Linenhall Arts Festival – Castlebar, Ireland 2025

Background & History

The Linenhall Arts Centre, located in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland, is a cultural cornerstone hosting a year-round program of events, reframed here as the “Linenhall Arts Festival” for its diverse 2025 offerings. Established in 1976 as an Education Centre by Marie Farrell, it moved to its current historic limestone building (built 1790 by Lord Lucan) in 1986, with Arts Council funding since 1990.

The centre presents theatre, music, film, visual arts, and workshops, emphasizing contemporary arts and community engagement. Notable projects include Inside, Outside (2022, celebrating building restoration) and Benchmark (2019, arts and heritage residency). In 2025, it continues to host inclusive events, with a focus on local talent and accessibility, supported by Castlebar Municipal District and Mayo County Council.

Event Highlights

• Young Playwrights Mayo: Showcase of original plays by young Mayo writers, September 6, free.
• The Marching Band: Film screening of a musical journey through Ireland, September 9.
• Creative Coffee with Jennifer Cunningham: Networking for artists, September 13, free.
• Harp’s Alive!: Irish harp music performance, September 14.
• Exhibitions: Visual arts like Echo/Locate by Sorcha McNamara (August–September 2025).
• Workshops: Visual Artists Café and Artist Monthly Meet for creatives, select dates.
• Family-Friendly Events: Select screenings and workshops suitable for all ages.

City

• Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland: Events at the historic Linenhall Arts Centre, set in Mayo’s county town with a rich cultural and historical heritage.

Main Event Address

• Linenhall Arts Centre, Linenhall Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland, F23 AN24: Primary venue for performances, screenings, exhibitions, and workshops.
• Note: Additional venues for outreach events (e.g., schools) may be announced; check www.thelinenhall.com.

Date & Duration

• Dates: Year-round, with key 2025 events highlighted for September 6–14, 2025.
• Duration: Ongoing, with September events spanning 9 days.

Venue / Location

• Linenhall Arts Centre: Linenhall Street, Castlebar, F23 AN24 (theatre, gallery, café, workshops).
• Additional Venues: Potential outreach events in Mayo schools or community spaces (details September 2025).
• Note: Exhibition gallery open Tuesday–Friday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM–4:00 PM, closed Sunday–Monday. Full schedule at www.thelinenhall.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@thelinenhall.com (general and ticketing inquiries).
• Phone: +353 94 902 3733 (box office, Tuesday–Friday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM–4:00 PM).
• Website: www.thelinenhall.com
• Social Media: Follow @thelinenhall on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
• Address: Linenhall Arts Centre, Linenhall Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland, F23 AN24.
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.thelinenhall.com or https://thelinenhall.ticketsolve.com; in-person at box office (cash/card).

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Buy online at www.thelinenhall.com or https://thelinenhall.ticketsolve.com (search “Linenhall Arts Centre 2025”). In-person tickets at Linenhall box office (cash/card). Contact info@thelinenhall.com for group bookings or accessibility needs. No refunds; transfers subject to terms. Book early for high-demand performances (e.g., Harp’s Alive!).
• 2025 Pricing (in USD, 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD, based on historical estimates):
  • Standard Ticket: €10–€29.50 (~$10.80–$31.86 USD, varies by event, e.g., €25 for music, €21 for theatre).
  • Concession Ticket (students/seniors): €8–€20 (~$8.64–$21.60 USD).
  • Free Events: Young Playwrights Mayo, Creative Coffee, select exhibitions (e.g., Echo/Locate).
  • Kids (Under 12): Free for select family-friendly events with a ticketed adult (supervision required).
  • Group Rates: Available for schools or groups; contact info@thelinenhall.com.
• Additional Notes:
  • Prices vary by event; exact 2025 pricing updated on www.thelinenhall.com.
  • Terms: Non-transferable for resale above face value; revocable for misconduct (e.g., disruptive behavior).

Cultural Significance

The Linenhall Arts Centre, housed in a 1790 limestone building, is a cultural hub for Mayo, celebrating contemporary arts and local heritage since 1976. Its restoration (e.g., Inside, Outside 2022) and projects like Benchmark (2019) highlight architectural and artistic legacy. With events like Harp’s Alive!, it preserves Irish traditions while fostering new talent through free workshops and exhibitions. The centre’s economic impact supports Castlebar’s businesses, aligning with Mayo’s cultural vibrancy.

Food & Drinks

• Linenhall Arts Centre: Café with local produce, specialty teas, coffee, cakes (~$3–$8 USD).
• Nearby Dining:
  • Café Rua: New Antrim Street, Castlebar (Irish cuisine, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Olive Tree: Spencer Street, Castlebar (Mediterranean, $12–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • The Connaught Inn: Spencer Street, Castlebar (pub fare, $8–$15 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Cox’s Restaurant & Bar: Tucker Street, Castlebar (steak, seafood, $15–$30 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Tulsi: The Mall, Castlebar (Indian, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at nearby pubs (e.g., The Connaught Inn); no outside alcohol at venue.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free events like Young Playwrights Mayo and select exhibitions suitable for kids.
  • Family-oriented workshops and screenings (supervision required for under 12).
• Accessibility:
  • Linenhall Arts Centre is wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators.
  • Audio descriptions and ISL-interpreted events for select performances (details September 2025).
  • Contact info@thelinenhall.com for accommodations or swift nest box viewing inquiries.
  • Free events enhance affordability.

Getting There

• By Air: Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC, 45 km, 40-minute drive); Dublin Airport (DUB, 230 km, 3-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: Bus Éireann Route 440 to Castlebar Bus Stop (5-minute walk to Linenhall).
  • Train: Irish Rail to Castlebar Station (5-minute walk to Linenhall).
• By Car: Parking at Linenhall Arts Centre (limited, ~€2/hour, $2.16 USD) or Market Square (~$2.16 USD/hour, 5-minute walk).
• Rideshare: FreeNow or local taxis from NOC (~$30–$40 USD) or DUB (~$150–$200 USD).

Program Details (Based on 2024/2025, Confirmed for 2025)

• Confirmed 2025 Events (September):
  • Young Playwrights Mayo: September 6, 12:00 PM–1:30 PM, free showcase of young writers’ plays, Linenhall Theatre.
  • The Marching Band: September 9, 8:00 PM, film screening, Linenhall Theatre (~$7.56–$10.80 USD).
  • Creative Coffee with Jennifer Cunningham: September 13, 2:00 PM, free artist networking, Linenhall Café.
  • Harp’s Alive!: September 14, 5:00 PM, Irish harp performance, Linenhall Theatre (~$16.20–$21.60 USD).
  • Echo/Locate Exhibition: Sorcha McNamara, August 15–September 27, gallery, free.
• Expected Events:
  • Visual Artists Café: Networking with Visual Artists Ireland, September 29, 2025, free or ~$5.40 USD.
  • Artist Monthly Meet: Open invitation for creatives, select dates, free.
  • Additional Performances: Music, theatre, and film (e.g., John Spillane, October 8, ~$21.60 USD; Jimmy Jests, October 10, ~$16.20 USD).
  • Workshops: Family and school sessions, free or ~$5.40–$10.80 USD.
• Note: Full 2025 program updated regularly; check www.thelinenhall.com.,,

Past Notable Performances

• 2024 Highlights: Inside, Outside (2022, music and performance for building restoration); Benchmark (2019, arts and heritage residency).
• 2023 Highlights: Performances by local and international artists, with a focus on Mayo talent.
• Past Achievements: Hosted over 40 years of contemporary arts, with a swift nest box conservation project.,,

Sustainability Initiatives

• Local Partnerships: Supports Castlebar businesses and Mayo County Council.
• Conservation: Swift nest boxes with live-stream monitors in the foyer, promoting biodiversity.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins at venue; no glass bottles encouraged.
• Note: 2025 sustainability details TBD; check www.thelinenhall.com.

Educational Impact

• Young Playwrights Mayo: Free showcase for young writers, fostering creativity.
• Workshops: Free or low-cost sessions for schools and families (~$5.40–$10.80 USD).
• Artist Monthly Meet: Free networking for creatives, encouraging collaboration.
• Visual Artists Café: Professional development with Visual Artists Ireland, free or ~$5.40 USD.

Cultural Activities

• Exhibitions: Free visual arts displays like Echo/Locate (August–September 2025).
• Swift Nest Viewing: Free live-stream of swift nest boxes in the foyer, all year.
• Cultural Tours: Guided tours of Linenhall’s historic building, ~$5.40 USD (book via info@thelinenhall.com).
• Artist Talks: Free Creative Coffee sessions (e.g., September 13 with Jennifer Cunningham).

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets ($10.80–$31.86 USD) for performances may sell out; book via www.thelinenhall.com.
• Weather Prep: September in Castlebar (45–55°F) is rainy; pack waterproofs and layers.
• Explore Locally: Visit The Mall (5-minute walk, free) or National Museum of Ireland – Country Life (10-minute drive, free).
• Public Transport: Use Leap Card (~$10 USD) for buses/trains.
• Festival Info: Check www.thelinenhall.com for digital schedules (no app).

Local Attractions

• The Mall: Castlebar (5-minute walk, free).
• National Museum of Ireland – Country Life: Turlough Park, Castlebar (10-minute drive, free).
• Westport House: Westport, 15 km (15-minute drive, $15 USD).
• Castlebar Greenway: Walking trail (5-minute walk, free).
• Lough Lannagh: Castlebar (10-minute walk, free).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels:
  • The Ellison Hotel: Lannagh Road, Castlebar ($80–$150 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
  • Breaffy House Hotel: Breaffy, Castlebar ($90–$160 USD/night, 10-minute drive).
• B&Bs: Ivy Tower B&B, Newtown, Castlebar ($60–$100 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Hostels: Castlebar Tourist Hostel, Linenhall Street, Castlebar ($20–$40 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Castlebar apartments ($50–$100 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months in advance for the September peak.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Linenhall; nearest hospital is Mayo University Hospital (5-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at venue; Garda presence; ticket revocation for violations.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks for indoor events.
• Weather Preparedness: Indoor venue ensures continuity; bring umbrellas for transitions.