WELCOME TO BALLINA SALMON FESTIVAL
One of the largest, family-friendly community-based festivals in the West of Ireland
Ballina Salmon Festival first took place in Ballina in 1964, and was at the time called the ‘Moy Salmon Festival’, based on the fact that Ballina was home to one of the best rivers in Ireland, with the best fishing waters and salmon in the country. This is of course the case to this day!
In time, the festival was renamed the ‘Ballina Salmon Festival’, and today it remains one of the highlights of the summer months in the West of Ireland. Every year over 200,000 people descend on the North Mayo capital to enjoy our fantastic, community-based family-friendly festival.
The Ballina Salmon Festival is particularly proud of its family-centered focus. One third of the festival’s entire programme is dedicated solely to children.
The action-packed programme also includes old favourites like International Evening, Heritage Day, Mardi Gras and the Fireworks Display, along with river-based events like fishing competitions and raft races. New events are introduced annually to keep the festival fresh and exciting.
SCHEDULE
A Full Schedule Of All The Events This Year
Lady of the Moy Competition (pre-festival event)
The traditional warm-up to the festival proper, the annual Lady of the Moy competition promises guests a thoroughly entertaining night out, filled with music, glitz and glamour. The role of the winner is to represent Ballina Salmon Festival during festival week, and act as an ambassador for the town of Ballina throughout the following year – a great honour for the winning lady!
MORE INFOInternational Evening
Immerse yourself in the traditions and culture of 12 different countries, each showcasing their own music, dance, costumes and food on the streets of Ballina. Use Ballina’s own local currency to avail of a taste of the country of your choice, and enjoy authentic music, song, dance and street theatre as you wander. Afterwards, proceed to the Military Quarter for a live outdoor concert by Bog O'The Loughs. An unforgettable evening in Ballina!
MORE INFOThe Core Stage @ Ballina Salmon Festival
This town centre stage will feature daily lunchtime concerts featuring the talented young members of The Core and the various Music Generation Mayo programmes. The stage will also feature young performers from throughout Mayo as The Core aims to provide a platform for young local musicians.
MORE INFOA Night at the Proms (Main Event)
Join us in the atmospheric Military Quarter for an eclectic evening of song, showcasing Ballina’s proud choral heritage as all our town choirs combine to put on a musical extravaganza. That's over 200 talented performers, singing together in one magnificent performance! Dress for the occasion, sip a glass of wine and savour some local food as our talented choirs as put on an unforgettable musical experience.
MORE INFONight of the Ballina Legends
A celebration of all things Ballina - our local history, heritage, music and sporting legends. Join us as we look back to pay tribute to the best of Ballina's talent over the years.
MORE INFOThe Core Stage @ Ballina Salmon Festival
This town centre stage will feature daily lunchtime concerts featuring the talented young members of The Core and the various Music Generation Mayo programmes. The stage will also feature young performers from throughout Mayo as The Core aims to provide a platform for young local musicians.
MORE INFOHeritage Day
One of the cornerstones of Ballina Salmon Festival, and an original concept, Heritage Day was developed by the festival committee over 25 years ago. Step back in time 100 years as the past comes alive and the streets transform to a market day from the early 20th century. Ballina hosts the finest of Ireland’s craftsmen and women as they practice time-honoured traditional skills.
MORE INFOThe Core Stage @ Ballina Salmon Festival
This town centre stage will feature daily lunchtime concerts featuring the talented young members of The Core and the various Music Generation Mayo programmes. The stage will also feature young performers from throughout Mayo as The Core aims to provide a platform for young local musicians.
MORE INFOCountry & Western Night
An evening of the very best of Irish and American country music and entertainment, featuring one of Ireland's finest country acts, Johnny Brady.
MORE INFOThe Core Stage @ Ballina Salmon Festival
This town centre stage will feature daily lunchtime concerts featuring the talented young members of The Core and the various Music Generation Mayo programmes. The stage will also feature young performers from throughout Mayo as The Core aims to provide a platform for young local musicians.
MORE INFOA Celebration of Irish Music
Kick back to an amazing traditional music extravaganza, with the best of Irish traditional dance, ceol agus craic. Featuring performances from North Mayo’s finest award-winning traditional music groups, champion Irish dancers, and lots, lots more.
MORE INFOThe Core Stage @ Ballina Salmon Festival
This town centre stage will feature daily lunchtime concerts featuring the talented young members of The Core and the various Music Generation Mayo programmes. The stage will also feature young performers from throughout Mayo as The Core aims to provide a platform for young local musicians.
MORE INFOThe Core Stage @ Ballina Salmon Festival
This town centre stage will feature daily lunchtime concerts featuring the talented young members of The Core and the various Music Generation Mayo programmes. The stage will also feature young performers from throughout Mayo as The Core aims to provide a platform for young local musicians.
MORE INFOMardi Gras & Fireworks Spectacular at Ballina Salmon Festival
Join up to 25,000 people in Mayo’s biggest street party! Enjoy an incredible explosion of colour, Latin rhythms, street theatre and dance at the electrifying Ballina Salmon Festival Mardi Gras. Round off your night with a magnificent fireworks display over the River Moy, against the background of the iconic St. Muredach’s Cathedral.
Sunday, 16th July - The Teddy Bear’s Picnic
If you go down to the woods today – you’re in for a BIG SURPRISE! Round off an incredible week with one Ballina Salmon Festival’s best-loved children's events in our beautiful Town Park on the banks of the river.
MORE INFOVIDEO GALLERY
SPONSORS
Ballina Salmon Festival could not take place without the help of our sponsors and supporters – thank you to everyone who supports our festival!
OTHER SPONSORS
