Ballina Chamber of Commerce Presents:
ballina Salmon Festival
The longest running community festival along the wild Atlantic way, inspired by Ballina’s jewel in its crown, the River Moy, as Ballina is officially dubbed ‘Salmon Capital of Ireland’, returns for 2026!
The annual festival celebrates all that is great about the community of Ballina and Co Mayo; Family fun , music, arts, culture and heritage, sports and the magnificent River Moy, making Ballina Salmon Festival a very special nine days to remember.
‘Meet as a Stranger, Leave as a Friend’.
River Moy Swim Race :
One of the oldest river swims in Ireland, the Moy Swim is taking place again this year. In conjunction with Swim Ireland , the River Moy Swim returned to the banks of the Moy in 2019 after an absence of more than 30 years.
What is the Lady of the Moy?
The Lady of the Moy is one of the longest-running and most beloved traditions of the Ballina Salmon Festival, held annually in the heart of Ballina, Co. Mayo. First introduced in 1965, the event was created to honour and celebrate the young women of the community, not for pageantry, but for their character, confidence, and connection to the town.
Over the past 60 years, the Lady of the Moy has become a symbol of local pride, community spirit, and the vibrant personality of Ballina itself. Each year, women are nominated by local businesses, organisations, clubs, and voluntary groups to represent their community. The experience includes a range of social events, interviews, and public appearances in the lead-up to the main selection night during festival week.
The event isn’t about competition — it’s about celebrating individuality, forming lifelong friendships, and giving a platform to voices that reflect the best of Ballina’s heritage and future. Many past contestants and winners have spoken about how the experience helped build their confidence, strengthen community ties, and create unforgettable memories.
The title of Lady of the Moy is awarded to someone who represents the values of the festival: warmth, inclusivity, leadership, and community connection. While only one person receives the title each year, the event celebrates every woman who takes part.
Every summer, we proudly the Lady of the Moy — honouring decades of stories, laughter, empowerment, and tradition. Through interviews, archives, and a special tribute, we’re shining a light on the women who have made this tradition what it is today.
The Lady of the Moy isn’t just part of the Ballina Salmon Festival — she is part of Ballina’s story.
Click the link below to hear 60 years of stories, unforgettable memories and celebrating womenhood- told by the wonderful ladies who lived it!
Event Schedule
Festival event highlights 2026
Friday 3rd July
LADY OF THE MOY 2026
Great National Hotel • 8:00pm
The annual competition to select the Lady of the Moy 2026, who will represent Ballina Salmon Festival during the Festival week and act as ambassador for the town of Ballina in 2026.
Monday 13th July
CAR TREASURE HUNT
- Departure Point: The Cot and Cobble, F26 E2V5
- Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
- Entry: €20 per team (all-inclusive)
Gather your team, follow the clues, and enjoy a great community adventure around Ballina.
Don’t forget to bring a bino! YUP!!
THE MARION BROWN 5K MEMORIAL RUN/WALK
Sponsored by Ballina Credit Union
Join us for a 5K run or walk through the beautiful woods of Belleek as we celebrate the life and legacy of Marion Brown, a woman who dedicated her time year after year to helping make the Ballina Salmon Festival the success it is today.
Whether you’re young or old, a runner or a walker, everyone is welcome to take part and enjoy the fun.
- Registration: Belleek Track, 5:30pm – 6:20pm
- Race Start: 6:30pm
AM I IRISH YET? – AN EVENING WITH KATE KERRIGAN
Ballina Arts Centre • 8:00pm
Join us for the last event of the 2026 Ballina Salmon Festival for a night of brilliant theatre, humour, and heartfelt storytelling. Filled with laughter, insight and powerful reflections on belonging, identity and home. An evening of storytelling from one of Ireland’s most beloved authors.
Saturday 11th July
SPRINGSTEEN – A TRIBUTE
Ballina Arts Centre
Celebrate the 2026 Ballina Salmon Festival with an unforgettable night of Bruce Springsteen’s greatest hits. Featuring the only 100% American “Bruce” performing in the UK and Europe, fronted by Monte Thompson and backed by a talented seven-piece band of top Irish musicians. This high-energy show captures the sound and spirit of a live Springsteen concert. From iconic anthems to fan favourites, this is a must-see event for Springsteen fans and lovers of great live music alike. Don’t miss the best of The Boss at this spectacular Ballina Salmon Festival performance!
MAYO FIT GAMES – IQ CENTRE, BALLINA
6:30pm
From Ballina to Ballinrobe, Croagh Patrick to Clew Bay—who will be crowned Mayo’s Fittest? The Mayo Fit Games is a high-energy fitness challenge featuring 12 stations designed to test:
- Aerobic capacity
- Anaerobic power
- Muscular endurance
- Coordination
- Strength
- Mental grit
This event is open to participants aged 16+. Are you ready to take on the challenge?
CRUINNIÚ NA MBÁD – GATHERING OF THE BOATS
Sponsored by Heyday Hostel
7:00pm – 9:30pm
Join us for Cruinniú na mBád (Gathering of the Boats) as we celebrate Ballina’s rich maritime heritage and longstanding connection to the River Moy. Boats will gather on the water in a colourful display of community spirit and local pride. Enjoy samples of Guinness, traditional brown bread and fresh salmon.
TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC – TOM RUANE PARK
Sponsored by Centra & SuperValu
Join us for the iconic Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Tom Ruane Park, Sligo Road! Dress up your teddy in their Sunday best and enjoy a fun-filled carnival atmosphere with live entertainment, prizes, and a fantastic food area for all the family.
- Sensory Hour: 12:30pm – 1:30pm (ID required)
- Gates open: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
- Entry: €3 per person (pay on the day)
A visiting Sensory Bus will also be in attendance, making this a welcoming event for all. Bring your teddy, bring your family, and enjoy a magical afternoon of fun and festivities!
NATIONAL HERITAGE DAY 2026 – BALLINA
Ballina Town Centre • 10:00am – 6:00pm
Step back in time and experience Ballina as a traditional market town over 100 years ago. Enjoy an interactive celebration of heritage, showcasing traditional handcrafts, trades, and ways of life from days gone by.
Visitors are encouraged to dress in period style, with a prize for the best dressed on the day.
A unique family-friendly event celebrating the history, culture, and heritage of Ballina.
Dress up & win a prize!
One of the oldest and most celebrated open-water swims in the country. Take to the waters of the River Moy and be part of a proud tradition. After the swim, enjoy refreshments and hospitality at the Kennedy Glasgow Centre.
BALLINA BUSKING COMPETITION & GRAND FINAL
Sponsored by Callan Tansey Solicitors
Throughout the week, talented buskers will perform. Judges will select 3 finalists to compete in the Grand Final on Emmet Street on Saturday night before the fireworks.
GRAND FINALE FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Gather along the banks of the River Moy and watch the night sky come alive as a dazzling fireworks display illuminates St. Muredach’s Cathedral and the River Moy – a breathtaking conclusion to the 2026 festival celebrations!
Festival Gallery
Festival throughout the years
ballina From bird-eye view
via 3d Virtual tour
Festival News
STAY UP TO DATE WITH US
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Proudly supported by
Commercial PARTNERS
Special Thanks
An Bolg Bui Pub
Falcon Fruits
Hughes Children’s Boutique
Cafolla’s, Tolan Street
John J Gordon & Son,
Foody’s Pharmacy
Staunton Opticians
O’Donnell Meat Distributors Limited
The Post House, Casement Street
Heffernan’s Fine Foods, Market Square
Dohertys Daybreak, Tolan Street
Reddington Buses
REGAN’s Pearse Street
Hopkins Cycles
Gilmartins Catering & Hygiene Supplies
Breathnachs Pub
An Sean Sibin
Howard’s, Tolan Street
Arrow Cabs
Joseph Gavin Opticians
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
