Ballina’s laneways come alive for Mayo Culture Night 2026
The event, delivered by the Clarke Museum of Irish History in partnership with Event Audio Visual, is free to attend and offers a unique way to experience Ballina as part of the wider Mayo Culture Night 2026 celebrations.
Ballina’s historic laneways will once again come alive with music, song and celebration on Friday, 18 September, as Laneways & Sessions returns as part of Mayo Culture Night 2026.
From 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm, the town centre will become a vibrant trail of live performances, with music and entertainment taking place in some of Ballina’s historic laneways and at locations around the town. The event is free to attend, with locals and visitors invited to come along, explore and enjoy the atmosphere.
The evening is being delivered by the Clarke Museum of Irish History in partnership with Event Audio Visual, with support from local community organisations and groups.
The programme will begin at the Clarke Museum of Irish History, where a special Comhaltas Cuimsiú Session will take place from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Led by Mary Munnelly and Breege Gleeson, the relaxed and inclusive traditional Irish music session has been created especially with disabled people and people with additional needs in mind. Musicians, singers, dancers, families, friends and support persons are all welcome to take part or simply enjoy the session.
The session is supported by Ballina Autism Friendly Town, ÁIRC – Supporting Children with Disabilities in Mayo and Down Syndrome Mayo. A quiet sensory room will also be available throughout the evening, providing a calm space for anyone who may experience sensory overload and would like somewhere to take a break and reset before returning to the celebrations.
As the evening continues, music will spread through Ballina’s laneways, with performances offering different sounds and styles as audiences move between locations. Bofield CCÈ will be among those performing during the evening at the Clarke Museum of Irish History.
“We’re so excited to see Ballina’s laneways come alive again for Culture Night,” said Anne Marie Forbes of the Clarke Museum of Irish History. “It’s about connecting people, place and history in a way that feels very special.”
Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, said the event was a great example of the community coming together to celebrate Ballina’s culture and character.
“Laneways & Sessions brings together local organisations, performers and community groups to create something really special in the heart of Ballina,” she said.
“It gives people an opportunity to experience the town differently, while celebrating music, culture and community. We’re delighted to support the promotion of the event and encourage people to come into Ballina, explore the laneways and enjoy the evening.”
With its combination of traditional music, live performance, heritage and inclusive programming, Laneways & Sessions offers a unique way to experience Ballina as part of the wider Mayo Culture Night 2026 celebrations.
The event takes place on Friday, 18 September from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm and is free and open to everyone.
For further information and details of other Culture Night events taking place across Mayo, visit culturenight.ie or follow The Clarke Museum of Irish History on social media.