Clash of dates for North Mayo festivals

A local councillor has expressed frustration over a clash of festival dates that resulted in the Ballina Salmon Festival and the Crossmolina Festival taking place at the same time.

Cllr Michael Loftus said the organisers of the Crossmolina Festival had assigned dates for their events last year, but due to a change in the itinerary for the Ballina Salmon Festival, the two events now clashed.

“When there is a clash, one is going to miss out. We had indicated our dates last year and this year, Ballina decided to change their plans,” he told last week's municipal meeting in Ballina. “We hope there isn’t going to be a clash next year.” 

Cllr Marie-Therese Duffy said the clash of dates was a pity as both Ballina and Crossmolina are going to miss out in some way.

Cllr John O’Hara said the clash of dates would be something for the Mayo North Tourism organisation to take on board ahead of the 2026 festival season.