- Belmullet Festival (9–16 August, Belmullet): A week-long community celebration with family entertainment, live music, cultural activities, Heritage Day (11 August), and Lá an Logha/Fair Day (15 August) showcasing Erris traditions along the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival (around early August/bank holiday, Newport): A coastal celebration inspired by the pirate queen Gráinne Uaile, featuring live music, street entertainment, heritage tours, children’s events, and maritime traditions.
- Killala Festival (12–16 August, Killala): An annual festival with live music, activities, and a grand finale fireworks display in this historic village.
- National Heritage Week in Mayo (15–23 August) brings walks, talks, exhibitions, and local heritage activities across the county. Additional agricultural shows and smaller community events often occur. Check mayo.ie or visitmayo.ie for updates.
Annual & recurring festivals
County Mayo is a hub for adventure, pilgrimage, and traditional arts, with many festivals centered around its dramatic Atlantic coastline and the sacred Croagh Patrick.
- Scoil Acla (January & July): A traditional music and heritage school on Achill Island featuring workshops in piping, harp, and the Irish language.
- St. Patrick’s Festival (March): Large community parades and festivals held in major towns like Castlebar, Ballina, and Westport.
- Mayo Walking Festival (May): A series of guided hikes through the Nephin Beg Range and along the Wild Atlantic Way for various ability levels.
- Mayo Day (May): A worldwide celebration of Mayo’s culture and heritage, with a flagship “Home to Mayo” festival held in a different town each year.
- Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival (June): An internationally acclaimed music event featuring local and global acts in various venues across Westport.
- Sea Angling Festivals (June–September): A series of competitive fishing events held in Belmullet, Newport, and Westport, drawing international anglers.
- Ballina Salmon Festival (July): One of the largest family festivals in the West of Ireland, featuring heritage days, fishing competitions, and live music on the banks of the River Moy.
- Reek Sunday (July): An annual pilgrimage on the last Sunday of July where thousands climb Croagh Patrick, often accompanied by local heritage events in Murrisk.
- Feile na Mara (July/August): A “Festival of the Sea” in Achill celebrating local maritime culture, seafood, and traditional currach racing.
- Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Festival (August): A three-day guided walking festival following the ancient pilgrim path from Balla to Murrisk.
- National Heritage Week in Mayo (third week in August) features extensive events across the county, including walks, talks, exhibitions, and tours of Moore Hall, Ceide Fields, and various historic abbeys.
- Westport Festival of Chamber Music (September): A prestigious classical music event featuring world-class quartets performing in the historic Westport House and local churches.
- Harvest Festival (September): A traditional agricultural and heritage fair held at the Museum of Country Life in Turlough Park.
- Other Voices Ballina (September/October): A contemporary music festival and TV recording featuring intimate performances by top Irish and international artists.
- Westport Sea 2 Summit (November): A massive adventure race that has become a festival in its own right, drawing thousands of competitors to the town.
- Frosty Salmon Festival (December): Ballina’s Christmas celebration featuring festive markets, a Santa grotto, and the “Moy Valley” craft fair.
Festivals
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