Let There Be Light

08/06/2026

🎄 Only 200 days until Christmas! 🎄

The countdown is officially on! ✨
Before we know it, the lights will be twinkling, the trees will be glowing, and the Christmas music will be playing on repeat 🎅🎁

And trust us… 🎄 Ballina is going to be the place to be this Christmas! ❤️💚

From festive lights and family fun to the magic atmosphere around town, Christmas 2026 is already shaping up to be something special ✨

Who’s excited already? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

Tell us:
🎄 When do you put your tree up?
☕ Favourite festive drink?
🎶 First Christmas song you’ll play this year?

Let the countdown begin… ❤️

24/05/2026

🎄 We know… nobody wants to hear about Christmas at the end of May! 😅
BUT… we’re giving you plenty of notice 👀

The Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place on Sunday, 29th November ✨🎅

A magical evening is already being planned for the town, and we can’t wait to light the place up again ❤️

More details to follow soon… 🎄✨

05/05/2026

As Chairperson of Ballina Lights, it is with a heavy heart that we express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Paddy O’Hora.

Paddy truly embodied what it means to be from Ballina, someone who always saw the positive in our town and worked tirelessly to make it better. The community clean-up initiative is a testament to his dedication, having been driven by Paddy to the heights it has reached today.

He was always on hand with advice and support, and was someone that Ballina Lights - Let There Be Light could call upon at any time. Paddy was consistently generous with his time and spirit, and always willing to help. He was a true ambassador for Ballina, and his loss will be deeply felt by us all.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Paul Bourke
Chairperson

On behalf of the lights committee, we extend our sincere condolences to Paddy’s family and friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

01/04/2026

🎄 IMPORTANT UPDATE !! CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2026🎄

Due to rising energy costs, we’ve been selected to pilot Ireland’s first “Pay-As-You-Glow” Christmas Lights System this year.

From December, the lights will operate on a contactless basis:
✨ Tap your card/phone at designated poles to activate the lights for 2 minutes
✨ Premium colours (gold & blue) available as in-app purchases
✨ Flashing mode unlocked after 3 consecutive taps

We’re also introducing a “Peak Festive Hours” surcharge between 6–8pm, when demand for vibes is at its highest.

Don’t worry!! There will still be a free “dim glow” option for anyone who just wants a quiet, reflective Christmas.

Trial begins this weekend. Exact tap locations to be revealed… 😉🤪

30/03/2026

Easter Family Fun Day at the Gaelscoil this weekend! 🐣🌸

If you’re looking for something to do with the kids, this is a lovely way to spend the day. Plenty of fun activities for all ages!

Spread the word and come along!
Family Fun Day Fundraiser
Mayo North Tourism, Ireland

06/03/2026

Last night members of the Lights Committee had the pleasure of attending the Cathaoirleach’s Awards in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar. It was a fantastic evening celebrating the incredible work being done by communities across the county.

We were truly honoured to be nominated in the Community Endeavour Award. The nomination reflects the huge effort, dedication and time given by our committee and the many volunteers who have supported the lights project over the past year.

A sincere thank you to the Cathaoirleach and Mayo County Council for a wonderful event and for recognising the work being done by community groups.

We’re very proud of what has been achieved and grateful to everyone who helped make it possible. ❤️

08/02/2026

With the lights now taken down and packed away for another year, we want to say a sincere thank you to everyone who came out over the last few days and weeks to lend a hand.

We’re already looking forward to doing it all again. Roll on the Christmas festivities for 2026. 🎄

06/02/2026

A lovely community event happening this Easter Bank Holiday Weekend! A Family Fun Day for everyone to enjoy.
🐣🐰💛💐

05/02/2026

12/01/2026

Minister Calleary also recently allocated €300,000 to Ballina from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for upgrade works to the lighting infrastructure across the town