Castlebar residents and business owners raise concerns about 'far right' festival

The festival is now slated to take place at a location 'outside Castlebar' in Co Mayo after a venue in Drumshanbo Co Leitrim cancelled the original booking. Picture: iStock 

Residents and business owners in Castlebar, Co Mayo, say they have "significant concerns for public safety and the town's welcoming reputation" after being made aware of reports that a controversial 'far-right' music festival would be taking place in the area later this month.

The ‘Mise Éire Festival’ was originally planned for Saturday, August 23, in the Mayflower Community Hall in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim. 

It was moved from the venue following community opposition, and a petition calling for its cancellation signed by hundreds of prominent artists including Kneecap, Christy Moore, Frances Black, Chris O'Dowd, Fontaines DC, and The Mary Wallopers.

A far-right rally planned in Cork for that date was reportedly set to be cancelled to allow supporters to travel to the festival.

On Wednesday, August 6, a message shared on the Mayflower’s social media read: “On behalf of Mayflower Community Centre CLG we regretfully wish to inform the public that the upcoming ‘Mise Éire’ festival due to be held on 23rd August, 2025, will NOT be hosted at the Mayflower Community Centre.

“This is due to terms & conditions not being complied with. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Christy Moore in concert at Live At The Marquee, Cork earlier this summer. Moore and a number of other prominent artists had petitioned against the holding of the original ‘Mise Éire Festival’. File picture: Eddie O'Hare

According to Mise Éire Festival's event ticketing page, it is now slated to be taking place at a location "outside Castlebar". The description of the event says festival is "for those who cherish Irish culture, heritage, and are united in celebrating our shared values". Tickets for the event, which cost between €30 and €50, are sold out.

On Sunday, a group of Castlebar residents and business owners said the lack of transparency surrounding the festival had "alarmed the local community" and the festival's decision to hire additional private security suggests "that even organisers anticipate a risk of public disorder".

"Castlebar is a proud, welcoming town, especially at the height of our tourist season," one local resident said.

An event shrouded in secrecy, which was already rejected by another community, is not welcome here. 

"We are deeply concerned about the potential for disruption and the damage this could do to our reputation as a safe and inclusive place for families, visitors, and investors."

The group has also launched an online petition for people to register their opposition to the staging of the Mise Éire Festival in the Castlebar area. At time of writing, the petition had garnered nearly 800 signatures in the 24 hours since it launched.

In a statement, the Castlebar residents and business owners say they want local authorities and elected officials "to address the lack of transparency and ensure all public safety, licensing, and planning regulations are strictly enforced".