The Belmullet Festival, a cherished annual event in County Mayo, will take place from 10 to 17 August 2025, celebrating the cultural heritage and community spirit of the Erris Peninsula. Held in the coastal town of Belmullet, nestled between Blacksod Bay and Broadhaven Bay, the festival offers a diverse programme of events that highlight the region’s traditions, music, and natural beauty. With its roots in the traditional Fair Day, known as Lá an Logha, this week-long gathering draws locals and visitors to experience the Gaeltacht town’s unique charm along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The 2025 festival programme features a range of activities catering to all ages. The Traditional Fair Day on 15 August, a centrepiece of the event, transforms Carter Square with street traders, market stalls, and live music, offering local crafts, food, and goods. Heritage Day, scheduled for 11 August, showcases on-street displays of traditional crafts, historical exhibitions, and demonstrations, inviting visitors to engage with the area’s rich history.
Other highlights include live music sessions with local Comhaltas groups, a town treasure hunt with cryptic clues starting at Áras Inis Gluaire, and a street carnival on Main Street, culminating in a fireworks display at Knights Pier on 17 August. Family-friendly activities include a festival dog show, currach boat races, kite-surfing displays at Cross Lake, and children’s workshops. Visitors can also expect events like tug-of-war competitions, penalty shootouts for young footballers, and a bingo fundraiser, with details to be confirmed closer to the date via the festival’s website or social media.
Visitors to Belmullet can anticipate a welcoming atmosphere in a town known for its rugged coastline and vibrant community. The festival’s events are primarily free, making it accessible for families, though some activities, such as the treasure hunt, require pre-registration. The town’s proximity to attractions like the Carne Golf Links, Erris Head Loop Walk, and the Céide Fields offers opportunities to explore Mayo’s natural and historical sites. Attendees are advised to check weather updates, as many events are outdoors, and to contact organisers at whatsoninbelmullet@gmail.
com for volunteering or exhibiting opportunities. The festival’s coastal setting, with nearby beaches and water sports, enhances its appeal for those seeking a blend of culture and adventure.
The Belmullet Festival, centred around the historic Lá an Logha on 15 August, has been a fixture in the town for generations, with the modern festival format emerging in the late 20th century to expand the Fair Day into a week-long celebration. The event grew from community efforts to preserve local traditions, supported by organisations like Iorrais Aontaithe and Belmullet Tidy Towns. The festival’s development was bolstered by the establishment of Áras Inis Gluaire, a bilingual arts centre opened in 2007, which serves as a hub for cultural activities. The c festival is managed by a dedicated volunteer committee, with support from local businesses and Mayo County Council, ensuring its continuation as a key community event.
The festival’s history is tied to Belmullet’s role as the cultural and commercial heart of Erris, a region marked by its Gaeltacht status and resilience through challenges like the Great Famine and emigration. Over the years, it has grown to include modern elements like street carnivals while retaining traditional features such as craft displays and Irish music sessions. The 2025 edition coincides with the town’s ongoing bicentenary celebrations, following the success of Mayo Day 2024.
