Excitement is building locally as preparations continue for the 80th Ballygar Carnival, running from August 1st to August 6th inclusive.
In addition to the popular amusement rides that are synonymous with the annual event, a huge line-up of exciting concerts, activities, and attractions will form part of this year’s milestone carnival, with something for everyone!
Thursday, August 1
The fun begins at 6.15 pm with an official Grand Carnival Opening outside the Mattie McDonagh Centre, when a special plaque celebrating the 80th anniversary of Ballygar Carnival will be unveiled.
This will be followed by the Carnival Football Blitz at 6.45 pm, hosted by St Brendan’s Football Club at the new GAA pitch.
From there, it’ll be onto the first of the ‘Live At The Centre’ events, which will see a fantastic line-up of performers taking to the stage at the Mattie McDonagh Centre over the course of the carnival.
This first performance will see award-winning Irish singer and multi-platinum Irish bestseller Seán Keane perform traditional Irish, folk, country and blues songs. Admission costs €20, and doors open at 7.30 pm for an 8 pm start.
The second ‘Live At The Centre’ event will follow directly after, when the Big Ideas band return to Ballygar Carnival to deliver yet another energetic performance. Admission costs €10, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12 am start.
Friday, August 2
The second day begins with a free orienteering event through Aghrane Forest, hosted by The Western Eagles, Galway Orienteering. From 11 am to 2 pm, this event will challenge you to reach all the given checkpoints in the quickest time, using only your map as a guide.
From 2 pm to 4 pm, a free display of brochures and memorabilia from over the carnival’s 80-year existence will be on view at Coláiste Mhuire (it can also be viewed on the Monday).
Music forms the rest of the evening’s entertainment. The Annaly Céilí Band will perform a free ‘Céilí at the Crossroads’ event at 7 pm outside Fallon’s Bar. And another exciting ‘Live At The Centre’ event will round off the day, when Derek Warfield (founder and leader of the Wolfe Tones for 38 years) performs a show with the Young Wolfe Tones. Admission is €15, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12 am start.
Saturday, August 3
A busy programme kicks off the bank holiday weekend on Saturday, August 3rd.
A free photography exhibition presented by Shane Coyle will be held at The Courthouse from 11 am to 2 pm, showcasing a stunning collection featuring local wildlife.
From 11 am to 2 pm, the Michéal Brennan Memorial Tournament (hosted by Ballygar Hurling Club) will be held at the new GAA pitch, accommodating various age groups.
The day’s earlier events will include the ‘Discovering Aghrane’ walk, hosted by Padraic Hannon. Beginning at 11 am, the initial walk will take 1.5 hours, with the option of embarking on an additional hour for those interested.
A fun game of Junior Tag Rugby will take place from 12 pm to 2 pm at the Niall Walsh Pitch, hosted by Creggs Rugby Club.
From 2 pm to 4 pm, local historian Paul Connolly will host a free ‘Bus Tour Throughout the Ages’. Starting at the Courthouse, this popular tour will journey through historical places of interest in the local area.
At 6 pm, the free ‘Candlelit Tales’ event will be held at the Old School (F42YA62). Featuring professional storyteller Sorcha Hegarty and Irish actor Aron Hegarty (Game of Thrones), this event’s performances are sure to make you laugh, cry, and maybe even roar!
At 8.15 pm, a free ‘Hooley of Poetry, Song, and Moving Image’ event, hosted by Margaret Hannigan Popp, will take place at the Courthouse. Several local creatives’ work will feature and the launch of local poet Mary Turley McGrath’s book ‘After Image’ will also take place.
The first ‘Beat On The Street’ event – a series of free street performances taking place as part of the carnival – will kick off at 9.30 pm, when The Wilful band give a performance infusing classic hits with a fun twist.
This will be followed by another ‘Live At The Centre’ event, which will see leading Irish singer Mike Denver return to Ballygar for an exciting performance. Admission is €20, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12 am start.
Sunday, August 4
Sunday’s events begin at 10.30 am with a special Mass at St Mary’s Church, to commemorate former committee members.
At 12 pm, the 5km Carnival Fun Run through Aghrane Forest will be held. Entry costs €5.
The Mattie McDonagh Centre will have lots on offer for younger attendees through the day. At 4 pm, the free annual Ballygar Carnival Children’s Fancy Dress competition will kick off. At 6 pm, the Mad Professor Fun Science show will be held, hosted by Really Grand Events. And at 7 pm, the Children’s Treasure Trail will begin outside the centre.
The Ballinasloe Town Band will deliver a wonderful, free street performance from 7 pm outside St Mary’s Church. They will be followed at 8 pm by a dynamic performance from Blasta Brass in collaboration with Peelo School of Dance.
‘Beat On The Street’ continues at 9.30 pm with a performance by world-touring band The Half Landing.
Another ‘Live At The Centre’ event will feature supergroup Spring Break set to perform the best ‘80s and ‘90s hits, supported by local singer-songwriter Aimee Carty. Admission is €10, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12 am start.
Monday, August 5
From 9 am, the traditional fair day will take place on Main Street, with a craft market in the Mattie McDonagh Centre.
Between 1 pm and 4 pm, a bird of prey display will be held at Ballygar NS, with hosts Animal Magic providing an interactive display of hawks, falcons, and owls.
The Ballygar Carnival Dog Show – one of Ireland’s biggest – will take place at Niall Walsh Pitch, with registration from 12 pm and judging at 1 pm.
Monday will also see the popular busking competition held from 1 pm on Main Street, with a variety of musicians battling it out to win the trophy.
‘Beat On The Street’ continues at 3 pm when the Celtic Gypsys bring some of the oldest and best Irish songs to life. At 9 pm local musicians Stevie B and Adrian Whyte deliver some fantastic music and great craic.
The final ‘Live At The Centre’ event will see The Tumbling Paddies deliver their highly-anticipated performance. Admission costs €20, and doors open at 11.30 pm for a 12.15 am start.
Tuesday, August 6
The final day features a nature walk from 2 pm, hosted by Michael Bell – Chairperson of Birdwatch Ireland, Sligo branch.
The last event will be Monster Bingo, beginning at 8.30 pm at the Mattie McDonagh Centre. With a €3,000 jackpot and up to €7,000 in prizes, this is an event not to be missed!
In conclusion
Between the fun rides provided by Murray’s Amusements and this jam-packed programme, Ballygar Carnival 2024 promises to uphold its rich legacy when it celebrates its 80th anniversary from August 1st to August 6th – so don’t miss out!
For more information, visit ballygar.ie/ballygarcarnival, follow the carnival’s social media, or email ballygarcarnival@ballygar.ie.
