Ballina Salmon Festival In Mayo
One of Ireland’s Most Loved Summer Festivals
12th – 19th July, 2026
The Ballina Salmon Festival is one of Ireland’s longest-running and most popular festivals, taking place each year in July in the heart of Ballina.
What began in the 1960s as a small local celebration has grown into a vibrant, week-long festival that attracts thousands of visitors from across Ireland and beyond.
A Proud Local Tradition
The Ballina Salmon Festival has remained at the heart of the local community for decades, celebrating Ballina’s rich heritage and its famous connection to salmon fishing on the River Moy.
It’s a festival known for its warm atmosphere, welcoming spirit, and strong sense of tradition.
A Festival for Everyone
Over the years, the festival has evolved into a lively mix of events and entertainment for all ages. Check out 2026 programme below:
Friday 3rd July – Lady of the Moy 2026
Annual competition to select the lady of the Mot 2026 who will represent Ballina Salmon Festival and act as ambassador for the town.
Great National Hotel Ballina
Saturday 11th July – Springsteen – A Tribute
Featuring the only 100% American ‘bruce’ performing in the UK & Europe, fronted by Monte Thompson and backed by a seven-piece band of top Irish musicians.
Ballina Arts Centre
Sunday 12 July – Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Dress up your teddy in their Sunday besy & enjoy a fun-filled day with live entertainment, prizes and food.
- Sensory Hour: 12:30pm – 1:30pm (ID required)
- Gates Open 2:00pm – 5:00pm
- Entry: €3 per person (pay on the day)
Tom Ruane Park
Monday 13th July – Car Treasure Hunt
gather your team, follow the clues and enjoy a great community adventure around Ballina.
- Departure point: The Cost & Cobble, F26E2V5
- Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
- Entry €20 per team
Tuesday 14th July – Mayo Fit Games
A high-energy fitness challenge featuring 12 stations designed to test:
- Aerobic capacity
- Anaerobic power
- Muscular endurance
- Coordination
- Strength
This event is open to participants ages 16+
IQ Centre, Ballina
Wednesday 15th July – National Heritage Day
Step back in time and experience Ballina as a traditional market town over 100 years ago.
Ballina Town Centre, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday 16th July – The Marion brown 5K Memorial Run/Walk
A 5K run or walk through the beautiful woods of Belleek as we celebrate the life and legacy of Marion Brown, a woman who helped make the Ballina Salmon Festival the success it is today.
- Registration: Beeleek track 5:30pm – 6:20pm
- Race start: 6:30pm
Friday 17th July – Cruinniú na Mbád – Gathering of the Boats
Join us for Cruinniú na mBád as we celebrate ballina’s rich maritime heritage and longstanding connection to the River Moy.
River Moy, 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Saturday 18th July – Heyco River Moy Swim
Take to the waters of the River Moy and be part of a proud tradition.
River Moy
Saturday 18th July – Ballina Busking Competition
Buskers will perform around town throughout the week. 3 Finalists will compete on Saturday night.
Emmet Street
Saturday 18th July – Fireworks
Gather around the banks of River Moy and watch the sight sky come alive.
River Moy
Sunday 19th July – An Evening with Kate Kerrigan ‘Am I irish Yet’
A night of brilliant theatre, humor and heartfelt storytelling.
Ballina Arts Centre, 8:00pm
Stay With Us During the Festival
The festival is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year in Ballina, making it the perfect opportunity to plan a summer break. We recommend booking early.
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