Mayo GAA star to open action-packed Féile Chill Damhnait

MAYO GAA footballer Jack Carney will have the honour of officially opening Féile Chill Damhnait this Friday and kick off an action packed 12 days of fun-filled activities.

Féile Chill Damhnait 2025 runs from Wednesday, August 6 until Sunday, August 17 with an action packed list of events planned with Upper Achill the place to be with events planned to cater for people of all ages.

Mayo footballer, Jack Carney will officially open the festival in the Marquee beside Patten's Bar in Dereens on Friday, August 8 at 8.30pm and will be ably assisted by Kildownet's King and Queen, Christy Gallagher and Mary McGinty.

The féile is the highlight of the summer for the local community with mant of the Diaspora travelling home especially for the féile and to meet old friends and neighbours.

One of the highlights of every féile is the show put on by members of Achill Musical and Dramatic Society who are back again this year with 'Stars in Their Eyes' on Saturday, August 9 at 8.30pm.

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The night will be inspired by the popular 90s TV show, Stars in Their Eyes, so get ready to witness our ‘stars’ transform into their favourite music icons and be amazed by some outrageous costumes and amazing dance moves.

Tickets for show are available to buy at Achill Sound Post Office and Patten's Bar as well as on www.eventbrite.ie with proceeds in aid of Shannon Lynch's Journey to Recovery.

London-born best selling writer Kate Kerrigan will make the journey to Dereens to present her critically acclaimed comedy show, 'Am I Irish Yet?' on Wednesday, August 6 at 8pm.

Telling the story of the second generation Irish, this show is bound to resonate with the countless children of Achill parents who grew up in England but spent their holidays crossing the Irish Sea to Achill.

Another night not to be missed will take place on Wednesday, August 13 when the renowned magician, Keith Barry will perform his show Brainwashed on Achill for the first time ever.

Brainwashed is a gripping spectacle that blends magic, mentalism and illusion blurring the lines between perception and reality. The show starts at 9pm with tickets available on eventbrite.ie.

Family Fun Day takes place on Sunday, August 10 starting at 12 noon with a guaranteed fun day out for the whole family with a Lego obstacle course, face painting, Achill Island Alpacas and the Achill Island Fire Brigade will also be present along with lots more besides.

Féile Chill Damhnait's famous Ladies Day on Tuesday, August 12 will be filled with Presecco, Afternoon Tea and lots more but the sad news is it has been sold out for weeks. The good news for equality is that for the first time a Men's Day will take place on Thursday, August 14 starting at 4pm. It will be an evening not to be missed with great food, plenty of pints and great craic.

The 10th anniversary Slí Ghráinne Mhaol Walk with Vivian and friends will take place on Friday, August 15 at 12 noon while the Achill Camino, a five hour hike led by experienced guide, TomásMacLochlainn takes place on Wednesday August 13.

Kevin McNeela will give a talk on technology and cybersecurity advice on Saturday, August 16 and the Paddy Lavelle Golf Competition will take place on Sunday, August 17.

Other events planned for the féile include fun and fitness with Pamela, an art demo with Padraig McCaul, Achill Beg to Cleveland presentation by Judge Seán Gallagher, as well as table quizzes, 5k and 10k road races and a cycle run.

There will be lots of musical entertainment during the féile with the Irish trad band, Ruaile Buaile playing on Saturday, August 16 while Matt Rowley and Djs, Ciarán Bennett and Eoinín also among the line-up.

The organisers of Féile Chill Damhnait are looking forward to welcoming people home for the féile and full details of events are available on their Facebook and Instagram social media pages.