Mayo music festival targets €15,000 for two worthy causes

A Mayo music festival which has already raised more than €55,000 for charitable causes is aiming to add a further €15,000 to that total this September, with a trip for two to Nashville among the prizes up for grabs.

The Dooagh Folk Festival has officially launched its 2026 charity raffle ahead of the festival's return to Achill Island from September 11 to 13, with proceeds this year supporting Rosabel's Rooms, in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation, and St. Colman's Care Centre CLG on Achill Island.

Since its inception, fundraising has become a central part of the Dooagh Folk Festival, with more than €55,000 raised for charitable causes through the generosity of festival-goers, sponsors, volunteers and supporters.

Organisers have set an ambitious target of €15,000 for the 2026 raffle, with three major prizes on offer, including a trip for two to Nashville and a rare flight aboard one of the most significant aircraft in Irish aviation history.

Rosabel's Rooms was established in memory of Rosabel Monroe and, in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation, provides compassionate support and practical resources to bereaved parents and families following the death of a child.

St. Colman's Care Centre CLG plays a vital role in community life on Achill Island, providing services including day care, meals-on-wheels, transport, social activities and community supports which help older people remain active, connected and independent within their own community.

Festival director Sean Lynch said fundraising has become an integral part of what the Dooagh Folk Festival represents.

“The Dooagh Folk Festival has always been about much more than music. It's about people, community and creating something that leaves a lasting positive impact,” said Sean.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, festival-goers and everyone who has supported the raffle, we've raised more than €55,000 for charity since the festival was revived.

“This year we've set ourselves an ambitious target of €15,000 and we're extremely proud to be supporting Rosabel's Rooms and St. Colman's Care Centre – two organisations doing extraordinary work for families and communities.

“Every ticket purchased contributes directly to that fundraising effort, and we'd love to see people across Mayo, Ireland and further afield get behind this year's raffle.”

The first prize in this year's raffle is an unforgettable trip for two to Nashville, Tennessee, including return flights with Aer Lingus and accommodation.

The winners will have the opportunity to experience the home of country music and one of the world's great music cities, from its legendary honky-tonks and live music venues to the recording studios and landmarks synonymous with some of the biggest names in music.

Second prize is a particularly rare experience made possible through the continued support of Aer Lingus, which has supported the Dooagh Folk Festival charity raffle for the past four years. The winner will take to the skies on a VIP scenic flight aboard the beautifully restored Iolar, offering the opportunity to fly aboard a unique piece of Irish aviation history. The original Iolar operated Aer Lingus' first flight, from Baldonnel to Bristol, in 1936. The replica aircraft has been restored to flying condition as Aer Lingus marks its 90th anniversary in 2026.

Subject to weather and operational requirements, the prize will offer its winners an extraordinary view of Ireland's coastline and countryside from an aircraft intrinsically linked with the history of Irish aviation.

Third prize is a VIP weekend for two at Dooagh Folk Festival 2027, including accommodation courtesy of the Achill Cliff House, full weekend passes covering the festival's concerts and events, and an exclusive Dooagh Folk Festival merchandise package.

The charity drive comes as preparations enter their final stages for the third edition of the Dooagh Folk Festival.

This year's festival brings some of Ireland's leading folk and traditional performers to Achill Island, including Damien Dempsey, Lúnasa, Dervish, Dan McCabe and the Karan Casey Trio, The Oars and SuperCéilí, alongside local acts such as Des Cafferkey, GráDee & The Achill Lads, The Achill 400, and the Golden Eagle Pipe Band.

Music will be complemented by a programme of cultural and community events throughout the weekend, including the Bodhrán Buzz, Try the Pipes with Na Píobairí Uilleann, and a special event remembering the late John 'Twin' McNamara and his contribution to the musical and cultural life of Achill as well as the CeolX-sponsored session trail throughout Achill.

With Friday concert and Saturday festival gig tickets already sold out, and limited tickets remaining for the other events, organisers are encouraging supporters to also get behind the charity raffle and help the festival reach its €15,000 fundraising target.

Tickets for the 2026 Dooagh Folk Festival charity raffle, together with full prize details and terms and conditions, are available at www.dooaghfolkfest.ie/raffle.