Upcoming Dooagh Folk Festival to feature Damien Dempsey and other well-known Irish folk artists

A Mayo music festival taking place this coming week-end is aiming to raise €15,000 through a raffle supporting two causes.

The upcoming Dooagh Folk Festival on Achill Island, which takes place from September 11 to 13, will hold a charity raffle in aid of Rosabel’s Rooms, in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation and St Colman’s Care Centre CLG on Achill Island.

This year’s festival will again bring together some of Ireland’s leading folk and traditional performers to Achill.

These include Damien Dempsey, Lúnasa, Dervish, Dan McCabe and the Karan Casey Trio, The Oars, SuperCéilí, as well as local acts such as Des Cafferkey, GráDee & The Achill Lads, The Achill 400 and the Golden Eagle Pipe Band.

A number of prizes are on offer at this year’s fundraising charity raffle, including a trip for two to Nashville and a scenic flight on board a replica of the aircraft that operated Aer Lingus’s first ever commercial flight.

All proceeds of the raffle will go towards Rosabel’s Rooms and St Colman’s Care Centre.

Rosabel’s Rooms was established in memory of Rosabel Monroe and works in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation to support bereaved parents and families following the death of a child.

Achill-based St Colman’s Care Centre provides day care, meals-on-wheels, transport and social activities that help older people remain active and independent in their own community.

Seán Lynch, Director of Dooagh Folk Festival, said supporting worthwhile causes has become central to the event which is one of the most popular festivals of its type in Mayo

“The Dooagh Folk Festival has always been about much more than music. It’s about people, community and creating something that leaves a lasting positive impact,” he said.

Since the inaugural event in 2024, Dooagh Folk Festival has raised in the region of €55,000 for various charitable causes.

The top prize in this year’s fundraising raffle is a trip for two to Nashville, Tennessee, including return Aer Lingus flights and accommodation.

The second prize is a VIP scenic flight aboard a flying replica of the Iolar aircraft which operated Aer Lingus’s first flight between Baldonnel and Bristol in 1936.

Third prize is a VIP weekend for two at the 2027 Dooagh Folk Festival, including accommodation at the Achill Cliff House, festival passes and a merchandise package.

Alongside a line-up of well-known folk artists, the 2026 Dooagh Folk Festival will feature a number of cultural events, including Bodhrán Buzz, Try the Pipes with Na Píobairí Uilleann and a special event celebrating the life and contribution of the late John “Twin” McNamara to Achill’s musical heritage.

With tickets already sold out for the Friday concert and Saturday festival gig, and limited availability remaining for other events, organisers are encouraging supporters to support the raffle as they seek to reach this year’s €15,000 fundraising target.

More information about the Dooagh Folk Festival and its charity raffle can be found at www.dooaghfolkfest.ie.