OUR ANNUAL WELCOME HOME FESTIVAL IS BACK AT THE GREAT NATIONAL HOTEL, BALLINA.

7 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF DANCING TO TOP-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT, CEILIS, SET DANCING, AND THE BEST OF COUNTRY MUSIC. PLUS, A TREASURE HUNT THAT TAKES YOU ALONG THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY, WITH FANTASTIC PRIZES FOR THE WINNING TEAM.

Despite the huge increase in hotel prices in Ireland, we have, with the help and support of the Great National Hotel in Ballina being able to provide this spectacularly well priced, and exceptional good value music and dance holiday.  Seven great days and nights with dinner bed and breakfast and a program packed full of fantastic entertainment plus a host of other interesting items.  So, don’t miss out on this very special ‘week in the west’  Get your booking in NOW! 

We are delighted to return to Ballina, Co. Mayo in 2025 to bring you our long-established Welcome Home Festival at the Great National Hotel. This is your chance to participate, share, enjoy, and experience the genuine warmth of the local people while immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery of North County Mayo.

If you have connections to the area, this is the perfect opportunity to return and reconnect. And if you don’t – this is your chance to create them!
You will be made heartily welcome.

Céad Míle Fáilte (pronounced Kay-ed Meal-a Fall-Cha) is a well-known Irish greeting meaning "A Hundred Thousand Welcomes!" These welcomes are waiting for everyone, and if this is your first visit, there are a few extra just for you!

WHY JOIN US?

Experience first-hand:
✔️ The warm welcome of the West of Ireland
✔️ The depth of friendship that makes this event special
✔️ Spectacular music and incredible dancing every day
✔️ The unmatched atmosphere and craic at all our events
✔️ The stunning beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way – right on your doorstep

Alongside all of this, our program includes:
🎻 Afternoon and evening trad music sessions (bring your instrument!)
💃 Workshops and tutorials in set dancing and social dancing
🎶 A full program of evening Céilís & Country Music
🎤 Top-class entertainers performing throughout the week

DISCOVER BALLINA

Ballina is a vibrant town at the mouth of the world-famous River Moy. Established in 1723, we recently celebrated its 300th anniversary. Many thousands around the world have family ties to this region, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to reconnect with their heritage.

THE HOTEL

A modern 4-star hotel, just minutes from Ballina town center, the Great National Hotel is the perfect location for our festival. It offers:

• Spacious, comfortable rooms with all modern facilities, including free Wi-Fi.

• Dinner, bed & breakfast, plus lunch available at McShane’s Bar & Bistro – where we’ll also host our music sessions.

• A luxurious spa with a range of relaxing treatments.

• Fantastic leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and gym.

WHATS INCLUDED

• Meet and greet on arrival in Ballina.

• Seven nights' dinner, bed, and breakfast in the Great National Hotel.

• Great entertainment each day.

• Dancing every evening to suit all tastes in both ballrooms (Ceili & Country).

• Classes daily in céilí, sean nós, ballroom, jive, and salsa.

• Treasure hunt with fantastic prizes (e.g., free return trip for car and two).

• Optional excursions to places of historical or natural interest.

• Full-time services of the event team.

• No hidden extras or spurious taxes. The price shown is the price you pay.

• All monies secured in our trust account.

• Easy payment terms available.

• Other interesting items still to be added.

ENTERTAINMENT

The quality of our events has always been immeasurably strengthened by the creativity and professionalism of our musicians and other entertainers.  The variety is awesome and covers Country n’ Irish, Ceili, Jazz, Folk, Modern as well as Jive and it is always delivered at the highest quality level.   They are without doubt, the lifeblood of every event and their music captures the flavour of each occasion when you are likely to find yourself hand clapping and toe tapping in the most unusual places.  

They add an exciting dimension to each of our events that is difficult to quantify, but the high level of repeat business which we as a company always enjoy is testimony to the enormous contribution that they make to every event.  And for this event we have:

• Ryan Turner Band

• Mick Mulhern

• Muriel and Fran

• Philip English

• Magic Moments

• Pat McKenna

• Teddy & Cathal Barry

• Michelle Murphy

• Checkers

• Thomas Maguire and Fiona

• Joe Davitt Trio

• Liam McLaughlin

• Plus, the three best ceili bands in Ireland: Johnny Reidy, The Annaly, and The Footappers

BOOK NOW

Already, several rooms have been reserved from our previous visit to the west of Ireland so  please don’t be disappointed by leaving it too late! 

Prices are as follows:

• Per person based on two sharing = €670 /£585 

• Travelling from UK with Car + 2 on the ferry = Call Office

• Travelling from UK with Car + 4 on the ferry = Call Office 

PLEASE NOTE: 

Return Flights to/from Knock can be arranged and transfers to and from the hotel at an extra charge. 

Flights for this holiday are not included.  This is simply because most people will travel by ferry from the UK or already reside in Ireland.  However should you wish to fly into Knock this gives you the opportunity to choose your own time to fly and from your own choice of airport and on a day that suits you.  It also means that you can take advantage of the many special offers that are made available from time to time by the various low-cost airlines that service Knock airport from the UK.  All you need to remember after you have booked your flight is to pass your information to us. (flt. No., Carrier and Time of arrival at and departure from Knock).  This is to ensure that we will be at the airport to meet you and welcome you to Co. Mayo.  Transfers to the hotel can be arranged and there will be an extra charge for this facility and to keep the cost down we will share it across the number of people requesting a transfer and you can pay the driver direct.  Also remember that with the low-cost airlines, the sooner you book the better price you get!  

IMPORTANT re INSURANCE 

It is very important that you take out appropriate medical / holiday insurance that covers you for cancellation as well as medical assistance when abroad.  Do not rely on insurance that may be provided by your bank as these often fall short when called upon.  For example, you may require your partner to stay on if you are hospitalized or be repatriated if you miss your return flights etc.  Although it is NOT a legal requirement for you to have insurance,  it is a legal obligation for us to advise you to do so and we do that now!