Ballina Salmon Festival first took place in Ballina in 1964, and was at the time called the ‘Moy Salmon Festival’, based on the fact that Ballina was home to one of the best rivers in Ireland, with the best fishing waters and salmon in the country. This is of course the case to this day! In time, the festival was renamed the ‘Ballina Salmon Festival’, and today it remains one of the highlights of the summer months in the West of Ireland. Every year over 200,000 people descend on the North Mayo capital to enjoy our fantastic, community-based family-friendly festival. The Ballina Salmon Festival returns this July with a lively calendar of events celebrating community, culture and riverside fun. Kicking off on Saturday 12th July, the week-long programme includes family favourites like the Teddy Bears Picnic at Tom Ruane Park and the much-loved National Heritage Day on 16th July, with traditional music, crafts and street performances filling the town centre. Sports fans can take part in the Festival 5k Run, River Moy Swim and Festival Car Treasure Hunt, while the Gathering of the Boats offers a scenic highlight along the Moy. Evening entertainment includes the ‘Atlantic Rhythm’ dance event and live music by Cronin on 13th July, with a spectacular fireworks finale lighting up the riverbanks. With a mix of music, heritage, food and family fun, Ballina is the place to be this summer. Events continue throughout the week, including agricultural...