In 1916 the most of Easter Rising’s action took place outside County Mayo, but Mayo gave birth to Major John MacBride of Westport and Dr. Kathleen Lynn of Mullafarry, Killala; the both of them played a leading part in the Rising.

Major John MacBride, executed for his role in the Rising, was second in command in the Jacob’s Garrison, while Dr. Kathleen Lynn was the Chief Medical Officer in the Irish Citizen Army and was on duty at the City Hall Garrison during the fighting.

Also, PH Pearse, Roger Casement and Éamon de Valera studied Irish in Toormakeady.

County Mayo, along with all other Counties, has scheduled a great programme for the Celebration.

Ballina celebrates the 1916 Easter Rising on the weekend of 23rd and 24th April 2016. The event will take place in the Military Barracks where a 1916 Market Fair Day will be recreated and visitors will step back 100 years in time. It will include readings of The Proclamation, street drama, soapbox readings of historical significance, poetry in Irish & English, Pathé Reels and footage from the Jackie Clarke Collection. There will be also traditional musicians, local choirs and singers performing music and songs of the era, farriers, blacksmiths, woodturners and tin men. Vintage cars, horse and carts, traps, curraghs and vintage bikes will be in on display. The Market will open at 8am each morning, music and drama will be performed from 11am.

On Sunday 1st May 2016 a military parade will be held in Castlebar including street theatre and outdoor family events.

On Saturday 14th May 2016 the Mayo International Choral Festival presents “A Concert for Peace” in Knock at the internationally recognised Basilica at 8pm.

In late 2016 from September to December, the Museum of Country Life in Turlough, Castlebar, will host the event “Beyond Sackville Street and the Somme” exploring the impact of rebellion and war in rural Ireland. Other themes will include the impact of social, cultural and economic changes and the changing role of women comparing the lives of people in rural and urban Ireland as a result of the events of 1916. 

Throughout the year the Jackie Clarke Library in Ballina will be the heart of the commemorative activity in Mayo exhibiting a vast collection of 1916 material including manuscripts, unpublished poems, rare and previously unknown items, flags, photographs, first–hand accounts, pamphlets, hand-bills and over 350 newspapers. Some of its items will be exhibited in other venues throughout Mayo.

In April 2016 Castlebar Library will host an exhibition “Cumann na mBan”.

Ceremonies will take place throughout the year within the County. A copy of the 1916 Proclamation will be given out by representatives from various new communities and in Newport a Mass and Commemoration Ceremony will take place supported by the Newport Historical Society.

In Toormakeady an event will be held remembering the frequent visits PH Pearse, Roger Casement and Éamon de Valera paid to the Irish Speaking school, better known as Colaiste Mhuire, to improve their Irish language fluency.

Westport will host a Major exhibition on the Life of John MacBride and Talk on him by Anthony Jordan.

Killala will honour Dr. Kathleen Lynn by hosting an event about her role during the Rising.