Lots of great music at Ballina Heritage Day

National Heritage Day takes place in Ballina on Wednesday, July 15, and there is plenty of exciting music on offer around the town between the main stage at the Post Office and the bandstand at the centre of town.

There is an incredible lineup at the main stage with a mixture of music and dance to keep the crowds clapping and foot-tapping along. Veteran sean-nós dancer Ronan Regan, Moffatt School of Dancing and the Tara Kennedy School of Dancing are among the performers. Ronan will also be performing at the Bandstand on Heritage Day.

There will be a performance from the Deel Strawboys as well, bringing one of Ireland’s most unique folklore traditions to the main stage in Ballina.

The main stage will also be the place to catch CLADA and the Bofield Harp Ensemble while local folk band Billow Wood while also be performing, ahead of their US tour this autumn.

The All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band champions Glór na dTonn will be performing on the main stage at lunchtime. The band draws inspiration from legendary musicians such as James Morrison and Michael Coleman and are rooted in the rich musical traditions of Mayo and Sligo. Their highly anticipated debut album Come West Along The Road – An Bóthar Siar features a selection of tunes and songs the band has enjoyed performing together over the years.

Down at the Bandstand, there will be performance from singer Grace Ruane with Martin O’Donnell, Laura Greavy and Oisin Ginty. Bofield CCE (15-18 years) will put on a top performance and so too will the Emma Holmes School of Irish Traditional Singers and the Sylvan Kelly School of Irish Dancing.

Sean-nós dancer Kevin Cunniffe will be backed by box player Melissa Clarke for a special performance. For Folk’s Sake and No Limits are the bands that will be playing at the Bandstand.

One of Ireland’s fastest rising country music stars Chloe Sweeney will be live in Ballina on Heritage Day. Chloe has earned a growing reputation for her engaging stage presence, and deep appreciation for traditional country music while bringing a fresh, youthful energy to the genre. She has gained a large following in a short span of time and this following may well grow after her appearance in Ballina.

There will plenty of music around town all day. The Ballina Salmon Festival Busking Competition 2026 continues on Heritage Day with performers hoping to get the judge’s seal of approval to enter the Grand Finale on Saturday.

A Céilí Mór, which promises plenty of craic, will take place at the IQ Marquee on Market Square. The Copperplate Céilí Band will kick off the fun at 11.30am with an Inclusion hour. Glór na dTonn will be playing down at the IQ from 3pm. There will also be performances at the IQ from the Deel Strawboys, the Sheila Moffatt School of Irish Dancing, Ciumsiú Mhaigh Eo and the Tara Kennedy School of Irish Dancing throughout the day.