picturesque backdrop. Whether participating in the Moy Swim, enjoying the Macnas parade, or exploring heritage crafts, attendees will find a genuine celebration of Mayo’s community and traditions.
