Mayo cultural programme for EU Presidency launched
MAYO County Council has announced its cultural programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, taking place from July to December as part of Cultúr 2026 - Sharing Ireland’s Culture.
The programme will present six flagship events, one in each month of Ireland’s Presidency, celebrating Mayo’s rich cultural identity and its enduring connections with Europe.
Developed through collaboration between artists, organisers, communities and cultural partners across Mayo, the programme showcases both our local distinctiveness and shared European heritage. It reflects the many ways culture shapes identity and connection in the county - through language, landscape, music, stories, traditions and community life - while also highlighting our place within a wider European cultural context.
The county-wide programme opens on July 30 in Swinford with Honouring Connections, part of the Siamsa Sráide Street & Arts Festival. This opening event reflects on Mayo’s role in the 1798 Rebellion and the legacy of General Humbert’s French expedition, combining remembrance, performance, music, ceremony and storytelling to mark Ireland’s long-standing links with France and Europe.
In Belcarra, a community-led European cultural celebration will explore local history, storytelling, food and music. In Castlebar, Inter-Weave at the Linenhall will connect Irish artistic traditions with influences from Brittany, Galicia, Poland and Eastern Europe. In Foxford, a celebration of Irish, Breton and Basque music will highlight shared folk traditions and cross-cultural musical exchange.
The final two events continue this strong European and artistic focus. In Ballintubber Abbey, Mayo-based choirs will present a collaborative performance of works by Gabriel Fauré, Jules Massenet and Charles Villiers Stanford, exploring Ireland’s place within the wider European classical tradition. The programme concludes in Louisburgh with Listening to the Land: Poetry & Music from Europe’s Edges, a site-responsive project by Bianca Gannon that brings together poetry, music, sound installation and deep listening, with a particular focus on language, landscape, identity and minority languages across Europe
John Caulfield, cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, said: “This programme will bring people together through shared cultural events, artistic exchange and intercultural dialogue that reflects the rich cultural identity of County Mayo and its strong and enduring connections with Europe. Through a diverse series of events, it celebrates our heritage, creativity and community, while highlighting the shared traditions and heritage that link us with our European neighbours.”
The flagship dates and events are:
* Honouring Connections - July 30, Esker, Meelick and The White House, Swinford.
* Belcarra European Cultural Celebration - A Festival of Shared Heritage, August 22, Belcarra Community Centre and surrounds.
* Inter-Weave - September 16, The Linenhall, Castlebar.
* A Celebration of Irish, Breton and Basque music - October 17, Moy Hotel, Foxford.
* Fauré and Stanford Concert - November 22, Ballintubber Abbey.
* Listening to the Land: Poetry & Music from Europe’s Edges - December 1 to 6, Books at One and Bunowen River, Louisburgh.
Members of the public are invited to experience and enjoy this celebration of culture, creativity and connection.