18th Annual Welcome Home Festival

Irish Music • Dance • Community • North Mayo Experience

In Association with Martin & Annette – Irish in the UK TV

Join us in beautiful Ballina, Co. Mayo for the 18th Annual Welcome Home Festival - a week filled with traditional Irish music, dancing, friendship and unforgettable memories on Ireland’s spectacular west coast.

Hosted by Gerry Flynn Events in association with Martin & Annette from Irish in the UK TV, this much-loved festival brings together guests from Ireland, the UK and beyond for a wonderful holiday of of live entertainment, socialising and discovery along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Whether you have family roots in Mayo or are simply looking to experience authentic Irish culture in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the Welcome Home Festival offers a truly special music and dance holiday experience.

The Welcome Home Festival 20-27th June 2026

£790/€899 pps

Single supplement £30.00 / €35.00 per night.

The Welcome Home Festival is a 7-day Irish dance and music holiday in County Mayo, combining ceili dancing, set dancing, and the best of Irish and country music entertainment.

Guests enjoy a fully hosted festival experience based in Gerry’s hometown of Ballina, with live entertainment every night, social dancing and daytime dance workshops.

This Dance & Music Holiday Includes:

✔ Social dancing with live artists
✔ Daily dance workshops
✔ Country music entertainment
✔ Hosted Irish festival holiday experience
✔ Hotel accommodation (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
✔Ceilis/set dancing with top ceili bands
✔ Sessions in the bar- bring your own instrument, a poem or a song and join in the fun!

This Irish dance holiday is ideal for guests looking for:

ceili dancing holidays in Ireland
set dancing festivals in Ireland
Irish country music holidays
group music holidays in Ireland
Wild Atlantic Way
Community
Lifelong friendships

Why County Mayo?

County Mayo was the natural choice for our inaugural supporters gathering.

The Irish in the UK TV programme was created to celebrate Irish stories and strengthen connections across the Irish diaspora worldwide.

Ballina itself holds a unique place in Irish broadcasting history. In 1955, local engineer Padraig Jones received television signals from England years before RTE began broadcasting, making Ballina one of the first places in Ireland to experience television.

Together with Annette and Martin Logan, producers of the Irish in the UK TV Show, we look forward to welcoming guests for a memorable week of music, dancing, friendship, and celebration in North Mayo.

We warmly invite you to join us in 2026 and become part of this continuing story.

Discover the Beauty of North Mayo

One of the highlights of the Welcome Home Festival is its incredible location. Situated at the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballina is perfectly placed for exploring the breathtaking scenery of North Mayo, from dramatic coastlines and rugged landscapes to charming villages and traditional Irish pubs.

Many guests use the hotel as a comfortable base for the week - enjoying the festival entertainment while also taking time to visit friends and relatives in the area, explore local attractions or simply soak up the atmosphere of the west of Ireland.

For guests with Irish connections, the event often becomes more than just a holiday - it’s a chance to reconnect with home, heritage and lifelong memories.

Social dancing, ceili dancing and set dancing festival: Featuring some of Ireland’s best-known ceili bands and country music performers including Johnny Reidy, Thomas Maguire & Fiona, Ryan Turner Band, Checkers, The Footappers and more.

Social Dancing featuring:

Stacey Breen

Thomas & Fhiona

Liam McLaughlin

Ryan Turner Band

Damian Davis

Hughie Turner DUO

Checkers

Shawn Cuddy

Muriel & Fran

Glen Flynn

Pat Mulchrone

Mick Mulhern

Dave Lawlor

Irene & Pat

The Dance Teachers:

Piret

Declan

Céilí Bands & Traditional Irish Music

Enjoy live traditional Irish music and céilí dancing throughout the festival with performances from the acclaimed Johnny Reidy Céilí Band, The Annaly Céilí Band, and The Footappers.

Known across Ireland and the international set dancing scene, these popular céilí bands bring lively dance rhythms, traditional Irish tunes, and an authentic céilí atmosphere to every night of the festival.

Perfect for lovers of:

céilí dancing holidays in Ireland
traditional Irish music festivals
set dancing weekends
live Irish dance bands
Irish social dancing events

The Great National Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Mayo along the banks of the River Moy, the Great National Hotel Ballina offers a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and modern elegance. This contemporary 4-star venue feature private bars, dance floors, natural daylight, and state-of-the-art facilities.is the ideal setting for our celebrations.

When you want to recharge from all the dancing, the on-site leisure centre is your sanctuary: dive into the 20 m heated pool, relax in the steam room or sauna, or treat yourself at Éidin Spa.

Accessibility matters: rooms include fully wheelchair-accessible options, with wide doorways, lowered beds, grab rails, shower seats and more -ensuring comfort for all attendees. Please let us know in your booking form.

Dining & Hospitality at The w

Your stay is based on a full dinner, bed and breakfast package, allowing you to relax and enjoy every aspect of the festival experience.

Each evening includes a sit-down waiter-served meal followed by dancing and live entertainment in a warm and welcoming setting. The combination of excellent hospitality, music and friendship creates an atmosphere that is both lively and relaxed.