Ballygar Carnival

Events

79th  Annual  Ballygar  Carnival

3rd  -  8th  August  2023
Murray's  Amusements
All the Fun of the Fair!
Waltzer, Dodgems, Chairoplanes and more!
Amusements and attractions for the whole family.
murraysfunfair.com
Nightly from 7:30pm
Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 2pm
murrays-funfair
Thursday  3rd  August
Live at the Centre
The Druids
The Druids are an integral part of the Irish Folk scene. Their songs carry the story of Ireland and are delivered with passion and conviction. This show is a must for all lovers of Irish music and history. Fully seated concert.
Doors 7:30pm • Stage 8pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: €15
Live at the Centre
Big Ideas
A Carnival favourite in recent years: The Big Ideas return to kickstart Ballygar Carnival 2023! Great night guaranteed!
Doors 11:30pm • Stage 12am • Mattie McDonagh Centre
Late Bar • Over 18s • Adm: €10
Friday  4th  August
Live at the Centre
Coláiste Mhuire 75th Anniversary
Celebration Dinner Dance
Staff and Pupils, past and present are invited to a night of music, fun, and memories! Music by Hot Fuss!
This is a ticket-only event
7.30pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre
Tickets €40 and can be purchased from the school 090 662 4740 or info@cmballygar.ie
Tickets can be booked until 21 July 2023
Overage Disco
The celebrations continue with DJ til late
Doors 11:30pm • Stage 12am • Mattie McDonagh Centre
Late Bar • Over 18s • Adm: €10
Live at the Centre
Saturday  5th  August
Discovering Aghrane
Led by Padraic Hannon, this is a fantastic opportunity to go off the beaten track in Aghrane Forest and see the lesser-known features that survive there. This insightful walk is partly off-road so will require appropriate clothes and footwear!
11am • Aghrane Forest (Meeting at the Gazebo) • Adm: Free
Photography Exhibition
Presented by Shane Coyle: A wonderful collection of photography including wildlife from the surrounding area of counties Galway and Roscommon.
11am - 2pm • The Courthouse • Adm: Free
Ballygar Hurling Club
Michéal Brennan Memorial Tournament
Hurling tournaments for a varity of age groups
11am - 2pm • New GAA Pitch
A Bus Tour Through The Ages
Join local historian Paul Connolly on a journey through historical places of interest in the area, concentrating on areas adjacent to the River Suck. This two hour journey will involve visiting a number of important historical sites, dating from pre-history up to modern times. Relive battles, learn about the Big Houses, the Revolutionary Years and many more important events in past times.
2pm - 4pm • Starting at the Courthouse • Adm: Free
Carnival Soccer Tournament
2pm • Niall Walsh Pitch
Uí Máine Kingdom Presentation
Hosted by Heritage Keeper Liam Kildea of Karst Farming group. Uí Máine was one of Connacht's oldest and largest kingdoms, spanning approximately 1000 square miles, across counties Galway, Roscommon and Clare. This presentation highlights it's unique landscape and heritage.
From 3pm • Social Service Centre • Adm: Free
St. Brendan's Ladies Football Club
Mary Lohan Memorial Tournament
A fun 7-a-side tournament involving former players,
mothers 'n' others, and the intermediate panel
4:30pm - 6:30pm • New GAA Pitch
Art & Poetry Display
Hosted by the Celtic Eye Art Group. Showcasingart inspired by our land, biodiversity, nature, heritage, myths, legends and folklore. Poetry reading from "The Colour of my Life" poetry and art book by Nicola Bowes.
6pm • Social Services Centre • Adm: Free
Beat on the Street
Shane Moore
Playing the best of country and Irish music!
From 8:30pm • Free Street Performance
Live at the Centre
Mike Denver
Ireland's top country singer! "The Galway Boy" is back and is sure to have you dancing all night long!
Doors 11:30pm • Stage 12am • Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: €20
Sunday  6th  August
Carnival Fun Run
5km and 10km routes to choose from
12pm • Aghrane Forest (Meeting at Gazebo) • Entry: €5
Children's Fancy Dress
The Annual Ballygar Carnival Children's Fancy Dress
with prizes for the best dressed in various categories!
4pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: Free
Live at the Centre
ToonTown!
ToonTown present their crazy character & comedy kids show! Come and meet all your favourite tv characters in their new 2023 tour.
Plenty of singing, dancing, acrobatics, comedy and crowd interaction with the little ones!
5pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: Free
Children's Treasure Trail
Our Treasure Trail returns! Find all the clues around the town to be in with a chance to win some great prizes!
6pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre • Adm: Free
Free Street Performance
Ballinasloe Town Band
Ballygar Carnival are delighted to welcome the Ballinasloe Town Band back to this year's carnival, in-keeping with the tradtion of carnival marching bands.
7pm • Main Street
Face Painting
7pm • The Bandstand
Free Street Performance
The New Brass Kings
6-piece New Orleans-style brass band from Dublin. Their set list is comprised of the best songs you've ever heard, but played better on brass
From 8pm • Outside St. Mary's Church
Free Street Performance
Burning Circus Fire Show
Burning Circus are a high-energy circus group, giving a multi-prop illuminated dance show that bursts out in lights and flames. These experienced performers love working with the crowd, amazing audiences across Ireland and beyond!
9pm • Outside St. Mary's Church
Beat on the Street
Stephen Blake & Adrian Whyte
Join us for great music and craic on Main Street with two fantasic local musicians!
9pm • Free Street Performance
Live at the Centre
Wild Youth
It's the big one! Fresh from representing Ireland at the Eurovision song contest, indie-rock band Wild Youth will be performing live at the Ballygar Carnival!
With chart hits such as Making Me Dance, Champagne Butterflies and Can’t Move On, they are sure to have the centre rocking!
Read More...
Doors 11:30pm • Stage 12:30am • Mattie McDonagh Centre
Late Bar • Over 18s • Adm: €20
Monday  7th  August
Fair Day & Indoor Market
Our traditional fair day returns to Main Street. Also featuring a Craft Fair in the Mattie McDonagh Centre.
Tea rooms open on the day
From 9am • Main Street and the Mattie McDonagh Centre
Ballygar Carnival Dog Show
After the success of our 2022 show, Ballygar Carnival Dog Show returns with a large selection of classes and great prizes to be won!
For more see Ballygar Carnival Dog Show on Facebook
Registration from 12pm • Judging from 1pm
Niall Walsh Pitch • Adm: Free
Sheepdog Demonstration
Come see the best of our four-legged friends in action!
From 3pm • Ballygar N.S.
Busking Competition
A variety of singers, musicians and groups will battle it out for the Ballygar Carnival Busking Trophy and €500 prize!
From 1pm • Main Street
Beat on the Street
The Celtic Gypys
This talented 5-piece band brings some of the oldest and best Irish songs to life with renewed energy!
3pm • Free Street Performance
Live at the Centre
Spring Break
Europe's premier goodtime supergroup. This very talented 6-piece band really know how to throw a party! If you're a fan of 80s hits, this is a night you do not want to miss!
Doors 11:30pm • Stage 12:30am • Mattie McDonagh Centre
Late Bar • Over 18s • Adm: €15
Tuesday  8th  August
Coillte's New Strategic Vision For Its Forests
Thsi walk is hosted by Coillte commuications manager Pat Neville.
2pm • Aghrane Forest (Meeting at the Gazebo) • Adm: Free
Monster Bingo
€1,500 Jackpot
Up to €5,000 in prizes to be won!
Single €10 | Double €15 | Flyers €2
8:30pm • Mattie McDonagh Centre
Mattie  McDonagh  Centre
Tickets at the Door
Late Bar on Dance Nights
Over 18s Only - ID Required
No Pass Outs

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