Mayo PPN are proud to offer this programme of FREE trainings to PPN member groups in 2025. You may attend as many of these courses as you would like.

Please ensure you are available to attend the training(s) you have selected. Courses will fill up fast so booking early is advisable.

Follow the link to register: https://forms.office.com/e/3TUcVZWyKc

They’d love for you to pop in, browse their local creations, and support the talented makers from our community. There’s something for everyone — they can’t wait to see you there!

Join the Islandeady Walking Group for their Darkness Into Light event on Saturday the 10th of May.

 

The group will meet at the Islandeady Community Centre at 4am.

Thursday May 15th, is Mental Health Ireland’s “Hello, How Are You?” Day 2025.

Claremorris Family Resource Centre are having an gathering at the centre tomorrow at 2:30pm in partnership with Mount St Michael Secondary School – going to be a great event

Additionally, they invite you to complete this short Questionnaire which aims to gather insights to inspire a projection mapping installation. Your responses will help shape animated visuals and narratives reflecting the towns history, culture and identity. https://docs.google.com/…/1PXGLNGIxtlRMgLxDA…/preview…

Dark Skies, Bats & Biodiversity – A Night of Nature Magic

As part of the Mayo County Library System’s Castlebar Library Bealtaine Celebrations, try your hand at knitting, crochet and embroidery.

 

Meet the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) Castlebar Branch who will be in Castlebar Library, Tuesday the 20th of May from 2pm to 4pm. The ladies from the ICA will share their skills with you. All levels of experience are welcome to attend. They’d love to see you.

 

Stay and have a cuppa and a chat and learn some new skills or dust off the skills you already have, or share your skills in knitting, crochet and embroidery.

 

Date: Tuesday the 20th of May

Location: Castlebar Library, John Moore Rd, Castlebar. F23 H330

Aimed at: over 55’s

Time: 2pm to 4pm (drop in session)

Queries Via: Orlagh Heverin Castlebar Library

Tel: 094 9064010 or e-mail: [email protected]

 

Free Event. Materials provided. No prior experience required. All welcome.

 

Age & Opportunity’s Bealtaine Festival is Ireland’s national celebration of the arts and creativity as we age.

On Tuesday May 20th there will be a walk in the Newtown Forest Trail with the aim to record the number of Breeding Birds in the Clogher Bog Walk area.

 

This is a free event which will be led by Sheila Murphy, Biodiversity Officer with Mayo county Council and Michael Kingdon of Clogher Environmental Group.

 

The event will start at 7pm at Clogher Heritage Complex (F12 PF99) where there will be an introduction to the Merlin Bird identification App. Please download the App to your phone in advance. Everybody is welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

There will be refreshments in the Cottage afterwards.

Cong Moytura Heritage Society Spring Talk Series

There will be a lecture by Tim Clesham, on “Pre-Christian Era Cong Moytura, how people got here and how they lived.”

Thursday, 22 May at 8pm in the Crossroads Community Centre, Cong, F31 Y97.

This is a Free talk and refreshments will be served afterwards.

No booking required for this free event.

All funds raised in support of Mayo Youth Orchestra.

As always, we welcome everyone and membership of BirdWatch Ireland is not necessary. Children must be accompanied. Please wear appropriate clothing for the forecast weather. If there is a MetEirean weather warning the event will be cancelled.

Market at the Plaza returns!

 

Knock Market at the Plaza are so excited to announce their outdoor market will resume Sunday, 25th of May at Pope Francis Plaza, Knock, opposite to Knock Shrine (F12Y226). Nestled between great cafes, restaurants and shops in the Marian Village, children playground close by, and free car parking and toilet facilities adjacent to the Plaza.

 

The Market offers home produced and handcrafted products made by local crafters and artists here in the west of Ireland.

 

Market time is from 10am to 3pm.

Contact [email protected]

 

Make it a day out for all the family!

📢 Ballyhaunis Summer Festival 2025 📢

Confirmed schedule of events!

 

Wednesday 28th May – Sunday 1st June.

 

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ballyhaunisfestival

Mayo Pride Festival 2025

The countdown is on to June Bank Holiday Weekend!!

Mark your calendars and save the date for the most colorful, vibrant, and inclusive celebration in Westport Co. Mayo! Mayo Pride Festival kicks off from May 30th to June 3rd, 2025.

Join the Mayo Widows & Widowers’ Support Group for their next monthly meeting, Sunday the 1st of June 2025 at Breaffy House Hotel, from 11am-1pm.

Together, the group focuses on healing through empathy, support and mutual understanding. They help each other to create a future with renewed confidence and optimism. Whether it’s through their monthly meetings, WhatsApp group, or social events, they are here to support each other in navigating this challenging time of life.

For further information contact: Edel McAndrew 087-2460-411

Don’t miss this family-friendly event with all proceeds going to the Erris Family & Community Support Centre.

1st June, 12pm – 2pm.

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music at Ballintubber Abbey this Sunday of the June Bank Holiday weekend!

Join Ballintubber Abbey for a very special concert featuring the internationally acclaimed University of Southern Indiana Chamber Choir, alongside Ballintubber Abbey’s own beloved Ballintubber Abbey Choir and the ever-popular Mayo Male Voice Choir. As part of their 2025 Ireland Tour, the USI Chamber Choir will bring a stunning mix of sacred, folk, and traditional Irish music to our historic Abbey.

📍 Ballintubber Abbey 8pm

🗓️ Sunday, 1st June

🎵 A night of choral magic you won’t want to miss!

Free shuttle bus is back on for the summer season to Wild Nephin National Park – Páirc Náisiúnta Néifinne Fiáine!

Free shuttle bus service will resume for the 2025 summer season on Tuesday, June 3rd, until Saturday, August 30th. This bus service will run on Tuesdays to Saturdays between Bangor and Westport, with stop-off points at Newport, Letterkeen, Mulranny, Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail, and the Ballycroy Visitor Centre.

Eventbrite: Mayo Rising

Kilmovee Community Centre

Cruinniú na nÓg is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to be part of it! Join us at Eco Creative hosted by Books at One Louisburgh and Climate Action Louisburgh Locally for a day filled with creativity, imagination, and fun! 

 Date: Saturday 7th June
 Time: 11am – 1pm
 Venue: Books at One Louisburgh
 Age Range: 8-12yrs
 Booking: Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Book directly with Books at One. Call, email, or come in store!

It’s going to be a great day, and we want YOU to be part of the fun! !

Celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg 2025.

Join us for a day of creativity and fun as Ballina Arts Centre opens its doors for free workshops for children and teenagers!

Art Workshops (Ages 4–12): Led by two experienced artists, children can explore drawing, painting, and clay in a fun, hands-on environment. Please book in advance but drop-ins welcome.

Workshop times:

• Session 1: 2PM – 3.20PM

• Session 2: 3.40PM – 5PM

DJ & Music Production Workshop (Teenagers): Try out the latest DJ and music production equipment, and create your own mixes and tracks in a professional studio setting. Pre-booking essential.

Workshop times:

• Session 1: 2PM – 2.45PM

• Session 2: 3PM – 3.45PM

• Session 3: 4PM – 4.45PM

To book please go here: https://ballinaartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/event-categories/126496464

Dooega Drama Group and Scoil Acla are delighted to announce Cruinniú na nÓg Acla…

The 7th June is our national day of free creativity for young people in Ireland and to celebrate we are bringing our two part workshop “Drama and Drumming” to Dooega!

Part one will start with our amazing, fully qualified, vastly experienced and award winning drama teachers taking children on an exciting journey of drama discovery.

Part two of our day brings an interactive drumming workshop with the fantastic Colm de Bhaldraithe! Colm, an expert musician, will guide the children through different rhythms and beats using a variety of drums. Plus, to make it even more fun, the kids will dress up in costumes and hats, adding to the sense of performance and creativity. Colm has tons of experience working with children and is sure to make this an unforgettable experience!

Get ready to dive into the world of “Drama and Drumming” but don’t forget to book your spot because places are limited in the workshops.

Text 0868678786 to book your place!

Activities on the day will be geared towards age ranges 5-10

#cruinniunanog #creativeireland

Mark your diaries for the upcoming Ronan Clarke 10K & 5K runs!

 

Each year Killala GAA club organise this race in order to raise funds for the Mayo/Roscommon hospice and Killala GAA benevolent fund while remembering a true friend and great clubman who sadly lost his life in 2014 after a brave battle with cancer.

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS YEARS RUN TAKES PLACE EARLIER THAN USUAL ON SUNDAY 8TH JUNE

 

This year’s event (the 11th overall) takes place from Killala Community Centre (F26 C9K8) on Sunday June 8th. Registration begins at 10:30am with the race commencing at 12 noon. All participants in the 10K race must be over 16 years of age for insurance purposes.

 

The following category prizes are awarded:

10K Race (€25 entry fee)

Adult male & female prizes

 

5K Race (€15 entry fee)Adult male & female prizes

U16 male & female prizes

U14 male & female prizes

U12 male & female prizes

 

After the race presentations will be made in the community centre by special guest on the day Gerry Glennon of Mid West Radio. Refreshments will be served after where an opportunity will be provided for all to mingle to promote the social aspect of the run.

 

Donations accepted on gofundme.com. Ring 086 272 1238 for more information.

All are welcome to join.

Swinford Tidy Towns Committee look forward to seeing you there!

Check out the FREE events on offer in June at Wild Nephin National Park!

Tickets available on: Eventbrite Link

Lots of great outdoor spaces to explore this summer! Scan the QR code or visit their website at: clewbaygardentrail.ie

Mayo Stoma Support Group

Venue: The Ellison Hotel Castlebar

Time 7pm-9pm

Date 12-June-2025

Refreshments Provided

SMS / WhatsApp 0862444376 to book your place for numbers only

Free gigs, fundraising for Gaza, and so much more at Ballina Arts Centre this summer.

The popular Music @ Lunchtime series returns to Ballina Arts Centre in June and runs throughout the Summer. These free gigs are timed so that local people can pop in during their lunch break, starting at 1.15 pm and ending at 1.45 pm sharp. The full programme of artists is available on the Arts Centre Website.

On Sat June 28th, Freddie White comes to the centre with his emotive renditions of songs spanning a five-decade, long career. Don’t miss your chance to see this luminary of the Irish music scene, and former member of Scullion.

Music fans will also be excited to hear that Springsteen – a Tribute returns to the centre on July 12th. This high energy celebration of one of rocks’ greatest icons, brings all the Boss’s timeless classics to life.

On Friday 4th & Saturday 5th July, the centre will host ‘A Song for Palestine’. This event uses music, recitation, video, and song to draw parallels between Irelands history of landlordism and famine, and the land-grab and genocide happening in Palestine today. Tickets are €20 (+ booking fee) with all proceeds going to ‘Water for Gaza’.

Finally, the centre’s two new Visual Art Exhibitions run throughout June and July. Bryan Gerard Duffy’s, ‘Hung Out to Dry,’ links the exploitation of Western Sharan communities to the collapse of biodiversity in Irish waterways. While ‘Year of Fear’ is a series of art illustrations and cartoons of the Covid 2020 year by Joan Geraghty. The exhibitions are free and run from 10 am – 6pm so pop in the next time you are in town.

For information on any of the above see the Ballina Arts Centre website Ballina Arts Centre – Ballina Arts Centre is based in Ballina Co. Mayo, Ireland. or contact the box office on 096 73593.

Men’s Health Awareness Day

📅 Friday, June 13th

🕐 1pm – 3pm

📍 The Square, Claremorris

 

Join Claremorris FRC & Claremorris Men’s Shed for an afternoon dedicated to men’s health and well-being!

 

Fun • Entertainment • Refreshments

 

Everyone welcome – bring a friend or two!

 

Let’s talk health in a relaxed and friendly space. Because taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be boring!

 

Mark your calendar – see you there!

Come along for a coffee and chat.

OutWest Drop in Centre, Ballina, Co Mayo. F26XW65

Tickets available here: Eventbrite: Music of Mayo

See link below for more information:https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2025/06/13/walk-a-mile-in-mayo-on-june-21-to-boost-dementia-awareness/

Tóchar Phádraig Group Walk – Taking place this Saturday, 21st June.

Pre-booking is required: www.ballintubberabbey.ie

Here we go…

Aughagower Athletics Club promised something big and here we are. Remember their crazy amazing family fun colour run day last year? Well, it’s back by popular demand.

Bigger, Better, and Crazier…

Don’t be the one that misses out.

Sunday 22nd June, Aughagower Community Centre

See you all there!

Summer Solstice Gathering

Wilderland is joining with Wild Nephin National Park and its local communities to host a Summer Solstice Gathering on Sunday 22nd June.

 

Join us to celebrate the Summer Solstice with an afternoon of music, food and refreshments, and free creative workshops for all the family from 2-5pm. We’ll have traditional music and songs with local musicians, so bring your own musical instruments and join the fun, or bring some homemade seasonal food to share with the community potluck.

 

Our Wilderland artists will be hosting drop-in arts workshops all afternoon, you can hear about their sustainable arts projects and find out how you and your community can get involved in making collaborative artworks this summer.

o Flower Féilire cyanotype sun-printing

o Paper lantern-making

o Drawing from Nature

o more workshops coming soon…

 

And why not start the day with a guided habitat hike in Wild Nephin National Park to learn all about mountain heath and upland grasslands.

 

Travel

Bus: community bus leaving from Keenagh Church car park at 1.30pm, returning at 5pm.

Car: parking on site at Letterkeen Trailhead car park

 

Wilderland is a partnership project between the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), North Mayo Heritage Centre, Mayo County Council’s Arts Service and Environment, Climate Change and Agriculture Department, TASC Think-tank for Action on Social Change, and artist Elaine Harrington. Learn more about the project on their website: https://wilderland.ie/about.html

 

Find out more about the solstice gathering here: https://wilderland.ie/events/summer-solstice-gathering.html

Free event: Nutrition & Airfryer Cookery Demo

25 June

Bangor Community Hall

Mayo North East will have a local chef cooking healthy tasty meals for the audience using the air fryer which they can taste at the end.

Participants will also learn how to make budget friendly meals for the whole family using an economical means of cooking and receive some free health merch and recipes on the night.

Day of Grace on Achill Island

Date: June 28, 2025

Time: 11:30 am – 7:30 pm

Location: Dugort, Achill Island

You’re invited to join Circus 250 on Saturday 28 June for the Day of Grace – a full-day celebration of Ireland’s legendary pirate queen, Grace O’Malley / Granuaille, on the shores of Grace’s heartland, in Dugort, Achill Island.

A day of events in Dugort to celebrate the launch of our new aerial show inspired by Ireland’s legendary pirate queen Grace O’Malley.

 Start the day with a pirate costume-making workshop for kids.
 Witness the premiere of Grace: The Story of a Pirate Queen – a brand new outdoor aerial circus show with live storytelling, original music, and a fierce all-female international cast.
 And don’t miss Dauntless, a powerful performance from acclaimed storyteller Deborah Newbold, bringing Granuaile’s extraordinary tale to life (ages 14+).

All in Dugort, Achill Island – with a mix of free and ticketed events.

11.30am -1pm: Join Grace’s crew!
A morning of drop-in pirate costume making workshops for children.

Strand Hotel, F28 NY97 – Free, no booking required.

2.30pm – 3:30pm: The voyage begins. Join us for Grace: The Story of a Pirate Queen.
With original music, powerful storytelling, and gravity-defying circus, this brand new show brings the legend of Grace O’Malley vividly to life. From stormy seas to royal courts, join Granuaile on her remarkable voyage across history.

Silver Strand, F28 KA09 – Free Outdoor Performance, no booking required

6pm – 7:30pm: Gather round for Dauntless
The inspirational story of Grainne ni Mhaille by internationally renowned storyteller Deborah Newbold. (For ages 14+).

Strand Hotel, F28 NY97 – Tickets 10€

Please book your tickets here >> https://ticketlab.app/event/32111#/

The Day of Grace is produced by Circus250, with support from Mayo County Council.

Dinner available from Caher View Restaurant before everything kicks off! 🌊✨

Cookery Course

Lacken Enterprise Centre

30 June

The Croagh Patrick Stakeholder Group are delighted to promote the the recruitment for 12 passionate outdoor enthusiasts to become Volunteer Ambassadors for 2025, a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in preserving one of Mayo’s and Ireland’s most iconic upland landscapes.

 

Leave No Trace Ireland have been a national beacon in training for outdoor pursuits and this programme is in its third year. The commitment is, on average, one day a month, and they have uniforms sponsored by PORTWEST.

 

The Recruitment campaign was highlighted in the Mayo News; feel free to share & aid them to find the next group of advocates for our Holy Mountain:

Ambassador campaign launched with call for volunteers for Mayo mountain – Mayo Live

 

To learn more or express your interest in shadowing or applying, contact [email protected]

 

Check out the LNT website for the role description with application form: CP Volunteer Ambassador Application

 

Application deadline: 1st July

Check It Fits Roadshow coming to Ballina, Castlebar and Claremorris!

2nd, 3rd, 4th July

 

Fantastic opportunity to check with experts that your child’s car seat is fitted correctly. See poster and website for details.

 

https://www.rsa.ie/road-safety/road-users/passengers/children/check-it-fits

Swinford Indoor Markey’s July Market is being held on Saturday the 5th July at Swinford Cultural Center, which is beside the library, from 10:30 till 3pm.

 

With a lovely selection of stalls and Cácaí Acla serving teas, coffees and home bakes, free parking and wheelchair and pushchair friendly.

Everyone is welcome to the annual Summer Market Craft Market in Achill Island.

The market is 100% handcrafted with contributors around Mayo and further afield. 

Taking place SUNDAY 6 July Ted’s in iconic Achill Island.

Join BirdWatch Ireland’s Mayo Branch for their July outing to Downpatrick Head on Sunday 13th July 2025.

 

July is a great month for cliff nesting seabirds. Young guillemots, just 8 days old, are jumping from the cliff to join their fathers and swim out to sea. He will accompany his chick over winter. The kittiwakes will be noisily feeding their young. Whilst close to the cliff top solitary fulmar chicks are being fattened up to be abandoned to fledge on their own. From our vantage point we may spot some passing gannets, other pelagics and possibly some cetaceans.

 

The morning is the best time to view these birds as the easterly facing cliffs are easier to observe. We will take the short walk up to the cliffs whilst observing the blowhole on the way, a favourite site for rock doves of which Mayo still has a few pure bred individuals. A telescope is useful as some of the viewing is distant particularly on the sea stack. As usual we welcome non members of BirdWatch Ireland and children must be accompanied. Bring your own refreshments and dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Seoladh Chonair Oidhreachta agus Treoirleabhar ar an Táin Bó Fliodhaise – Táin Bó Mhaigh Eo

Launch of Heritage Trail and Guidebook on Táin Bó Fliodhaise – The Cattle Raid of Mayo

The Iron Age ring forts, which dot the modern landscape, have imbued in them tales of Celtic mythology based on alliances and divisions of royal chieftains and tribes. These sites and their environs were the locations of great ceremonial gatherings and festivals, of major battles involving large armies as well as warriors or champions with superhuman strength engaged in single combat, and of cattle raids.

Táin Bó Fliodhaise – The Cattle Raid of Mayo, an adventurous Celtic mythology saga, is a prequel to the great Irish saga Táin Bó Cuailnge. It describes how a cattle raid brought Queen Meadhbh and her army from Ráth Chruacháin in County Roscommon on a journey through Mayo, to reach their final destination at Rath Muireagáin near Glencastle in Erris. The purpose of the raid was to steal away the prized Maol or hummel cow, which was reputed to supply enough milk daily for three hundred men, their wives and children, as well as the herds and wealth of the resident Gamhanraidh.

We invite you to attend the official launch of the ‘Táin Bó Fliodhaise – Cattle Raid of Mayo’ Heritage Trail and Guidebook by Minister Dara Calleary at Enniscoe House, Castlehill, Crossmolina (F26 EA34) on Saturday, 19th July 2025 at 5.00 p.m.

The Heritage trail consists of 14 site specific information signs located at key sites in Mayo. The launch includes the unveiling of one of the information signs in the beautiful grounds of Enniscoe estate, giving you an opportunity to see the resident maol cattle herd, followed by refreshments in Enniscoe House – the last Great House of North Mayo. This project was developed by The Táin Bó Fliodhaise Project Steering Committee & Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo with the support of The Department of Rural and Community Development under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2019, the Cill Chomáin Rural Social Scheme, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Mayo County Council, Coillte, The National Parks & Wildlife Service, Sláinte Ireland Tours, Cruachán Ai Visitor Centre, Mayo North and various community groups throughout the county.

RSVP roimh 15th July 2025.

Breis eolais le fáil ó Threasa ag 097 88082 / 087 1251642 nó seol ríomhphoist chuig [email protected]

*Still a few slots left for what is going to be an amazing workshop with Orla Photography, but you must register in advance*

Children 8-13 years workshop.

Wednesday 16th July

Please what’s app Bernie on: 086 390 4370 or private message Bangor Erris Women’s Biodiversity Group to hold your place. If you have to cancel at sort notice, please let them know, so they can give the place to another child

Please ensure the children have an adult with them. The adults can join in or just relax with a cuppa and watch how the children engage and get creative.

A date for the diary!

Join Craoibhín Ballina for their Summer Tea Dance Thursday 17th July.

 Taste of Inishturk Festival Weekend One: TASTE is nearly here!
Join us on Inishturk Island from July 18th–20th for a delicious, music-filled celebration of local flavours, sea adventures, and island spirit! 

Here’s what’s cooking:
 All Weekend: Special local seafood menu at Caher View Restaurant
 July 19 @ 12PM: Catch-your-own fishing tour & beach barbecue with Jack Heanue
Book your place: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/inishturkisland/1781546
 July 19 @ 9PM: Live music with The Sweeney Macs
 July 20 @ 3PM: Island Spritz Making & Seafood Demo: fresh flavours, island-style, Irish ingredients!
Book your place by emailing [email protected]

Whether you’re here for the food, the tunes, or the views, booking is essential: don’t miss this unforgettable weekend on the Wild Atlantic Way!

Supported by the 2025 Rural Innovation and Development Fund through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Plan your visit at InishturkIsland.com
 Ferry info: Inishturkpassengerferry.ie

You are very welcome to visit and they will hosting horticultural tours and refreshments will be served and plants will be for sale.

HoopStars Basketball Camp will be in Castlebar and Ballinrobe this Summer.

Please see posters for additional information.

The camp director brings a wealth of experience and accolades to the program. A former professional basketball player in Ourense, Spain, and a scholarship recipient to Manhattan College in New York, USA, they have had an impressive career both on and off the court. Named Ireland’s Division 1 Player of the Year in 2016 and the International Player of the Year in 2003, they were also inducted into the Manhattan College Hall of Fame in 2015. Their coaching background includes five years as a Division 1 college coach in the USA with NJIT. In addition to being a former Irish international player, they have over 14 years of HoopStars Camp experience and currently serve as a player and coach with the Mustangs.

Where: Westport Town Hall, Westport, Co Mayo, F28 R240

Do you know a young person (age 8–12) living with a lifelong physical health condition (like diabetes, epilepsy, spina bifida, heart conditions, juvenile arthritis, rare conditions, and more) who loves being creative and meeting new friends?

 

Helium Arts is running a FREE Summer Art Camp in Castlebar – and we’d love your help to share this opportunity!

 

Dates: 22–24 July

Location: Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex, F23 A257

Register here: https://helium.ie/workshops/castlebar-summer-camp/

 

Led by professional artists, with volunteers and medical support onsite, these fun and supportive camps offer kids a chance to have fun, explore their creativity and connect with others who share similar experiences.

 

Let’s help more young people start their summer with creativity, connection, and joy. Spaces are limited – don’t miss out!

‘Expanding Horizons’ returns to Ballina, delivering powerful truths about disability

Presented by Avril Greham of Beyond Barriers, with special guests Dr James Casey, Ann Marie Flanagan and Geraldine Lavelle

 

Great National Hotel Ballina, Thursday July 24, 7pm

 

Presented by prominent Ballina disabled activist Avril Greham, ‘Expanding Horizons’, a powerful, no-fluff conversation about disability and inclusion returns for a second year on Thursday, July 24 to Great National Hotel Ballina at 7pm. Taking to the stage with Greham in a podcast-style discussion will be lecturer, geopolitical consultant and communications advisor Dr James Casey, equality campaigner and 2024 Seanad candidate Ann Marie Flanagan and author, athlete and disability rights advocate Geraldine Lavelle.

 

Each panellist will bring their own perspective, experience, and courage to what promises to be another moving and meaningful evening that will challenge the audience to examine their own attitudes and actions.

 

Tickets for Expanding Horizons 2025, priced at €25 are now available to purchase at www.avrilgreham.ie or by searching for Expanding Horizons at Eventbrite https://bit.ly/3HP3KDg

From juggling and hula hooping to acrobat tricks and circus games, these sessions are all about fun, confidence, and a little bit of magic. No experience needed – just a sense of adventure and a love of play!

Learn new skills

Make new friends

Discover your inner circus star

If you would like to book a place, please text 087 6275766

For more information about these or any other offerings from the Claremorris Family Resource Centre, they can be contacted on (094) 9377838 [email protected] or check out their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/ClaremorrisFamilyResourceCentre1

As required under Bord na Móna’s Integrated Pollution Control Licences, regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), BnM are required to undertake a review of their rehabilitation plans and outcomes for rehabilitation commenced in 2022. These rehabilitation plans were submitted to the EPA, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) in 2022.

Prior to this, the Rehabilitation Plans for these Bogs were circulated to stakeholders circa December 2021, and they were made available for viewing on www.bnmpcas.ie, where they can still be accessed. The outcome of the consultations and observations received were included in the subsequent rehabilitation plans submitted and approved.

As part of these requirements, BnM wishes to invite further communication with interested stakeholders to provide any comments and observations on a defined questionnaire, since the completion of the rehabilitation plans. The closing date for receipt of submissions or observations is 3rd August 2025.

Please make your submission via the link below:

https://forms.office.com/e/k8dEn6rMa2

Submissions or observations should include your name and email address and, where relevant, details of any organisation, community group, or company, etc., which you represent. Written submissions or observations with respect to this consultation, which are made within the period stated, will be compiled and responses included in a synopsis in the review.

Don’t miss this fantastic community celebration — Lá Spóirt S.N. Dhumha Thuama – Family Fun for All!

 

📅 Sunday, August 3rd

🕐 1:00pm – 5:00pm

📍 The Banks, Doohoma (F26 EY6H)

 

This promises to be an unforgettable day full of sport, fun, and local spirit — and they’d love to see your club there! Whether you want to take part in the races, support the craic from the sidelines, or cheer on a Donkey Derby champion, there’s something for everyone.

 

Here’s a little of what’s in store:

🏅 Races galore for both kids and adults

🐴 The one and only Donkey Derby

🎽 Sack races, egg & spoon, penalty shoot-outs & more

🧃 Great fun, community connection, and loads of laughs

🎈FREE EVENT – EVERYONE WELCOME! 🎈

 

This is a day to celebrate our local clubs, families, and Gaeltacht pride. Bring the jerseys, the flags, and the team spirit — and let’s make it one to remember!

 

Bígí linn! Dé Domhnaigh, 3 Lúnasa – The Banks, Dumha Thuama – 1pm to 5pm

The day also marks a major push in the Parents Association’s fundraising campaign to develop a much-needed Inclusive MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) Pitch at the school—an amenity that will benefit both pupils and the wider Doohoma community.

 

A fantastic raffle is now underway, with tickets on sale from today through all local businesses and members of the Parents’ Committee. Tickets are just €10 and the draw will take place on a date TBC in late August.

Prizes include:

€500 Center Parcs Voucher

€250 Westport House Adventure Centre Voucher

A Luxury Hamper

The Urlaur Annual Pattern will be held on 4th August 2025.

 

This Festival has been in existence for well over a hundred years and is an annual celebration of the historical, cultural and religious aspects of the Urlaur area.

Join Mayo Dark Skies for another Free LEGO Event!

 

Due to popular demand, Mayo Dark Sky Park will hold another FREE Dark Sky themed LEGO event, “Constellation of Cottages.”

 

11am – 4pm, Bank Holiday Monday, 4th August 2025 at Ballycroy Visitor Centre, Wild Nephin National Park. All Welcome!

 

Help build unique cottages in the Mayo Dark Sky Park, just like the real ones in Wild Nephin. Illuminate each cottage in a dark-sky friendly way in celebration of their award winning ‘International Dark Sky Place of the Year 2024.’

 

Hear about “Community Constellations for Dark Skies,” an exciting new initiative and the next step in County Mayo’s journey toward becoming an International Dark Sky Reserve.

 

Mayo Dark Skies are delighted, yet again, to team up with Bangor Erris Women’s Biodiversity Group, who will kindly supply the LEGO. It’s also a huge thrill to be part of the Ballycroy Wild West Festival 2025, All the best for a wild weekend in Mayo!

On Saturday, the 9th of August 2025, the Abbeytown/Abbeyview Resident’s Association, in Crossmolina (F26 X293) are hosting their Annual Family Fun Day, with BBQ, Sports, Bouncy Castles, Face Painting, Arts & Crafts, Bee Keeper, Ballycroy National Park, Kiltimagh Pet Farm and more in the estate.

This an ideal way for families in the community to come together, to mingle and have some well-deserved fun. Fun starts at 1:00pm – finishes at 5:00pm…. FREE Entry, though Donations Are Welcome on the day and FREE Parking. CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES. With all this in mind, bring all the family for a GREAT day of entertainment, fun, food and craic.

Bangor Erris Sheep Fair

SAVE THE DATE!

This year’s traditional crafts and demos sheep fair is Saturday 9th August 2025.

All are welcome.

Children’s Summer Camp in Partry Community Centre Aug 11th-14th, followed by the Heritage Week Ceili on 16th August with Matt Cunningham Ceili Band, dancing from 9pm-12pm, refreshments served, great night assured.

Wednesday the 13th of August through Sunday the 17th of August.

Castlebar Tidy Towns is delighted to announce the launch of their Best Garden Competition 2025, and they warmly invite residents, gardening enthusiasts, and local groups to spread the information to their friends, neighbours and relatives to take part.

This community-based competition is open to all residents of Castlebar and its immediate environs, and is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity, biodiversity, and pride of place through your gardens.

Competition Categories:

1. Small Urban Garden
   – Ideal for homes with limited front space, container planting, or window boxes.
2. Medium to Large Garden
   – Traditional gardens with lawns, borders, paths and planting areas.
3. Wildlife / Natural Garden
   – A more informal garden style that supports bees, butterflies, and local biodiversity.

Judging Criteria:

• Overall Impact & Visual Appeal
• Design & Layout
• Planting & Colour
• Maintenance & Tidiness
• Sustainability & Biodiversity
• Originality & Personal Touch

Closing Date: 15th August 2025

Independent judges will adjudicate entries fairly, and by entering, participants agree to the rules and decisions of Castlebar Tidy Towns and the judging panel.

To enter, simply download and fill out an Application Form below, or reach out to Castlebar Tidy Towns at:
[email protected]
Or contact any Castlebar Tidy Towns Committee Member.

CTT Best Garden Competition Application form

Let’s all work together to showcase the wonderful gardens in Castlebar and encourage pride in our local environment.

  

16th August 2025

Get ready for the most colourful event of the summer!

Join Tir na Nog Crossmolina for the FUN COLOUR RUN on Sunday, August 17th at 12PM in Crossmolina! Starting at the top of Lake Road and finishing at the lake, this 1km event is packed with colour, fun, and community spirit.

Arrive in white… leave in colour!

Expect bursts of powder colour, music, food trucks, and an electric atmosphere perfect for families, kids, and anyone looking to have fun.

Tickets:

• Adults: €15

• Children: €7

• First 100 people get a FREE t-shirt!

Food truck on site

Totally kid-friendly

Book your place now at: www.tirnanogcrossmolina.com

Don’t miss out – this is going to be one to remember!

Mayo Dark Sky Park is delighted to announce the inaugural OPEN CALL for a SATELLITE Artist in Residence in partnership with UCD Parity Studios, UCD Centre for Space Research and UCD Earth Institute .

This residency offers an artist the unique opportunity to do field research in Mayo Dark Sky Park , a Gold Tier standard International Dark Sky Park internationally recognised as one of the best places in the world to view the wonders of the night sky . It showcases some of the darkest, most pristine skies in the world and is one of the last places at the edge of Europe that is still free from light pollution .

This one year residency includes a 6 week stay in NPWS ranger’s accommodation in Wild Nephin National Park @wildnephin_official to explore @mayodarkskies . The artist will have further access to the accommodation for research visits during the year. The residency also includes studio space at UCD Parity Studios, a stipend of €12,000 and access to an extensive multidisciplinary network of academics, artists and NPWS park rangers and guides.

Closing date: 1pm Monday 18th August.

Join ecologist, Áine Ni Fhlatharta for a talk and walk on our native wildflowers and grasslands, their importance for nature and all the pollinators they support. An interesting, fun and informative evening promised, exploring what our native wildlife has to offer.

For more information on the above event please contact Mayo Biodiversity Office at [email protected] or contact 094-9064236

Thursday 21st August 2025

Childminding Ireland are delighted to announce that the Childminding Ireland Art Competition 2025 is now open! This special initiative is a joyful celebration of creativity and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the artistic talents of both children and childminders.

 

This year’s competition includes:

• Children’s Art Categories (ages 0–3, 4–7, and 8–12)

• Childminder Artwork & Photography Categories

There are fantastic prizes on offer for all winners – including both the children and their childminders!

 

Click here to learn more about the competition and to watch a short video featuring last year’s winning entries: https://www.childminding.ie/childminders/art-competition-2025-announced/

 

All entries should be emailed to [email protected] by 22nd August 2025.

🌟A free National Heritage Week 2025 Event🌟

AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES – IMITHE LEIS NA SÍOGA

📆 Saturday 23rd August 2025

⏰ 8-9pm

📍Mulranny Arts, The Oratory, The Old Convent, Mulranny

Ireland has long held a deep fascination with fairies and this enduring interest is deeply woven into the fabric of Irish folklore and cultural identity.

Join Mulranny Arts for a presentation on Saturday, 23rd August, that explores how such themes are reflected across poetry and literary sources, including seminal works in both English and Irish language drama.

The Jackie Clarke Collection would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate one of the regular musicians at these sessions and a great friend of the JCC, Hannah Dunford who received a Comhaltas Gradam Inclusion Award at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Well done Hannah, a fantastic achievement

Ballyglass Market is back on August 23rd for their Summer market.

 

Doors are on Saturday from 11am ’til 2pm. Don’t miss this great community event!

Castlebar Library have some fantastic workshops for families and children on Saturday the 23rd of August.

Celebrate #Heritageweek2025 by making some prehistoric pottery or maybe some Bronze Age bling. Maybe medieval brooches are more your style- there is something for everybody!

Events are free but booking is essential.

Email [email protected] to book.

Kavanagh’s SuperValu Colour Run, in aid of Croí, is back on Saturday August 30^th.

Get ready for a great day of family fun, laughter, and colour in support of healthier hearts.

For more information and registration please visit https://croi.ie/event/colourrun2025/

👉 Apply now: https://tinyurl.com/3u9b6b5s

And please share with your circus friends.

Opening Night of Fintan Friel’s Art exhibition ‘Nothing in Particular’ a photographic art exhibition in Books at One from 6 – 9pm on Friday 5th September. This exhibition will be running until 30th September.

 

It is a New York style exhibition as the Westport native lived in New York for quite some time. It’s a retrospective in a retro style.

 

Music, wine and nibbles on the night. Everyone welcome to the party.

Booking essential

 

Castlebar Tidy Towns is inviting all local community groups, sports clubs, schools and interested individuals to take part in a simple yet important Biodiversity Survey – the FIT Count (Flower-Insect Timed Count).

 

The idea is straightforward: – Watch a small patch of flowers (50cm x 50cm) for just 10 minutes, and count how many insects visit during that time. That is all it takes.

 

This is part of a nationwide citizen science project aimed at measuring change in local biodiversity over time – and your input could make a real difference in building that picture for Castlebar and the wider area.

 

Whether it is a school garden, community plot, sports ground, roadside verge or simply a window box, all spaces count. It is a great opportunity to get people engaged with nature and to become more aware of the importance of pollinators in our environment.

 

The survey needs to be carried out by the end of September. https://biodiversityireland.ie/surveys/fit-counts/

Pop-Up Pool making its way to Mayo !!

On September 20th the Céide Coast Atlantic Run will depart from the iconic Céide Fields and participants will take in the breathtaking scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way in Ballycastle Co Mayo along the route.

 

Register today: https://eventmaster.ie/event/j4vdcE0TBz

 

For more information, visit: https://www.ceidecoasthalfmarathon.com/

In 2024, on behalf of the Heritage Office of Mayo County Council, Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting delivered the Mayo Audit of Oral Heritage Recordings, which aimed to list all known voice recordings of Mayo folklore, oral history, tradition etc.

 

Following an extraordinary public response last year, they are now commencing an ambitious Phase II in 2025. They are confident there is even more precious material recorded over the years around the county, which they do not want to miss.

 

Finding the Recorded Voices of Mayo

To compile the list of Mayo related voice recordings of folklore, oral history, tradition etc, the Heritage Office of Mayo County Council wants to hear from anyone with information on collections or recordings.

 

If you wish to contribute or find out more, you can get in contact with Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting, at [email protected] or 086 778 4669.

The Dementia Social Club takes place on the second Tuesday of each month in Killala Community Centre.

The Cat and Dog Protection Association of Ireland (CDPA) is a registered, volunteer run animal charity and you can find out more about their work here: https://www.cdpa.ie/

Apple:  Inclusion Health – Voices from the margins Podcast – Apple Podcasts

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lLCeTOgsLYi249dOh7Lbh