- Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival (4–7 June, Westport): A boutique four-day festival showcasing high-quality folk, bluegrass, and American old-time music with local, national, and international artists in a family-friendly setting on the shores of Clew Bay.
- Music of Mayo Festival (19–21 June, Castlebar): A celebration convening traditional artists with performances focused on Irish traditional music, held in venues like Bridge Street.
- Ballina Salmon Festival (12–19 July, Ballina): Ireland’s longest-running community festival, featuring events such as National Heritage Day, the Moy Swim, music, family activities, and celebrations of local salmon heritage and culture.
- Mayo International Kite Festival (18–19 July, Keel, Achill Island): A spectacular family event with professional and amateur kite flying, demonstrations, workshops, and colourful displays filling the skies over Keel Beach.
- Scoil Acla (26 July – 1 August, Achill Island): Achill’s renowned summer school of traditional Irish music, dance, arts, and culture, offering classes, workshops, concerts (including by the Kilfenora Céilí Band), and immersion in Gaelic traditions.
- Claremorris Folk Festival, Claremorris (July dates): A folk music festival with concerts, sessions, and performances that highlight traditional and contemporary folk acts.
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.
Festivals
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