Landmark west Mayo festival is set to get underway
Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival offers a superb 60th anniversary programme
The Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival is looking forward to its 60th anniversary celebrations, with a packed weekend of music, family entertainment, heritage events and festival favourites planned for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Taking place from today Thursday, July 30, to Monday, August 3, this year’s festival will celebrate six decades of one of Newport’s best-loved community traditions.
A major addition for 2026 is the inaugural Gráinne Uaile Harbour Fest, a dedicated live music event in a festival marquee near Newport’s harbour.
The line-up will feature Derek Ryan, Hermitage Green and The Highstool Prophets, along with fantastic support acts across the weekend, including Conor Duffy, Cronin and duo Milo and Vinny.
The wider festival programme will include free family entertainment, children’s activities, street events, heritage features, local performances and traditional festival favourites.
The committee has extended a sincere thank you to this year’s main sponsor, West Coast Hospitality Group, and to Gold Sponsors, Brady Energy Consultants and Dynamic Design Consultants, together with all our sponsors, whose generous support has helped make this special anniversary programme available.
This year will also celebrate the long-running Festival Queen tradition, with the 2026 Festival Queen, Sarah Chambers, officially opening the festival this evening at 7 p.m. at Canon Killeen Park.
Former Festival Queens will also be welcomed on the night as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations.
The committee also wishes to acknowledge the many past committees, volunteers, supporters and attendees who have helped keep the festival alive since its beginnings in 1966.
This special anniversary is also a time to remember the volunteers and supporters who are no longer with us, including the late Declan Nevin, who was one of the main driving forces behind the festival for many years.
Tickets for Gráinne Uaile Harbour Fest are now available.
Further details, the full programme of events and tickets are available at www.newportgrainneuailefestival.com and on the festival’s social media pages.