July 2024

Ballina, the Salmon Capital of Ireland, hosts its very popular and family-friendly festival from Saturday, 6th July to Sunday, 14th July 2024.

Now in its 60th year, the Ballina Salmon Festival is set to feature once more the most popular events, such as the Teddy Bears Picnic, National Heritage Day, the River Moy Swim, and the fireworks display on the closing night.

The festival will kick off with the “Gathering of the Boats on the River Moy”, Cruinniú na mBád, at 6.30 pm

New this year will be musical entertainment with Mike Denver in the Ballina Innovation Quarter, formerly known as the Old Military Barracks, on Thursday, July 11th.

The iconic Heritage Day will take place on Wednesday, July 10th, when Ballina will roll back time. Visitors will watch craftspeople display their trades of tinsmiths, thatching, butter making, woodturning, and blacksmithing. There will also be an exposition of vintage and working machinery.

On Friday, July 12th, the Ballina Salmon Festival Busking Competition will be held in the Military Square, followed by Ceol in concert.

The River Moy Swim will take place on Saturday, July 13th, featuring a 2.5km and 600m swim. It is a swimming festival catering to all levels of swimmers and people interested in the water and the coast.

On Saturday, 13th July, “Jigs and Jersey” will close the event with live music by Cronin. The spectacular fireworks display will take place along the bank of the Moy between the two bridges.