Roola Boola fun returns to Mayo
CASTLEBAR is fizzing with Roola Boola fun. The Linenhall Arts Centre’s much-loved annual children’s arts festival is back, and the 2026 programme is bubbling over with creativity, discovery and fun.
The two-week festival runs until October 31 and is specially designed for children aged 0-12 and their families. Imaginations are running wild with an exciting mix of theatre, music, dance, visual art, film, storytelling and hands-on creative workshops.
Whether the little ones in your life love to make, move, listen, perform or simply explore new things, there’s something to spark their curiosity and bring the whole family together.
ART FOR ALL
Throughout the festival, families can drop into Viewpoints, a wonderful group exhibition featuring work by some of Ireland’s leading illustrators in response to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Artists Kathi Burke, Peter Donnelly, Roisin Hahessy, Chris Haughton, Chris Judge, Mary Murphy and Niamh Sharkey’s artworks focus on family and identity, education, creativity and play, justice and the right to be heard, equality, climate change and the environment, and migrants and refugees.
Designed with children and families in mind, the exhibition offers a welcoming and accessible way to explore art together. Family-friendly gallery tours will also be available in English and Ukrainian.
STORIES, SOCKS AND SPECTACULAR ADVENTURES
On Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24, Branar brings the beloved story How to Catch a Star to the stage. Based on the enchanting book by award-winning Irish author Oliver Jeffers, this magical production combines beautiful puppetry, an original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire and Branar’s signature storytelling to follow one boy’s dream of finding a star to be his friend.
There’s more imaginative fun on Wednesday, October 28, when runaway socks take centre stage in Amazing Adventures of Lost Socks 3. Expect detective mysteries, Wild West duels, fashion runways and journeys into outer space in this delightfully absurd animated film, screened in Polish with English subtitles.
Afterwards, budding artists aged eight and over can join Polish artist Justyna Gruszczyk for the Lost Socks Art Workshop.
Also on October 28, the Listen! Éist! storytelling workshop will encourage children to discover the magic of language, sound and movement. Whether they speak one language or many, fluently or with just a cúpla focal, everyone is welcome.
A LITTLE MAYO MAGIC
The celebrations continue on Tuesday, October 27, with two special events inspired by Mayo’s historic All-Ireland win.
Young sports fans can also join journalist and author Edwin McGreal for an All-Ireland writing workshop, exploring how facts, observation and storytelling bring sporting moments to life. Children will have the chance to capture their own memories of the final and the celebrations.
Afterwards, at the Champion Sing-A-Long with Julianne Hennelly, families can belt out some of the songs that soundtracked the Mayo victory celebrations. No rehearsals or singing experience required.
MAKE, MOVE AND PLAY
On Thursday, October 29, the Family Art Sessions - Roola Boola Edition invites children and their grown-ups to create together with Linenhall community artists Justyna, Switlana and Victoriia.
The fun continues on Friday, October 30, with CaBubble Play Sessions for Babies and Toddlers, a colourful, sensory experience using organic, non-toxic paints and exciting textures.
Also on the programme is FLIP by Mónica Muñoz, a charming dance performance exploring how two characters move from isolation to community, celebrating diversity through humour and movement.
On Saturday, October 31, children can design and print their own unique tote bags with the print-makers from Binder.ie.
DANCE IT OUT
The Roola Boola Monster Céilí takes over at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. Featuring the brilliant Rolling Waves, a Castlebar-based traditional Irish music group for young musicians, this lively festival finale promises music, dancing and plenty of Halloween spirit. Costumes and dancing shoes are very much encouraged!
For full programme details, event times, ticket information and bookings, visit thelinenhall.com or call the Linenhall box office on (094) 9023733.