Mayo Pride has become a beacon for LGBTQI+ people and allies in the West, offering not just a fun festival but a vital sense of belonging.

This year’s edition, running on June bank holiday weekend, promises a vibrant mix of culture, nightlife, and outdoor adventure.
“We’re the first Pride to kick off the season, which is always a big honour,” says Shaun Lavelle from Crossmolina, who is a Mayo Pride committee member.

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“What’s really different about Mayo Pride is that, because we’re rural and Mayo has gorgeous outdoor spaces, we try to make the most of it We have a hike up Croagh Patrick, a “Ride with Pride” along the Greenway, which includes a food tour of local breweries and an oyster farm. And of course, the parade itself takes place early Saturday afternoon in Westport.”

There are also nightlife elements. On Friday night, May 30, Mayo Pride kicks off with the “Haus of Wig” drag show, including performances from Shaqira Knightly, Donna Fella, Naomi Diamond, and a whole crew of iconic guests and friends. They opened the Chapell Roan gig in Dublin earlier this year. Haus of Wig is the hottest ticket in town.

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Mayo Pride means a lot for the community

Since 2017, Mayo Pride has been contributing to the cultural life in the county. It's going to be a weekend full of celebration. It's for everyone, not just the LGTBQI+ community, for friends and family.

Mayo Pride means a lot for the community: “It’s huge. If you’re LGBT and living in the West, there’s really no physical space to meet other people or be around friends and family”, Lavelle explains. “Ireland is incredibly progressive, but it’s about having a space where people can get together. For many, this is the one time of year when people can be together physically.”

Unfortunately, in recent years it's become harder to find financial support, especially for rural Pride events. Some local Prides aren’t happening this year because they don’t have the money for it.

“We feel it ourselves, it gets a little more difficult every year to run a Pride, which is a pity because the rural Prides are the most important ones”, Lavelle states.

But Mayo Pride are grateful for sponsorship by AbbVie in Westport, who play a crucial role in keeping the event afloat.
“Businesses in Westport and around Mayo have been incredibly supportive.

This year, for the first time, we have a physical Pride program sponsored by local businesses. That support means a lot, especially as for many attendees, it’s their first Pride, or their first Pride in Mayo.”

Shaun reiterates, if you’re LGBT -especially if you’re older or younger- it can be intimidating to come to a Pride, if you don’t know anyone.

But a local Pride is a really good place to start because by the end of the weekend, everyone knows everyone, which doesn’t happen at bigger city Prides. He says, everyone who feels intimidated, can reach out to them and they'll help however they can.

Shaun is calling on anyone to come and show support, either in person or financially, as LGBT rights are under attack worldwide.

“We’re lucky in Ireland, but we can’t take rights for granted. If there was ever a year to come and show support, this is the year.”

It is important to remind ourselves that these events aren't only parties. They form part of a wider struggle for rights and with Donald Trump being president again more so than ever.

“A colleague of mine put it beautifully,” Lavelle recalls: “When she was growing up, the USA was a lighthouse of hope for young LGBT people. Now, if someone’s growing up around the world, where is that lighthouse?”

For more info and tickets for Mayo Pride 2025: www.mayopride.com.