Parents, please come along for a cuppa and a chat. Elsa O’Reilly, Play Therapist, will be there to chat about all things play therapy related and the potential benefits for children who may experience emotional, social or behavioural issues.
Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet, Thursday 3rd October, 10am, – 11:30am.
Renowned musician Padraig Jack comes to Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet this Friday, October 4th.
With tickets available and a great lineup of further events over the coming weeks at Aras Inis Gluaire, visit https://arasinisgluaire.ie/main/ for more information.
Join Accelerating Change Together (ACT) for Ballina Co-Envisioning Day on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, as part of the HeritACT project.
Throughout the day, they’ll introduce a number of heritage-themed installations planned for Ballina in 2025, such as a digitally fabricated vegetable garden and temporary structures built from recycled materials—each designed to highlight Ballina’s unique cultural identity while promoting sustainability. They aim to integrate your ideas and feedback to help shape these interventions and ensure they resonate with the local community.
In addition to exploring these plans, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and use four innovative digital co-design tools—SustainACT, Story Maps, Negodesign, and Design Your Heritage—developed by international teams from ACT, UCD, LAND, and the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC). These tools will empower participants to actively engage in the co-design process and contribute to shaping Ballina’s future.
Event Details:
• Time: 10:00 – 17:00 (Feel free to join for part of the day if your schedule doesn’t allow full attendance)
• Date: Saturday, October 5th, 2024
• Location: HeritHUB, Ballina Library, Co. Mayo
• Free Lunch Provided
The day will include:
• A guided walk through Ballina’s historic sites
• Hands-on digital engagement exercises to explore potential site-specific interventions
• A showcase of cutting-edge tools designed by HeritACT’s international team to support sustainable urban development
Castlebar Toastmasters have a lovely small friendly club in Castlebar and their aim is to give you a flavour of what Toastmasters is about during a leisurely stroll along the shores of beautiful Lough Lannagh. This “Walk and Talk” Event takes place on Sunday 6th October.
They will be meeting at 2pm in Lough Lannagh Car Park (link) and when you arrive they will pair you up with an existing club member who will explain what they do and answer any questions as you walk.
Maybe you are just not that comfortable speaking up in public, maybe you want to become better at presenting for work reasons, or maybe you have a speech to make at an upcoming wedding… If so, Toastmasters can help.
So come along and join Castlebar Toastmasters. There is no cost other than an hour of your time.
Come along to the first Mondays Open Mic at The Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Monday 7th Oct 2024.
Poetry & Short Prose are welcome, with featured reader, Ger Reidy Poet.
No booking required.
Art in the Afternoon returns next Monday 7th October to Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet!
New members of all levels are invited to attend these sessions, whether you’d like to take up a new hobby or develop your existing artistic skills, under the tutelage of instructor Joe.
Call reception at 097 81079 to book your place!
This FREE suicide-prevention programme and training is open to anyone over the age of 18.
Tuesday, 8th October, Castlecourt Hotel, Westport
Use the QR code to sign up, or email [email protected]. Booking is essential.
The Kitchen Project-
Free online cookery programme for families 
Starting October 9th at 5.00pm
-Free grocery packs, resources and recipe book
-Learn to cook healthy, tasty, budget friendly meals from your own kitchen
To register contact Ciara on 0879298956 or email [email protected]
Celebrate #SpaceWeek2024 at #Ballina Library Wednesday the 9th of October at 7pm with a Journey through the Cosmos, courtesy of astronomer Ronan Newman. All are welcome to this free event.
Cascade: Reimagining Ballina’s laneways
Mary Robinson Centre | Thursday 10th October | 5:30pm – 7pm
This informal evening event is an opportunity to engage with the project’s vision, learn about their exciting next steps and gain a deeper understanding of the project’s progress to date. The evening will include a short presentation and an exhibition of potential ideas that could help transform the laneways. Attendees will have the chance to explore these concepts, offer their own ideas, challenge any ideas presented, and provide valuable feedback to the team.
Whether you’re already involved or simply interested in learning more, this event promises to be both informative and inspiring as we work together to drive meaningful change in our town. Refreshments, wine and canapés will be provided. They hope to see you there!
Cascade is funded by Creative Ireland and aims to explore how the laneways of our historic town centres can adapt to cope with increased rainfall from climate change. All residents of Ballina are invited to take part in a series of events and creative workshops throughout 2024 and 2025 to share their experiences of water and public space in the town, and explore how laneways can become a connected trail of climate-resilient, shared spaces that celebrate water.
Register here for your free ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ie/…/cascade-reimagining…
For more information visit: www.subscribepage.io/cascade
Claremorris Family Resource Centre’s English classes are coming back and they are adding an evening group!
The evening group will be held on Mondays from 7pm to 9pm.
For more information check the poster bellow or contact them on [email protected] or call on 094 9377838
Slaintecare Healthy Communities in collaboration with Community Health Care West, Mayo North East SICAP, Mayo Sports Partnership and Mental Health Ireland is arranging a FREE Women’s Health Information Evening where women come together to chat about women’s health in a relaxed, café-style setting and have their questions answered by an expert panel.
They’ll cover the topics that matter most to you in a safe and open environment including sexual health, periods and menopause, mental well-being, diet and nutrition and physical activity.
Location: Nevin’s Newfield Inn, Tiernaur, Mulranny, Co Mayo. F28 A6K1
Date: Thursday 10th October
Starting: 7 pm – 9pm
Refreshments: from 6:30pm
Join Castlebar Tidy Towns for a community meeting about energy savings and the Energy Master Plan for Castlebar on Thursday the 10th of October. This event is free and open to the public.
October is World Mental Health Month and October 10th is World Mental Health Day. To mark this, Mayo Volunteer Centre are putting on a lunchtime workshop on Building Confidence & Self Belief.
Low confidence can negatively affect our mental health and make us feel bad about ourselves. When we don’t feel confident, we may start to withdraw, avoid social situations and lose interest in things that we once enjoyed. Such behaviour can put us at an increased risk of experiencing symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
When we have low confidence, we can start to believe that we can’t do things right or that no one likes us. This can cause us to get trapped in negative thought cycles and distorted thinking, where we can view a minor setback as something major. Very low self-esteem can also cause us to blame ourselves for things that are out of our control.
Take an hour out of your day on World Mental Health Day and learn some tips & tricks you can use to help build your confidence and self-belief.
This is a FREE Workshop, but you must book your place in advance at: https://tinyurl.com/3nfe3dwp or email: [email protected]
Sports First Aid
Course now open for booking in 2 locations in Mayo
Clogher Community Centre
Saturday 12th October 2024 @ 9am – 4pm
Claremorris Tennis Club – ClaremorrisSaturday 9th of November 2024 @9am – 4pmSports First Aid Course is designed to give anyone who has dealing with athletes and understanding of Sports Related Injuries, Illness & just everyday occurrences. This course is one day; learners who successfully complete this Course will understand the responsibilities of the sports first aider.
They will be able to provide treatment for preserving life or minimising the consequences of injury until the arrival of medical aid also be able to provide treatment for an injury to athlete which does not require the attention of a medical practitioner or nurse and also be able to have an understanding of Sports Related Injuries & illness.
Flourish Social Prescribing are delighted to announce the first meeting of the Sanctuary Running group in Castlebar on Saturday 12th of October at 9.30am at FLOURISH Castlebar Family life Centre, Chapel St. F23 PH39
Everyone is very welcome to come along and join in this great group to bring communities together through running, jogging or walking”
Supported by Flourish Social Prescribing Service & Mayo Sports Partnership & local volunteers.
Join Ballina Arts Centre on an Unforgettable Adventure at Old MacDonald’s Farm! 
Hey parents! Bring your little ones along for a magical day filled with fun, laughter, and music at Adventures on Old MacDonald’s Farm!
This enchanting show features an original script and brand-new songs that will have your little ones singing and dancing along, along with some beloved singalong favourites! Perfect for ages 1 to 7, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Date: Sunday, 13th October Location: Ballina Arts Centre
Book your tickets now! https://ballinaartscentre.ticketsolve.com/…/873662974Get ready for a day of joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories down on the farm!
The leaves are changing and the nights are drawing in. Come join Kilmovee Heritage for a cosy Cois Tine evening!
Monday 14th October, 8:30pm
Kilmovee Community Centre
Competition Time Two free tickets for Knock Drama Group’s upcoming comedy ‘The Airport’ in Aghamore Community Centre for a night of your choice.
To be in with a chance to win, simply like and share their Facebook post. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ife1MaAL3fmUSt4F/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Winner will be announced on Wednesday, 16th of October!
Book your place on the upcoming FREE Wellness Connections Programme, beginning Wednesday, October 16th in the Belmullet IWA centre!
Week 1 – A Lived Experience with Belmullet native & trainee councillor Kevin GarveyWeek 2 – Impacts of drug & alcohol abuse on health & wellbeing with Bernie Advic, Mental Health NurseWeek 3 – Exploring personal interests & social outlets with North Mayo Flourish Social Prescribing MayoWeek 4 – Smart Recovery session with Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task ForceWeeks 5 & 6 – Wellness Workshops with Terra FirmaWeek 7 – Exploring self-care & compassion with Mayo Recover CollegeWeek – 8 The Learning Curve Steps for Change motivational talk with Dr. Sean Foy from the Learning Curve Institute.
This free programme is designed for those who would like toconnect with others in a non judgmental and supportive
space to learn more about the effects and impact of
substance use, methods to support positive behavioural
change and the professional supports and outlets available within our community.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older. For more information and to book contact [email protected] or call 0870670989
Mayo County Council in partnership with Helping Irish Hosts are bringing the Host Information Roadshow event to Castlebar on Thursday, 17th October at 7pm in the Castlebar Outdoor Regional Training Centre. The event is for anyone hosting displaced Ukrainians, or interested in signing up to host.
The link to register for this event is https://www.eventbrite.ie/…/host-information-roadshow…
🎶 Look what’s on its way back to #Foxford! 🎶
From October 18th – 20th, immerse yourself in a weekend of Irish music, song, dance, and culture. Whether you’re visiting or staying in Foxford and its beautiful surroundings, there’s something for everyone—from lively concerts to hands-on workshops and fun family activities! 🎻✨
Plan your trip and be part of the Foxford Traditional Weekend! 🌿
Find out more in the latest press release: 🔗 Foxford Traditional Weekend
‘ Martin Angolo: Idiot Wind ‘ Saturday, 19th OctoberIdiot Wind is the noise that comes out of a comedian’s mouth in the form of jokes and observations, and Martin Angolo is full of it. The award-winning Irish comic looks at modern Ireland’s positive and negative cultural shifts compared to the rest of the world, in an hour that’s silly and politely offensive, in order to challenge the idea that ‘comedians can’t say anything these days’.
Tickets are available to purchase now from the Box Office 094 931 0999 or online from https://townhall.ie/event/martin-angolo-idiot-wind/…
Don’t miss the Ballyglass Halloween Market!
Saturday the 19th of October, 10am – 2pm.
Excitement is mounting…. The train is all set and ready to bring you all to Manulla FC for the official launch of Mayo Autism Camp’s office and inclusive hub! Don’t be late…. Jump on and enjoy the celebrations!
Saturday, 19th October
INTRODUCTION TO ROWING
Ballina Rowing Club’s new rowing season 2024/25 is getting underway and they are welcoming new beginners to come try out the sport of rowing!
There will be two Open Days at the club boathouse on Sunday 19th and 20th of October. The Club invites all those with an interest to come along, see the facilities try out their indoor rowing machines and ask any questions you may have. Club coaches will be on hand to introduce their year round activities.
A separate Introduction course for junior rowers will be held in the coming month.
The club is also a great social outlet and a chance to meet and make new friends.
Space is limited so anyone wishing to attend is recommended to book a ticket. Register here: https://linktr.ee/BallinaRowingClub…
Mayo Volunteer Centre, in partnership with ATU Mayo, are hosting a Volunteer Fair in the ATU Campus Building in Castlebar on Tuesday October 22nd, 10:30am – 1:30pm.
If you are looking for volunteers to get involved with your organisation then this is an ideal opportunity for your organisation to meet hundreds of students as well as members of the public. It is also a chance for you to grow your brand awareness and to attract young volunteers to your cause. You will be able to engage with ATU students and inform them of the services you offer to the community as well as any volunteering opportunities you have to offer.
These students are studying programmes such as: General Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Social Care, Early Childhood Education & Care, Community Development & Youth Work, History & Geography and Outdoor Education. Many of these students will be looking to gain valuable experience in their chosen fields and you and your organisation can offer them just that.
There is no charge for a stand/table at the Volunteer Fair, but you must book your place in advance at: https://forms.office.com/e/L66VLkBtzz
Don’t miss this event – Wednesday 23rd October at 7pm, Cúram Family Centre, Claremorris.
Westival – the Westport Music & Arts Festival 2024, October 23rd – 28th!
As they step into their 49th year, Westival continues to hold its title as the oldest arts festival in the west of Ireland—a legacy they’re incredibly proud of. They’ve packed this year’s festival with an exciting lineup that reflects the creativity and spirit of our community. From captivating gigs and thought-provoking shows to hands-on workshops and stunning exhibitions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Check out the full programme on their website:
There are plenty of spooktacular events taking place in North Mayo over the Halloween period!
Mayo North Tourism, Ireland has put together a great list of what’s happening. To check it out head on over to https://www.northmayo.ie/halloween-events-in-north-mayo/
Join Mulranny Arts for a Night of Storytelling Magic!
Step into the cozy Parlour of the Old Convent at Mulranny Arts this Monday 28th October at 8pm for their Story Telling Rambling House event! 
This is a free event, open to everyone—whether you’re a storyteller with a tale to share or simply someone who loves to listen. Gather around as we weave stories, old and new, in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Monday, 8pm Parlour, Old Convent, Mulranny Arts Free Event—Everyone Welcome!Bring your stories, your friends, and let’s have a night to remember! They can’t wait to see you there! 
Claremorris Family Resource Centre’s English classes are coming back and they are adding an evening group!
The evening group will be held on Mondays from 7pm to 9pm.
For more information check the poster bellow or contact them on [email protected] or call on 094 9377838
Mayo Sports Partnership is thrilled to announce the Autumn launch of *Men on the Move*, set to kick off in three new locations across Mayo. We are also extending an invitation to community groups and clubs across the county to host this transformative programme in their own localities!
*Men on the Move* is an 8-week initiative designed to engage men aged 30+ in a fun, inclusive, and social way, while improving fitness and well-being. The programme is all about getting active together, focusing on men who may not be currently active or who are looking to make positive changes in their lifestyle. No experience is necessary—just a willingness to get moving!
For clubs interested in hosting, it couldn’t be easier. Mayo Sports Partnership will provide a qualified fitness tutor to guide your participants through the sessions. All you need to do is provide a suitable venue and some refreshments to keep everyone energised. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring men in your community together, get them moving, and create a supportive environment for positive change.
Are you interested? Getting started is simple! Just complete the Expression of Interest form by scanning the QR code, and we’ll take it from there. This is your chance to make a lasting impact on men’s health and well-being in your area—let’s get active together!
For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit our website www.mayo.ie/sportspartnership
Tech Help Hub: Weekly Drop-In Service 
This service will be available every Wednesday from 3-6pm for anyone aged 55 and over who needs help with their tablets, laptops, or phones.
Got questions about your device? Struggling to use an app or set up email? Need help getting online?Westport Family and Community Resources are here to assist you! Drop in and let them know what issues you’re having, or give them a call ahead of time if you’d like to discuss.
They look forward to seeing you!
Join Craoibhín Ballina for this *spooky* Halloween Coffee Morning, Thursday 24th of October.
BirdWatch Mayo’s next outing is this Saturday 26/10/24 at 10:15am, Achill Island – Valley Area.
Please meet up in the public car park in Achill Strand just 500m past the bridge, opposite the church and library, at 10:15am. Depending on numbers, attendees may car share to progress to the sea loughs and seashore around Valley. The group recommends that attendees wear suitable clothing for the forecast weather conditions. Bring binoculars and a telescope if you have one and any refreshments that you need. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
People who are not BirdWatch Ireland members are most welcome. Some sites on this outing are not suitable for wheelchairs or those with difficulties walking on uneven ground. However the shore opposite the public car park where they meet usually has a good variety of birds which can be viewed from your vehicle. Alternatively drive back to Mulranny where the Brent geese may have arrived. Usually our outings last 2 to 3 hours. They hope to see a few of you on Achill.
Join Mayo Autism Camp and Ballina Autism Friendly Town for this sensory walk on Sunday the 27th of October in Ballina.
Scan the QR code or email [email protected] to sign up.
Don’t miss this year’s Clogher Tractor Run, Sunday the 27th of October at 5pm
Clogher Community Centre
Registration at 4pm
Don’t miss this exciting evening full of music, fun, and prizes, as the Kilkelly Kilmovee Magazine launches its 18th edition!
Sunday 27th October, 8 – 10pm, Ireland West Airport
**Mayo GAA Inclusion Day**
GAA Inclusive one Day Camp
Tues 29th October 1pm – 3pmConnacht Centre of Excellence, BekanBooking through Eventbrite : https://ow.ly/xCuV50Tolqk
Contact [email protected]
It’s Roola Boola Season and Linenhall Arts Centre are so excited for “Ballad of a Bandit,” which comes to Castlebar from their friends Branar, one of Ireland’s leading theatre companies making work for children!
Inspired by the legendary Irish figure Capt. George McNamara of Cong, acclaimed musician Matthew Berrill takes to the stage in a new show which conjures up the daring deeds of bandits and highway men.
Fun for families with children ages 7+, this excellent show features live music, puppetry, object animation, and a rogue cleaner!
Tuesday, 29th October at 12pm and 2pm.
The towns and villages bordering Ireland’s first Dark Sky Park have teamed up once again to bring us the eighth Mayo Dark Sky Festival, which takes place from November 1st – 3rd 2024.
The festival was established in 2016, to celebrate all facets of Mayo’s natural dark skies. Organised by the Friends of Mayo Dark Skies when Wild Nephin National Park became the first gold tier Dark Sky Park in Ireland, it proved so popular that it is now an annual event, kindly funded by Failte Ireland. The festival takes place in the villages around the Dark Sky Park – Newport, Mulranny and Ballycroy.
2024 highlights include a fun, thought-provoking talk about the science of Star Trek and an interview with Jonathan Shackleton about his cousin Ernest Shackleton’s legacy. Fusion engineer Leah Morgan will bring us the latest exciting news about the remarkable world of fusion energy engineering, where scientists are revolutionizing our global energy landscape by trying to build a star in a doughnut. Adventurer and social media phenomenon Joshua Nueva will reveal how he captured a very special photograph of 2024’s spectacular aurora display at 2.30am from the cave at Downpatrick Head which can only be accessed under specific tide conditions. All of this, plus planetarium shows, a seashore safari and Lego and rocket workshops for children.
We will end the festival weekend with the wonderful Avoca String Quartet who will perform a space themed candle-lit finale concert with music by Holst, Beethoven, Pink Floyd and David Bowie.
A magical weekend – and, as always, KIDS GO FREE!
Full programme and event details here: https://www.mayodarkskyfestival.ie/programme
Ballycroy Community Council is pleased to announce the Grand Re-opening of the Ballycroy Community Gym!
For more information, email [email protected]
Attention all Mayo Foróige clubs! Mayo Foróige are excited to announce their Social Media Competition running from October 7th to December 6th, 2024!
Here’s your chance to show off your club, get creative, and have some fun making videos! 
How to enter:
Create a 60-second video about your club
Edit it to be fun and engaging
Post it on your club’s TikTok or Instagram
Use the hashtag #ForoigeComp24 and tag us!Show us what makes your club special, and be in with a chance to win! 
Let’s get those creative juices flowing! 
Let’s get those creative juices flowing! 
Deadline: December 6th, 2024Prize: TBA
Time to brush up on those trivia skills for Islandeady Community Council’s upcoming fundraising table quiz! Don’t miss out on what promises to be a great night with refreshments and tons of prizes up for grabs!
Friday November 8th, 8:30pm, Marty’s Halfway House.
The Western Region Drug & Alcohol Task Force invite you to join them on their annual Regional Drug & Alcohol Awareness Week, 11th to 15th November.
They are running a range of events on various drug & alcohol related topics across the week.
See https://wrdatf.ie/training-awareness-week.php for information on events
Mayo Science & Technology Festival 2024 will run during Science Week 2024 from November 10th to November 17th.
Details of events lined up for this year’s Festival can be found here: https://www.mayo.ie/science-technology/science-week-events
Please direct any inquiries to: [email protected]
The Ballinglen Arts Foundation – New Autumn Exhibition
Lucy O’Donnell, ‘our little earth bound tales’
The Ballinglen Gallery, Main St., Ballycastle F26 RX61
November 9th 2024 – January 6th 2025
Opening and catalogue launch on November 15th, 5pm – 7pm
Lucy O’Donnell, a Ballinglen Fellow, puts drawing at the center of her practice to explore the medium within the context of loss, and pregnancy without birth. This exhibition plays with comic book narratives and their systematic, orderly grid chronology. It takes erasure and its subsequent loss as a principle of drawing, and works with comics as a drawing material.
The artist would like to thank and acknowledge the support services that have been involved in the project:
Miscarriage association Ireland-
Image detail: Lucy O’Donnell, body, comic drawing, 2024
Don’t miss this unique and exciting show – Strong Women in Science – at the Westport Town Hall Theatre, taking place on the 16th of November at 12pm.
This show is an Irish Sign Language interpreted performance.
Run by Circus 250, it features Strong Women, Aofie and Maria, revealing the scientific secrets behind their astounding circus tricks! 
Link to book tickets: https://westporttownhall.ticketsolve.com/…/shows/873640300
Link to the full festival programme: Circus Science by the Sea – Circus250
Fancy taking up art as a hobby – come join “Art with Lanna” on Thursday mornings from 10am to 12:30 – you won’t regret it – contact us on 094-9377838 or [email protected]
Request for all Women’s Sheds in Connacht Ballinrobe Women’s Shed is compiling a list of Women’s Sheds for the purpose of information-sharing from the National forum. Please email your details to [email protected]
Sign Up for the Young Environmentalist Awards!
Calling all young people across Mayo! ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) are open for registration.
ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards is a free all-Ireland eco-action programme that empowers young people aged 10-18 to take action for a sustainable future. Since 1999, over 65,000 young people have been involved and engaged in environmental action that has made a positive impact in their communities. Whether it’s a biodiversity trail, an upcycled art project, or an energy saving campaign, there’s a way for every everyone to get involved! You can learn more and register by November 22nd on yea.ie
The Relove Fashion Competition has announced that registrations are now open to young people age 12 to 18 years of age in Mayo. This unique competition offers teenagers the chance to showcase their creativity and passion for sustainable fashion by designing and creating their own sustainable outfits. For full details visit www.relovefashion.ie
Ballycroy Community Council invites you to kick off the holiday season at the Ballycroy Community Centre on Sunday 1st December. Refreshments, music, and more – all are welcome!
Ho Ho Ho! Christmas Magic At The Barracks is BACK!!! This year while still in the Barracks, they are moving into the old Mess Hall which is much warmer and drier!
The Elves are busy getting everything ready to ensure another amazing event in Castlebar for you and your family. There are four dates this year: 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th December from 1pm to 6pm.
Tickets are now on sale here: https://www.universe.com/events/christmas-magic-at-the-barracks-2024-tickets-8VYX34
Don’t forget to tell your friends!
Exciting news for the little bookworms! 
Westport Library is giving away a free book bag to all 4- and 5-year-olds who started school this year.
Westport Library is giving away a free book bag to all 4- and 5-year-olds who started school this year.Just drop by the library to sign them up for their very own library card, and they’ll get a book bag to keep! 
