Major Comedy Festival returns to Mayo town this May

One of Ireland’s most celebrated comedy festivals is set to return to Castlebar, Co. Mayo this May, bringing a major boost to the town’s entertainment calendar.

Cat Laughs Comedy Festival will stage a special two-night event at the TF Royal Theatre on May 21 and 22, 2026, featuring a line-up of 16 leading comedians.

The Castlebar edition marks the festival’s expansion beyond its traditional base, with organisers promising the same high-energy format that has made it a household name.

Audiences can expect the popular “Nine Lives” format, which sees a series of rapid-fire stand-up sets delivered by multiple comedians on one stage in a single night.

Among those performing on the opening night are Karl Spain, Chris Kent, Hal Cruttenden, Laura Lexx, Ger Staunton, John Colleary, Dane Buckley and Rich Hall, with more acts expected across the two nights.

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The event has been designed by festival founder Richard Cook in collaboration with TF Royal’s Pat Jennings, with hopes that the Castlebar shows will become a regular fixture on the comedy calendar in the West.

Organisers say the move will bring “massive talent, belly laughs and unforgettable craic” to Mayo, with the festival long regarded as one of the best comedy events in Ireland.

Tickets are now on sale, with audiences advised to arrive early as seating is unreserved. The venue will also operate a cashless system, accepting card payments only.