MAYO events: Upcoming festivals in Ireland’s county Mayo

Here are the upcoming festivals and events in County Mayo from 20 March to 1 May 2026, showcasing a wonderful array of astronomy and stargazing, traditional music and dance, youth arts, family celebrations, comedy, dance showcases, and live concerts across locations like Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris, Belmullet, Newport, and Ballycroy. This spring period emphasises Mayo’s dark skies, cultural heritage, and community vibrancy.

Major Festivals and Multi-Day Events

Irish Astronomy Week (20-28 March): A nationwide celebration of the cosmos with Mayo at its heart, thanks to the Mayo International Dark Sky Park (gold-tier status) and events coordinated from Claremorris. Highlights include stargazing sessions, guided night sky walks (e.g., in Ballycroy and Newport), talks, and community activities under the theme “Connecting Communities through the Cosmos”-perfect for families and enthusiasts enjoying some of Ireland’s darkest skies.
Reel Retreat Ballina (27-30 March): A four-day immersive traditional Irish music and dance retreat at the Great National Hotel in Ballina, featuring daily workshops (e.g., sean-n√≥s, set dancing), nightly c√©il√≠s, concerts by renowned musicians, and a full cultural experience for participants.
Claremorris Drama Festival (Closing Days) (concluding 21 March): The final nights of this prestigious competitive amateur drama festival at Claremorris Town Hall Theatre, showcasing top theatre groups in high-quality productions as part of the 54th edition (full festival from 12-21 March).

Community & Family Events

Easter Family Fun Day (4-5 April, starting 10:30 AM): A joyful community celebration at Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maol in Ballina, with Easter egg hunts, games, treats, and family-friendly activities to mark the holiday.
Féile na bPástí (Children’s Festival) (April, specific dates TBC): A dedicated youth arts festival at √Åras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet, offering creative workshops, performances, and engaging activities for children in a vibrant community setting.

Notable Performances & Concerts

Shortt Stuff: Pat Shortt & Faye Shortt (20 March @ 20:00): A hilarious father-daughter sketch comedy show at Ballina Arts Centre in Ballina, delivering madcap humour and entertainment.
More Than a Movement Showcase (22 March & 29 March): Energetic dance and musical theatre performances by Mayo’s young “Superstars” at TF Royal Hotel & Theatre in Castlebar, featuring hip hop, jazz, contemporary styles, and high-energy displays.
Damien Dempsey In Concert (1 May @ 23:00): A soulful live performance by the acclaimed Irish folk singer-songwriter at TF Royal Hotel & Theatre in Castlebar, sharing his signature hits and heartfelt lyrics.

Other Highlights

Mayo Fleadh (Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo) (starting 2 May, with prelude events from late April / 1 May onward): A major traditional Irish music, song, and dance competition hosted in Ballina over the May Bank Holiday weekend (2-10 May), featuring competitions, sessions, and cultural gatherings-events may spill into the end of the period.
Mayo Day Celebrations (Prelude) (late April onward, leading to main day 2 May): County-wide heritage events celebrating Mayo’s identity under the 2026 theme “Mayo – The Connected County”, with community activities in places like Ballina, Castlebar, and Belmullet highlighting links between local and diaspora communities.

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 (August): Extensive events across the county, including 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.