Popular festival in North Mayo set to attract massive crowd with action packed line-up

From Horse Racing to Greyhound Racing, Bingo to Karaoke, there is plenty for both tourists and locals to enjoy as the popular Geesala Festival takes place. Running for the past 30 years, the annual Festival always brings an excited crowd together in the heartland of North Mayo. 

Starting off on Sunday, August 10, the festival gets underway with deep sea angling. There will be a vintage car and tractor display across the afternoon whilst in the evening there will be live music at the Erris Coast hotel and in the High Chaparral which is set to open just in time for the exciting week long festival. There are numerous action packed fun events taking place across the entire week with a large crowd expected in North Mayo.

On the final two days (August 16 and 17), there will be enthralling Horse Racing that will capture the spirits of many as five races occur on Saturday while there are ten races on Sunday afternoon. With scenic views along Doolough beach, there will be bookies for those that fancy a flutter, live music for all to enjoy while there will be a competition for the best dressed Lady and Man on the day with plenty of entertainment present for children also. The races are a huge feature of the festival as in the past, people have come from all across the country including former champion jockey, Nina Carberry. 

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Friday, August 15 will be a special day for many as the Cruinniú na mBád takes place. Celebrating 70 years, the traditional boat race will start at 1pm with the opening and blessing of the boats taking place at 12.30. 

With music on every one of the eight evenings, a large crowd is expected to flock to the Erris Peninsula for an enjoyable action packed Geesala festival. 

The Geesala Festival takes place from Sunday August 10-17. For a full list of events and activities taking place, click here.