Ballygar Carnival
All Weekend
MURRAY’S AMUSEMENTS
It just wouldn’t be Ballygar Carnival without Murray’s Amusements! Lots of family fun with dodgems, waltzers, chair-o-planes and much more! Come along and enjoy all the fun of the fair!
Open nightly in The Square from 7:30pm.
Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday from 2pm.
Thursday 30th July
CARNIVAL FOOTBALL BLITZ
U11 Boys Tournament. Hosted by St. Brendan’s GAA Club.
6:30pm – 8:30pm • New GAA Pitch, F42 KH59
REMEMBERING THE MALAHIDE MURDERS
Presented by historian Michael Martin, this insightful talk marks the 100th anniversary of the Malahide Murders with a focus on the Ballygar connection.
8:00pm • The Courthouse, F42 TD30 • Entry: FREE
LIVE AT THE CENTRE
THE BIG IDEAS
The Big Ideas return to the opening night of Ballygar Carnival 2026, catering to all musical tastes, from country classics to pop anthems, rock hits, and more!
Doors: 10:30pm • Stage: 11pm
Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: €10
Friday 31st July
JUNIOR TAG RUGBY
A fun game of Junior Tag Rugby (non-contact). Hosted by Creggs Rugby Club. All children 8-12 years old welcome!
Registration from 5.30pm • Event: 6pm – 8pm
Niall Walsh Pitch, F42 V211 • Entry: FREE
DÚN NA SÍ MARCHING BAND
This brand new marching band have a great love of music and are simply bursting with talent! Band members age from just 5 years old up to 16 years. Don’t miss their lively Main Street parade at Ballygar Carnival ahead of their performance at the All Ireland Fleadh in Belfast.
7pm • Main Street • FREE Street Performance
CÉILÍ AT THE CROSSROADS
Ceol agus craic with Rise The Dust Céilí Band! Known for their lively yet measured style, Rise the Dust play with energy and precision – perfectly suited to dancing.
8pm • Outside Fallon’s Bar • Adm: FREE
LIVE AT THE CENTRE
AN EVENING OF DARTS WITH
“VOLTAGE” ROB CROSS
Ballygar Carnival is delighted to welcome PDC World Champion “Voltage” Rob Cross for a night of darts and fantastic entertainment! Featuring MC Ollie Turner and top tunes with DJ Carl Reddy. Prizes on the night for the Best Fancy Dress!
This is a Ticket Only Event. Tickets MUST be purchased online in advance from Universe.com. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door on the night for this event. Click the link below to purchase tickets.
Doors: 7pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre
Adm: €20 (plus booking fee)
Saturday 1st August
CARNIVAL FUN RUN
5km route through Aghrane Forest. Hosted by St. Brendan’s Ladies Football Club. Sponsored by Liam Morris Haulage.
Adults: €10, Children: €5, Family: €15. Pay on the day (cash only please).
Registration: 10:30am • Run starts: 11am
Reg: Assembly Hall, Coláiste Mhuire, F42D265
MICHÉAL BRENNAN MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
Hurling tournament for a variety of age groups. Hosted by Ballygar Hurling Club.
11am – 2pm • New GAA Pitch, F42 KH59
“AN PORTACH” ART EXHIBITION
A collection of works from local artists based around the theme of the bog. Works range from craft to visual art.
Open for viewing between 12pm – 5pm
The Courthouse, F42 TD30 • Entry: FREE
A BUS JOURNEY THROUGH THE AGES
Join local historian Paul Connolly on a tour of the local area.
This is a Ticket Only Event. Limited places available.
Tickets MUST be purchased online in advance from Universe.com.
Visit ballygar.ie/ballygarcarnival for further info.
Please ensure you arrive no later than 12:45pm
1pm – 5pm • Starting at the Courthouse, F42 TD30
Tickets: €10 (plus booking fee)
LIVE AT THE CENTRE:
ALL INCLUSIVE MUSIC EVENT WITH
THE LEWD TUNES
A fun and friendly live music event for adults with additional needs.
Safe, easy to navigate space. Quiet area if you need a break, with therapy dog Winston! Volunteers will be there to support you! Drink, dance, or sit and relax if you prefer! We can’t wait to see you there!
Doors: 2pm – 4pm • Stage: 2.30pm
Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: €10 – Carers go Free!
MYTH & LEGEND: STORIES OF PLACE & STONE
From the Five Deep Wells of Irish storytelling, Maria Gillen is a fourth
generation Irish storyteller and resident of Sheehan’s Storytelling 300
year old cottage in Co. Kerry. She grew up where wisdom lives in the
stones – if you know how to listen! Her work brings the warmth of the
Irish fireside to community gatherings across the world.
8:00pm • The Courthouse, F42 TD30 • Entry: FREE
BEAT ON THE STREET
THE HALF LANDING
Kicking off our Saturday night, playing the very best of Irish trad music, the Half Landing return to Ballygar Carnival for another amazing street performance!
9:30pm • Main Street • FREE Street Performance
LIVE AT THE CENTRE
MIKE DENVER
Always a huge Carnival favourite! The ‘Galway Boy’ is back with his incredible signature show and another unforgettable night!
Doors: 11:30pm • Stage: 12am
Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: €20
Sunday 2nd August
EXPLORING AGHRANE
Hosted by Gerard Hannon and Padraig Hannon. Discover the various flora and fauna that call Aghrane home, as well as some of the lesser known features in the forest. Please bring appropriate clothing and
footwear as some areas are off the main track.
11:30am • Aghrane Forest (Meeting at Gazebo)
BALLYGAR CARNIVAL DOG SHOW
One of the biggest dog shows around! A huge selection of classes to choose from, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer we have something for every dog! Loads of amazing prizes up for grabs
including Trophies, Medals, Dog Food and Cash Prizes!! Who will be this year’s top dog and win the perpetual Denise Farrell Memorial Shield!
Online pre-registration now available! Full details on our Facebook page Ballygar Carnival Dog Show
Registration: 11am • Judging: 1pm
Niall Walsh Pitch, F42 V211 • Entry: €5 per class
CHILDREN’S FANCY DRESS
The Annual Ballygar Carnival Children’s Fancy Dress with prizes for the best dressed in various categories. Music, dance and fun!
Registration: 2:30pm • Event: 3pm
Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: FREE
DRUMADORE
After a hugely popular drumming event at last year’s Carnival,
Drumadore are back!! Perfect for children of all ages, Drumadore’s
performances are a celebration of music, movement and pure joy!
Get involved and feel the beat!
4:30pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: FREE
ACROBATICS & LIMBO SHOW
Prepare to be amazed by breathtaking acrobatics, contortion, juggling, limbo dancing, and laugh-out-loud comedy. Suitable for all ages, this fast-paced show combines incredible skill, audience
interaction, and non-stop entertainment! Don’t miss the flaming limbo challenge! How low can they go?!
7:30pm • Main Street • FREE Street Performance
CELTIC RHYTHM IRISH DANCERS
Energy, precision and tradition combined, this dynamic group of six bring the spirit of Irish dancing to audiences of all ages. A stunning display showcasing Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
8:30pm • Main Street • FREE Street Performance
BEAT ON THE STREET
SWITCH
This popular party band from Co. Clare, will kick off our Sunday night with their energetic performance and impressively diverse setlist!
9:30pm • Main Street • FREE Street Performance
LIVE AT THE CENTRE
QWEEN
Qween are Europe’s most authentic Queen Tribute Band!
Performing Queen’s greatest hits, preserving the image, sound, and stage personas of classic Queen. This is a night not to be missed!!
We will, we will, ROCK YOU!
Doors: 11:30pm • Stage: 12am
Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: €15
Monday 3rd August
OLD FAIR DAY & INDOOR MARKET
Traditional Old Fair Day on Main Street, with Craft Market in the Mattie McDonagh Centre. Tea Rooms open on the day at the Courthouse and Mattie McDonagh Centre. Screenings of the 80th Anniversary
Ballygar Carnival documentary in the Old School at 1pm & 3pm.
From 9am • Main Street & Mattie McDonagh Centre
BASKETWEAVING DEMONSTRATION
Showcased by master weaver Gearoid Breslin.
10am – 4pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre
BIRDS OF PREY DISPLAY
Hosted by Birds of Prey Navan.
10am – 4pm • Ballygar N.S. Grounds
BLACKSMITH DEMONSTRATION
Master blacksmith Garret Herbert will demonstrate first class forge works with some pieces for sale on the day!
10am – 3pm • Outside St. Mary’s Church
“MAKING CONNECTIONS” ART EXHIBITION
Created by Artlink Collective, a local art group who work in a variety of methods, from painting and print to ceramics and sculptures.
10am – 5pm • Assembly Hall, Coláiste Mhuire, F42 D265
“SLÍ NA SÍDHE” FAIRY TRAIL
A collaboration with Ballygar Drama Group. Stories, treasure hunt and lots of magical fun on our forest trail! Suitable for ages 3-12 years.
12pm • Aghrane Forest (Meeting at Gazebo)
BUSKING COMPETITION
A variety of singers, musicians & groups will battle it out for the Ballygar Carnival Busking Trophy. €500+ in prize money to be won!
From 12pm • Main Street
SHEEPDOG DEMONSTRATION
Hosted by The Newport Shepherds. Learn about their highly-trained, award-winning sheepdogs as they work alongside a shepherd.
Demos at: 12:30pm & 2pm • Ballygar National School grounds
BEAT ON THE STREET
THE BYRNE BROTHERS
This multi-award-winning band are renowned for their high-energy performances combining Irish trad music and world class dancing.
2pm – 4pm • Main Street • FREE Street Performance
BEAT ON THE STREET
MAD FOR CEOL
This talented trio from the West of Ireland have been making waves with their unique folk twist on well-known classics and modern hits.
9pm • Main Street • FREE Street Performance
LIVE AT THE CENTRE
ALL FOLK’D UP
Known for their exceptional performances and distinctive sound, All Folk’d Up breathe new life into Irish music, blending traditional Irish instruments into crowd favourites and dance anthems.
Doors: 11:30pm • Stage: 12:00am
Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: €15
Tuesday 4th August
“TREES OF AGHRANE” NATURE WALK
Nature walk through Aghrane forest led by botanist Sinéad Keane showing the importance of trees to local biodiversity along with the cultural aspect of our native Irish trees. Fun biodiversity worksheets
available for all children attending.
2pm • Aghrane Forest (Meeting at Gazebo)
MONSTER BINGO
MASSIVE €3,000 JACKPOT!!
UP TO €7,000 IN PRIZES TO BE WON!
Our legendary Monster Bingo is back with a whopping €3,000 Jackpot up for grabs and up to €7,000 in prizes to be won! Whether you’re a seasoned bingo player or just in it for the craic, there’s plenty of
chances to win BIG!! Single: €15. Double: €20. Flyers: €2.
8:30pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre