August 2024

The 2024 Geesala Festival will take place in Geesala from Sunday, 11th August to Sunday, 18th August.

The main events of the festival are the annual horse racing **and g**reyhound racing on the beach at Doolough, which is said to have inspired John Millington Synge’s masterpiece, ‘The Playboy of the Western World’.

Doolough Beach is three miles long and is deemed to be the 'best  turf' in the country by the  **Horse Racing** Association of Ireland. Visitors will find a bar, live music and delicious local food on the racing day.

The festival is a family-friendly event not to be missed, with traditional entertainment for both children and adults.

Heritage and culture events are held throughout the week, including the Traditional Heritage and Sports Day, the Traditional Fair Day in Belmullet, the Boat Racing Regatta at the ferry in Tullaghaun, and the Emigration and Heritage Documentary in Geesala Community Centre.

There will also be the Jonathan Cuffe Memorial Walk and the Festival Fittest Family.

Horse show-jumping and classes, a dog show, children’s activities, angling competitions, live music, and road races will complete the programme.