A decade of culture and community in Westport

AS Westport Town Hall Theatre celebrates ten years since its major redevelopment, it stands proudly as a beacon of culture, creativity, and community spirit in the heart of Co Mayo. From its neoclassical origins in 1903 to its present role as a modern, inclusive arts venue, the theatre’s story is one of perseverance, partnership, and passion for the arts.

Originally commissioned by the Archdiocese of Tuam, the building served generations of locals, first as a town hall and later extending as the new Cinema Theatre before ultimately operating as the Town Hall. By 2008, the once vibrant space had fallen into disrepair and was forced to close for health and safety reasons. However, the people of Westport were not prepared to lose such an important cultural cornerstone.

A massive community-driven effort was launched to reimagine the hall for a new era. Spearheaded by local businessman Noel Kavanagh alongside Michael Ring and the late Seán Staunton (former Editor of The Mayo News), all who together tenaciously enlisted the backing of Mayo County Council, Fáilte Ireland, the South-West Mayo Development Company, and the Department of Tourism Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The €3.2 million redevelopment was collectively possible thanks to the unwavering support of the local community. Key groups within the Westport Parish, most notably St Patrick’s Drama Group, were instrumental in ensuring the project’s success, offering both advocacy and grassroots support.

Year-round venue

SINCE reopening in June 2015, Westport Town Hall Theatre has grown into a thriving, year-round venue that caters for all ages and artistic tastes. It has played host to some of Ireland’s most celebrated performers, including Phil Coulter, Brendan Grace, Tommy Tiernan, Neil Delamere, Jack Lukeman, and Christy Moore. Legendary singer and musician Seán Keane has become a beloved fixture, anchoring a hugely popular 10-week summer residency at the theatre since 2016. The venue also features monthly visual arts exhibitions by both professional and amateur artists, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity. It is home to a wide range of workshops and classes in drama, dance, and music for both children and adults. Moreover, the theatre serves as a regular meeting space for many local groups including the Westport Town Hall Community Choir, St Patrick’s Bridge Club, Westport Foróige, RehabCare, Western Care, Westport Daffodil Day Committee, Westport Pony Club, Westport Autism Friendly Town initiative, Westport Tidy Towns and Westport Toastmasters — to name just a few.

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Situated on Westport’s iconic Octagon, the theatre has become a true community hub, central to local celebrations such as Spraoi na Nollag, the St Patrick’s Day Parade festivities, and Mayo Day. It serves as the main base of operations for many of Westport’s premier festivals, including Westival, Westport Festival of Chamber Music, Rolling Sun Book Festival, and the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival whose headline concert was the very first event to take place in the newly reopened venue in 2015.

The theatre’s strong community ethos is evident not only on its stage, but on its very walls. The balcony of the town hall has become a cherished platform for celebrating local pride — hosting countless homecomings and celebrations for community sporting heroes, including All-Ireland winners in rugby, GAA, soccer, Irish dancing and boxing. These moments of joy and unity have further cemented the theatre’s place at the heart of civic life.

Efficient structure

THE successful operation of Westport Town Hall Theatre is made possible by a dedicated efficient structure. The facility is overseen by a voluntary Board of Directors who bring their time, expertise, and community knowledge to the strategic running of the venue. Day-to-day operations are carried out by a small but committed team of two full-time staff members and three part-time employees. Crucially, the theatre also benefits from the support of community employment schemes facilitated by Westport Chamber of Commerce and the South West Mayo Development Company. These schemes provide essential staff who contribute significantly to the smooth functioning of the facility. In addition, a volunteer network of approximately 15 local individuals plays a vital role — assisting with front-of-house duties, events, workshops and performances. The venue’s continued success is deeply reliant on this collaborative and community-driven support structure.

Since 2023, the Town Hall has also served as Westport’s official tourist information centre, following the closure of Fáilte Ireland’s local office. This function now operates from the Town Hall’s foyer, significantly increasing daily footfall and strengthening the building’s role as a civic, cultural and visitor hub. The Theatre has thus evolved into a space that welcomes and serves both residents and tourists — making it a vital link between culture, community, and the local economy.

Beyond professional productions, Westport Town Hall Theatre has cultivated a vibrant, participatory spirit. Its very own annual pantomime has become a cornerstone of the cultural calendar. Launched in 2018, the pantomime has grown from strength to strength, offering a joyful and educational opportunity for people of all ages. Participants ranging from children to adults develop their skills in drama, dance, song, and stage production in a truly intergenerational celebration of community creativity. 2025/2026 will mark the pantomime’s 8th Production.

During the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the theatre continued to innovate with initiatives like the 'Solas Sessions', ensuring connection between artists and audiences even in the toughest of times. Today, with its 225-seat auditorium, flexible event spaces, and welcoming atmosphere, Westport Town Hall Theatre remains a vital space where culture lives and thrives.

Legacy

AS they mark this significant milestone, all at the facility don’t just celebrate a building, but a living, breathing embodiment of what a united and inspired community can achieve. The theatre’s success over the past decade reflects the talent, tenacity, and togetherness of Westport — a legacy sure to grow even stronger in the years ahead.

Everyone at Wesport Town Hall Theatre are deeply grateful to all the audiences, businesses, and stakeholders who have supported the facility over the past ten years. Your encouragement, loyalty, and belief in what they do have been absolutely vital in keeping the show on the road. Whether it's attending a performance, volunteering your time, sponsoring an event, or simply spreading the word — your support has sustained and inspired every step of the way. As they look forward to the next chapter, everyone involved do so with heartfelt thanks and a shared commitment to continue making Westport Town Hall Theatre a place where culture, community, and creativity thrive.