Children’s Irish Traditional Music Group 
Venue: Claremorris Family Resource Centre, Mount St, Claremorris F12 H2C2
Reminder – Monthly Social Club returns Monday 29th January / IT Drop-in resumes next Wednesday 21st January! Monthly Social Club:
IT Drop-in/Tech Help Hub for over 55s:
The Cuan Modh Knitting and Crocheting meet at the Cuan Modh Day Centre every Thursday from 1pm-3pm. There is lots of chat over a cup of tea or coffee as well as swapping ideas, patterns, tips, tricks and resources. If you enjoy Knitting and Crocheting or would like to learn these skills, please drop in and while away a few hours in good company. All welcome.
Physio-led Pilates
Ag tosú ar an 5 Eanáir 2026
▶️ Maidin an Luain & an gCeadaoin ag7 r.n
▶️ Trathnóna an Luain & an gCeadaoin ag 6:30 i.n
Téigh i dteagmháil le Christina chun d’ainm a chlárú nó le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais: 0857546364
****************************
Starting 5th of January 2026, block commencing:
▶️ Monday & Wednesday Mornings at 7am
▶️ Monday & Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm
Contact Christina to register your name or for more information: 0857546364
Thursdays @ 9:00 AM Fridays @ 3:00 PM Dalton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo
Sleep better Feel better Move, breathe & live better
To book or learn more, text or WhatsApp Joseph: 089 247 9931
Scan the QR code or visit circleofchi.com
CHAIR YOGA IS BACK! 
The Mayo Artists Show 2025 is on show at:
Ballina Arts Centre until Saturday, 10 Jan andThe Linenhall, Castlebar until Friday, 16 Jan
It features over 40 talented Mayo artists, don’t miss your chance to support local creativity
More: https://www.thelinenhall.com/…/mayo-artists-show-2025
Join Balla Community Centre for their Special Bingo for the Month of January which supports critical local projects.
Balla Bingo takes place every Sunday evening, with sales closing at 6.00pm, and eyes down for 8pm. It’s a great way for people to support the community while having a bit of fun. All proceeds go directly back into community projects and events in Balla.
Men on the Move Mayo is BACK for 2026! 
**Castlebar** Monday, Jan 12th
8:00 PM Lough Lannagh Car Park
Book with Emer: 087 656 8693 **Kilmovee** Tuesday, Jan 13th
7:30 PM Community Centre Book with Tracy: 087 447 9227
Starting soon in **Killala** and **Ardagh**, with more locations to follow!
Keep checking our socials and website for updates.
Ever thought about starting your own business or developing an activity or experience?
What’s included?
A basic Start Your Own Business workshop Practical start-up advice from the Local Enterprise Office Venue: Islandeady Community Centre
Time: 6.30pm
Cost: Free (places are limited) Please register in advance using the link below: Please share with anyone who might be interested, and keep an eye on Facebook: “What’s on in Islandeady” for updates.
Weekly art workshops with artist Ciara O’Hara (Ciara O’Hara artist) return Wednesday 14th January. Bookings are still open for 3.30pm. Your child(ren) will take inspiration from the world around them, as well as from old masters and contemporary artists, to create wonderful, unique artworks.
With a focus on fun and creativity, children will be encouraged to express themselves creatively, exploring a range of materials; all the while learning new creative techniques.
Information:
• Open to all primary school kids, aged 5+ (5 weeks for €65 per child).
• Class 1 at 3.30pm – 4.30pm & class 2 at 5pm – 6pm. (All children must be dropped off to and picked up from the Art Workshop Room.)
• All materials are provided.
• Art Workshop Room, 1st Floor.
Ciara O’Hara is an Irish visual artist based in Co. Mayo. She graduated in 2006 with a BA (hons) in Fine Art Printmaking and Art History from National College of Art and Design, Dublin; she also has a MA in Cultural Policy and Arts Management from University College Dublin.
To book visit www.ballinaartscentre.com or call box office on 096 73593.
Direct link Ticketbooth
Upcoming Events at Outwest 
Every Saturday
2pm – 5pm
21st January
From 7pm
30th January From 7pm
We’re also looking for volunteers
Fundraiser for Cara Iorrais Friday 16th January at Saint Brendan’s College, Belmullet.
Mayo Community Games are hosting a kickstart session in an effort to boost volunteers within the area, taking place on Saturday, 17th January in Balla Community Centre from 11am-2pm.
For more information, visit: https://www.cairncommunitygames.ie/
Read Aloud at Westport Library!
Read poetry or prose; your own or one special to you.
(5 minutes maximum for each contribution). Sat 17th Jan 2pm Westport Library
Listeners & Voices – All welcome!
Tea & coffee provided.
Don’t bin your batteries! Drop off your used Christmas batteries to Carabine’s Centra – Bangor Erris by Sunday 18th January.
Kickstart Your January with Couch to 5K! 
Start Date: Monday, 19th January Time:7:30 PM Location: Claremorris Athletic Track Queries:Contact John Timothy at **087 9099910**
Free parent webinar: Supporting Neurodivergent Teens Experiencing Social Exclusion with Dr. Malie Coyne – Clinical Psychologist
There are just a few places remaining in Cúram Claremorris’s Chair Yoga class commencing Monday January 19th at 2.30p.m. Contact 094 9362096 to book your place.
Yoga classes with Sophie starting on Tuesday 20th January at 7:30pm at Carracastle Community Centre, F45 DY61. €10 per person, free taster class for newcomers. For more information & to book your place, please contact Sophie at (083) 479 8831.
Ballyhaunis Community Council’s popular genealogy and heritage group will meet again on Tuesday Jan 20 at 7.30pm when they’ll have local historian (and member of Mayo Genealogy Group) Billy Lyons, immensely knowledgeable on the history of the wider Ballyhaunis area, come talk and answer questions on how to research your family or townland. This is a lovely group for anyone with an interest in chatting about history and having a cup of tea in a warm space on a winter’s eve! Community Hall F35Y337
January Public Meeting – Save the Date!
The Lough Carra Catchment Association meets on Tuesday 20 January 8:00pm Clogher Community Centre: F12 EK24
A great chance to hear about local environmental work and what’s happening around Lough Carra.
updates on LCCA Recent Activities
updates on Lough Carra LIFE Project All welcome – please share!
The Living Well Programme for people living with long-term health conditions has three programmes coming up in Mayo this winter/spring:
Ballinrobe, beginning on Tuesday the 20th of January 2026.
Castlebar, beginning on Wednesday 21st of January 2026.
Ballina, beginning Thursday 5th of March 2026.
The programme is delivered once a week, over a 6-week period in a friendly and supportive setting.
Please see below link for more information about the course: www.hse.ie/livingwell
Join us to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Kathleen Lynn and to experience the creative and digital work developed through HeritACT.
Venue: Jackie Clarke Collection Date: Wednesday 21st January | 17:00 – 19:00
Programme includes:
- Exhibition by Foróige participants responding to the life of Dr. Kathleen Lynn, facilitated by Joanna Hopkins (Visual artist working in video, drawing, photography and installation).
- Stories of Dr. Kathleen Lynn by Dr. Yvonne McDermott (Lecturer in History & Geography, ATU)
- Introduction and demonstration of HeritACT’s augmented reality app which recalls memories of the Ballina Mineral Water Company.
*Refreshments provided
Overview
HeritACT is a three-year, European-funded project that activates heritage through engaging experiences aimed at sustainable development. The project involves 14 partners across five European countries and uses seven digital tools (the HeritACT toolkit) to implement nine heritage solutions in three pilot sites: Milan, Elefsina, and Ballina. In Ballina, the project explores how institutional buildings and sites can serve as shared centres supporting the EU Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus, while preserving social, cultural, and artistic heritage and welcoming new communities. In early 2026 six solutions will be progressed in Ballina, reactivating underused spaces for public and community use. This evening event also marks the introduction of HeritACT’s nature-based solution to Kathleen Lynn Lane & Courtyard, scheduled to take place in February 2026.
This event is free but ticketed – tickets are available via Eventbrite(www.eventbrite.ie/e/1980097528009?aff=oddtdtcreator)
Education, Training & Careers Expo – Mayo Speak face-to-face with universities, colleges and training providers Explore apprenticeships, further education and career options Get clear answers to real questions all in one place St Mary’s Hall, ATU Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Free entry everyone welcome Come along, ask questions, and find your next step.
Ireland West Camino: A Pilgrimage Reborn
Pre-Premiere Screenings | January 22–26
A series of pre-premiere screenings of the new feature-length documentary Ireland West Camino: A Pilgrimage Reborn will take place across County Mayo and Roscommon from January 22–26, culminating in a special screening at Ballintubber Abbey.
For more information and a schedule of screenings, visit: Ballintubber Abbey Trust DAC | A Pilgrimage Reborn – Pre-premiere screening of Ireland West Camino
Dark Sky Walks – Every Friday until 27th March! 
Next available date: Friday 23rd January Every Friday Walk starts at 8pm
Pick-up at 7.30pm from Newport to Letterkeen provided – spaces are limited so booking is essential!
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
FREE to attend
To book Email: [email protected]
Join them for a gentle, restorative meditation class with local meditation teacher Rosemary Duffy on Friday afternoons to help you wind down for the weekend.
For more see: Weekend wind-down with Rosemary — Mayo Cancer Support Association
Places are limited. To reserve a spot call (094)9038407 or email [email protected]
Support “Burrishoole GAA Goes to Hollywood” fundraiser Card Drive on Friday, 23rd January at 8pm in Newport National School. With cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, refreshments on the night and €10 entry, it’s set to be a great evening for all. Everyone welcome — bring a friend, enjoy the fun and support your local club and community.
What a great idea Bring along some clothes you don’t want anymore and swap them for another item of clothing at this #foroige event at their brand new building on Pearce Street, F26 E6R6
Friday 23rd of January
Beidh Cluiche Cartaí 25 ag CLG Cill Chomáin ar an Domhnach 25ú Eanair i halla Uí hÉilí Gleann na Muaidhe ag 7.30i.n.
Duais: €1300
Ticéad: €10 an ticéad agus tá siad ar díol sna pharoiste.
Beidh raifil ar an oíche agus soláistí ar fáil
Cill Chomáin 25 Card Drive will take place on the Sunday the 25th of January in Healys Hall Glenamoy at 7.30pm Sharp.
Prizemoney €1300
Tickets €10 each and are on sale throughout the parishes.
Raffle and refreshments served
OutWest Book Club – First Meeting! 
Teas, coffees & snacks provided Open, relaxed and welcoming space Come along whether you’re a big reader or just curious
Messy Tots is coming to Balla! 
Sensory World & Music 
Contact Magda to book your place
This January the RSA’s Check it Fits service will be visiting County Mayo. Did you know it’s the law that all children under 150cms or 36kgs must use a child car seat appropriate to their weight and height. In Ireland as many as 54% of child car seats are incorrectly fitted which can lead to serious injury or even death in a collision.
RSA will be visiting the following locations in Mayo:
Smyths Toys Claremorris, Galway Road, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, F12 W2T1 10.00am – 5.30pm Tuesday 27 January 2026
SuperValu Ballina, Moloney’s SuperValu, Abbeyhalfquarter, Ballina, Co. Mayo, F26 X8F2 10.00am – 5.30pm Wednesday 28 January 2026
Totally Toys, Moneen Industrial Estate, Moneenbradagh, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 DH24 10.00am – 5.30pm Thursday 29 January 2026
FREE Beginner English Classes
Do you want to practice speaking English?
Do you want English for everyday life (shopping, talking to people, appointments)?
These are conversation classes for beginners.
The classes are friendly and relaxed. Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00–12:00 Old Mill Hostel, Westport 27 January – 12 March 2026
(1 week break in the middle) Register here: https://l7ynu3g4muv.typeform.com/to/oUKlN6F3
Mayo Pride AGM Wednesday, January 28th at 7pm Westport or join us online via Zoom Education Officer Fundraising Officer Merchandise Officer Outdoor Events Coordinator Volunteer Officer
January 29th 2026 8pm Scoil Phádraig, Westport
Cong Moytura Heritage Society Spring Talk Series 2026
Our first 2026 Spring Talk is by Jacinta Barrins, a retired UN Diplomat and Climate Mentor, who is to present a lecture entitled “Demystifying Climate Change”” on Thursday, 29 January at 8pm in the Crossroads Community Centre, Cong, F31 Y97. This will be helpful talk on what actions we can take at a household level to address climate change such as the link between making a cup of tea and climate change! This is a Free talk and refreshments will be served afterwards.
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐙
The John McFadden Festival 2026: A Celebration of Culture, Music, and Community
Friday 30th January – Sunday 1st February
We’re thrilled to announce the return of the John McFadden Festival 2026 for its fourth year! Taking place in the picturesque town of Newport, Co. Mayo, this year’s festival promises to be an extraordinary celebration of culture, music, and community spirit.
With an exciting and diverse lineup, there’s something for everyone:
Workshops in music, singing, and dancing to engage and inspire
Lively music sessions filled with energy and tradition
A spirited céilí to bring everyone together on the dance floor
A magical concert featuring exceptional talent
Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or joining us for the first time, the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of the John McFadden Festival makes it a true highlight of the cultural calendar.
Mark your dates and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Newport, Co. Mayo!
For more information and a programme of events, visit: John Mc Fadden Festival
Straide Women’s Group AGM is on Saturday 31st January at 11am in Straide Davitt Community Hall. The meeting will include a review of last year and outline plans for 2026. New Members are very welcome.
*** Louisburgh & Killeen Heritage welcome you to their first event for 2026 ***
Join Louisburgh & Killeen Heritage in Killeen Community Centre on Saturday 31st January 2026 and make some traditional crosses using rushes. A Free Event, all ages and abilities welcomed.
Children, Young People and Adults – People of all ages and abilities are warmly invited to join Mayo Comhaltas for their next Comhaltas Cuimsiú Session — a relaxed and inclusive traditional music session created especially for those with disabilities or additional needs.
Whether you play the fiddle, bodhrán, harp, banjo, a non-traditional instrument, sing, dance, or simply enjoy the music, this is your chance to experience what it’s like to be part of a Trad session, surrounded by other musicians in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
The session will be led by Mary Munnelly and Chuck Jarlath Dunford and is supported by ÁIRC – Supporting Children with Disabilities in Mayo, Ballina Autism Friendly Town and Down Syndrome Mayo.
It will be hosted by Féile Sheáin Mhic Pháidín – John McFadden Festival, in Cuan Modh Centre, Newport on Sunday 1st February from 2:30pm – 4pm.
Families, friends, and support persons are encouraged to come along, listen, and enjoy the music too.
Please note that musicians and their support persons should bring any instruments needed.
All musicians must be accompanied by a support person for the duration of the session.
St Brigid’s Day in Mulranny
Mulranny Arts presents BRIDGET REIMAGINED. A powerful celebration of Saint Brigid through music, song, story and visuals by the acclaimed group Tale of the Gael. 1st February
5.00pm
RC Church, Mulranny
“This Isn’t Karaoke. This Is Strictly Lip Sync.” 
Small Steps, Big Impact: Physical Activity for Cancer Risk Reduction
The Irish Cancer Prevention Network are hosting a free World Cancer Day webinar on:
Date: Wednesday the 4th of February 2026
Time: 12pm to 1.15pm
To register for this free webinar click here
Once registered, you can watch live or receive a link to watch back at a time that is convenient for you.
For more information see: www.hse.ie/cancerprevention
Friday February 6th
8pmGreat National Hotel, Ballina, County Mayo
Tickets are €25 and available on the Mayo Roscommon Hospice website, at the link below, or by scanning the QR code.
You’re very welcome to Westport Tidy Towns’ Annual General Meeting, Saturday 7th of February.
Ranganna Gaeilge
Tapaigh an deis feabhas a chur ar do chuid Gaeilge. Beidh Ranganna Gaeilge do dhaoine fásta ag tosú i Mulranny Arts ar an Satharn, 7ú lá de Feabhra, 2026, ar feadh 8 seachtaine.
Irish Language Classes
Irish Language Classes for adults will commence at Mulranny Arts on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 from 2pm to 4pm. Classes will continue for 8 weeks. The main aim of the class will be to develop oral language skills. It will not be a Conversation Circle (Ciorcal Cómhrá).
Register your Interest
To Register your interest call Mulranny Arts at 087 9208829 or Mary at 087 3141802 or just turn up on the day. The classes will cater for beginners and improvers.
Classes are Fee of Charge.
The Ciorcal Comhrá at Mulranny Arts is an ongoing popular event, now in its 5th year of existence. It will resume on Saturday, February 7th at 2pm after a short unavoidable break due to renovations. It will continue to be held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month thereafter.
New members are always welcome. Whether you are fluent or just have a cúpla focal, beidh fíor fáilte romhat.
Tá an Ciorcal Comhrá in Ionad Ealaíon Mhaol Raithnigh ar siúl go leanúnach agus is imeacht an-tóir é, anois ina chúigiú bliain.
Fillfidh sé ar siúl Dé Sathairn, an 7 Feabhra ag 2 i.n., tar éis sos gearr dosheachanta de bharr oibreacha athchóirithe.
Leanfaidh sé ar aghaidh ar an gcéad agus ar an tríú Satharn de gach mí ina dhiaidh sin.
Bíonn fáilte roimh bhaill nua i gcónaí, cibé acu atá tú líofa nó nach bhfuil agat ach cúpla focal — beidh fíor fháilte romhat.
The Music Circle with John Hoban & Isabela Basombrío Hoban is back in Carracastle Community Centre next month!
Everyone welcome to join us on Monday 9th February from 7pm until 8:30pm to sing a song, play a tune, recite a poem or simply listen.
Tea/coffee & refreshments served, free to attend. Many thanks to The Family Centre for facilitating the event, looking forward to seeing you all then. 
Mayo Mbira Project – Open Event
Wednesday, 11 February 2026, 6pm
Linenhall Arts Centre Castlebar,
All Welcome.
Free
Come and find out about the Mayo Mbira Project at this free taster event. Get hands-on with the mbira, try it out for yourself, and learn what the project is all about.
The workshops focus on traditional mbira music from Zimbabwe. Mbira music is community music: alongside mbira playing, it includes shakers, clapping, dancing, and singing. We’ll learn one traditional tune at a time, along with its song lines, with an emphasis on listening, rhythm patterns, and song-sharing so you can continue learning between sessions. The Mayo Mbira Project is suitable for beginners and those with some musical experience. All are welcome.
Mayo Mbira Project is an initiative of Linenhall Arts Centre supported by CYPSC International Protection Fund & Arts Council Ireland.
https://www.thelinenhall.com/whats-on/workshops/mayo-mbira-project-open-event
New Year, New You. If your new year’s resolution includes practicing a foreign language, Castlebar Library is here to help. Along with an Irish table, we will have a French table, Spanish table and now an Italian table.
Next Cafe: Wednesday 11th of February
On SATURDAY, 14th of February 2026, the ‘Abbeytown/Abbeyview Resident’s Association’, based in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo are hosting a ‘Valentine’s Themed Fundraiser Table Quiz’, to help raise necessary funds to be in a position to run its ‘Annual Family Fun Day’ this year.
Event will be take place in Maughan’s Bar, Church Street, Crossmolina F26 WK33 starting at 9:00pm. Lots of fun and prizes guaranteed on the night.
Date: 14th February Location: Main Street, Newport (10.30am – 2pm)
Go yourself or grab your crew & come join Mayo Mental Health Association for what always promises to be a great morning 
Mayo Evening Classes – Winter/Spring 2026 Industry-recognised courses Practical, career-focused learning Funded options availableMayo College of Further Education, Ballina Campus, Ridgepool, Ballina.Mayo College of Further Education, Lucan Street, Castlebar. Apply now at www.fetchcourses.ie and search the course code shown on the image! 096 24017 | 085 8813528
Thursday, 12th – Saturday 21st March
094 931 0999 and also online
We’re delighted to announce that, due to continued interest, the Ready to Work and SICAP programmes at South West Mayo Development is bringing back Empowered Enterprise – Entrepreneurship for Disabled People for a second year.
This fully funded programme runs over nine sessions and is designed to support disabled people who are interested in exploring self‑employment as a viable option. Participants will be supported to build confidence, develop practical enterprise skills, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to start and run a business, all within a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. The course was developed by Professor Thomas Cooney and team at TU Dublin.
The course is open to anyone who identifies as disabled and would like to explore self‑employment, whether they are at an early idea stage or simply want to learn more about entrepreneurship as a potential pathway.
Starting Friday, 17th April
In person – Castlebar (Lough Lannagh)
Fully funded.
If you or someone you support is interested in learning more or taking the next step towards self‑employment, we’d love to hear from you.
For more information, please get in touch using the contact details provided on the poster.
Get in touch with Mayo Volunteer Centre today and let us help you connect with people who want to make a difference in your community. Call 096 71444 or email: [email protected]
Join us for a fun-filled bingo night! Doors open at 7:30 PM, with the first game starting at 8:30 PM sharp. Enjoy free refreshments while competing for fantastic prizes, including rewards for lines, corners, and full houses. Don’t miss the house raffle offering cash and bingo books to be won—it’s sure to be a night to remember! Hope to see you there!
Note: Bingo has been cancelled for Monday 5th January due to dangerous weather conditions.
Why not start of the New Year by getting your pollinator actions planned and ready for spring. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan has some excellent online resources, and recently launched their FREE online course “Managing Communities for Pollinators” covering useful topics and actions for pollinators.
This free course is aimed at community groups who are interested in making their community pollinator friendly, such as Tidy Towns, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, Green Communities, community gardens, residents’ associations, and wildlife, environmental, or youth groups. From pesticide alternatives to plant lists, pollinator-friendly mowing tips to ideas on getting the wider community involved, this is a great resource for any community rural or urban, large or small.
Sign up today!!
New course: Managing communities for pollinators » All-Ireland Pollinator Plan
