Shoppers, tourists and locals are already marking calendars: Mayo Pride returns to Westport from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May with a jam-packed programme of nightlife, culture and outdoor fun that celebrates queer life in the west of Ireland , expect parades, drag, workshops and family-friendly moments.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: Mayo Pride runs 29–31 May in Westport, with events across town from The Mariner to The Fairgreen.
  • Big moments: Friday night drag boat cruise, Saturday Pride Parade and a family-friendly green celebration.
  • Varied programme: Workshops, creative pop-ups, a conscious sexuality session, wellbeing events and a walking tour of local ice cream and craft beer.
  • Evening highlights: Comedy and cabaret shows including Panti Bliss and Dyke of the Parish, plus an official after-party into the early hours.
  • Good to know: Many events are free or low-cost; full schedule and tickets are on the festival site.

A weekend that kicks off with sparkle and sails , Friday night highlights

Friday’s programme opens with a hands-on Pimp a T-shirt workshop at 6pm and quickly moves to a very Westport kind of glamour: a Clew Bay boat cruise at 7pm featuring drag sets from Cornflake Girl and Princess Fianna. The evening peaks when Panti Bliss performs If These Wigs Could Talk at The Mariner, then winds down , or doesn’t , at the county’s Pop-Up Gay Bar upstairs at The Clock Tavern. It’s theatrical and tactile, with that slightly salty sea-air backdrop that makes everything feel celebratory.

The mix of free workshops and ticketed shows means you can sample the festival without committing to every late-night slot. If you’re planning to go on the boat or to Panti’s show, book early through the Mayo Pride site to avoid disappointment.

Parade day: family-friendly colours and a real community buzz

Saturday centres on the Pride Parade, with a Pride Prep Pop-Up in the morning to craft flags and badges, then a meet-up at The Fairgreen at 1.30pm. Marchers parade through Westport and return for a free, family-friendly celebration on the green. Expect live sets from Maria Cunningham, performances from resident drag artists and community groups like the Sing OutWest Choir.

Parades in towns like Westport are as much about visibility as they are joy; local businesses often decorate windows and there’s a real cross-generational feel. If you’ve got kids or you’re coming with friends who don’t usually attend Pride events, this is the most accessible moment of the weekend.

Culture and conversation: shows, workshops and meaningful sessions

Beyond the party, Mayo Pride leans into conversation and creativity. Saturday evening features Breda Larkin’s new show Dyke of the Parish and a Conscious Sexuality Workshop for Queer Men at The Yoga Root. There are also sessions on archiving and memory work, led by CJ DeBarra, that dig into queer histories and personal storytelling.

These parts of the programme matter , they’re where the festival pauses to reflect and connect. If you want depth alongside glitter, look out for workshops and booklets on the Mayo Pride site that list timings and any participant limits.

Sundays are for laid-back exploration and wellbeing

The final day of the festival is gentler: a walking tour sampling local ice cream and craft beer, a drag brunch at the Clew Bay Hotel, soundbaths by Cosmic Wetness and creative workshops. It’s the sort of Sunday where you can swap parade confetti for artisan scoops and a late-morning stretch.

If you’re staying local, take the opportunity to explore Westport’s cafes and coastal views between events. The walking tour is a lovely way to meet people and support independent businesses that back the festival.

Nightcaps, cabaret and where to recover afterwards

Mayo Pride closes with Cabaret Climax in The Mariner on Sunday night, followed by a wrap party at Hewetson Bros. Expect a mix of high-energy performances and sleepy, satisfied faces the next morning. DJs Conor Behan and Kate Brennan Harding are on the decks for the official Pride After Party on Saturday, so veterans of late-night clubbing will find something familiar.

Plan sleep and transport if you’re travelling home on Monday , Westport’s hotels tend to book quickly for the bank holiday weekend, and local taverns fill up fast. A sensible rota of events makes for a better festival experience: pick a few can’t-miss slots and leave room for serendipity.

It's a small change that can make every visit to Mayo Pride feel memorable and safe.

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