Community festival set to light up north-west Mayo town
Excitement is building in north-west Mayo ahead of Belmullet Festival 2025, taking place from August 10 to 17 this year.
With a packed schedule of music, heritage, family fun and tradition, the week-long celebration is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
Festival chairperson Paul Reilly says the town is already buzzing in anticipation. “Belmullet always comes alive in August, and it’s a fantastic time to reconnect with visitors, neighbours and friends – whether they’re from down the road or returning home from abroad,” he explains.
Always a standout event, Heritage Day takes place on Monday, August 11, and will see the streets of Belmullet transformed into a vibrant celebration of local history and culture.
From 11 a.m., visitors can enjoy live traditional music, heritage exhibits, craft demonstrations, vintage displays, food stalls and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. It’s a day full of sights, sounds and stories – a perfect way to meet people, explore the town, and immerse yourself in local traditions.
“It’s a day where history, culture and community spirit come together,” says Paul. “Heritage Day is a beloved part of our summer and grows stronger every year.”
The festival reaches a high point with Lá an Logha, Belmullet’s traditional fair day, on Friday, August 15. With decades of history behind it, the day pays tribute to the old Irish street fair, where trading, socialising and storytelling ruled the day.
Expect a bustling town centre filled with traders, craft stalls, music, livestock displays, and the timeless spirit of rural Ireland. A favourite with locals and visitors alike, Lá an Logha is a true cultural experience.
On Saturday, August 16, the festival takes over Main Street (which will be closed to traffic to accommodate revellers) with an open-air concert featuring the incredible band One for the Road, supported by talented local artists. The music kicks off at 8 p.m. and admission is free. Bring your friends, your dancing shoes, and enjoy a night of great music in the heart of town.
The grand finale of Belmullet Festival 2025 takes place on Sunday, August 17, with a family-friendly carnival on Main Street featuring live music, street entertainment, and free fairground rides for children and adults alike.
To top it all off, the night will end with a spectacular fireworks display from Knight’s Pier, lighting up the Erris sky just after dark.
Reilly has taken the opportunity to thank those who help make the festival possible, saying: “We are incredibly grateful to our committee and all the volunteers, RSS members, Mayo County Council, Erris Chamber of Commerce and also the financial contributions made by local businesses and the ongoing support we receive from the general public. Every donation, big or small, goes directly back into creating something special for the entire community.”
Belmullet Festival 2025 promises a full week of celebration, connection, and culture – and everyone is welcome. For more information and updates, follow Belmullet Festival 2025 on social media or contact the festival committee at whatsoninbelmullet@gmail.com.