Ballina Salmon Festival returns to its roots

CELEBRATING BALLINA Crowds thronged the streets of Ballina during last year’s Salmon Festival.

A return to the festival’s river roots, an extensive, exciting children’s programme and a nod to nostalgia, are just three of the highlights awaiting visitors to Ballina for the 54th Ballina Salmon Festival. The festival runs this year from Sunday, July 8 to Sunday, July 15, and with over 70 events planned over the course of the week, this year’s programme is set to excite and delight young and old, locals and visitors alike.
A number of fun events for all ages will focus interest on the iconic River Moy, including a Fly Casting Open Day by the Game Angling Instructors Association in conjunction with Inland Fisheries Ireland, a three-hour exploration workshop incorporating science, fishing, water safety and more by the recently formed River Moy Trust, canoeing and stand-up kayaking workshops for older children, salmon-themed workshops in the Jackie Clarke Collection and a display on the Moy showcasing our river activities on the opening day of the festival. The much-loved Moy Swim will also resume this year and is set to attract a large participation.
PRO of Ballina Salmon Festival, Anne-Marie Flynn said: “Ballina Salmon Festival has always been about celebrating the people of the town and our story, and this year, we wanted to move the focus back to the River Moy, where it all began in 1964. Ballina is known as the salmon capital of Ireland, and we wanted to acknowledge our heritage and connection with the river by acknowledging our old traditions while providing new and enjoyable experiences for those attending the festival.”
The children’s event committee this year has put together an incredible programme of over 50 events, designed to give children of all ages and interests something to enjoy during festival week. From film-making to first aid, children’s yoga to martial arts, sports, SUP sessions and dance, this is the most diverse children’s offering yet.

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This year, Ballina Salmon Festival has also launched a new online ticketing system, allowing visitors from outside the region to access tickets to sought-after events in advance. A full festival programme and tickets will be available on www.ballinasalmonfestival.ie from this week, with new events and news added daily. Follow Ballina Salmon Festival – Mayo on Facebook for updates.