The Ballina One Act Drama Festival returns to Ballina Arts Centre from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th November 2026, bringing three nights of live drama, comedy, mystery and dark comedy to the stage.
Now in its 11th year, the festival will feature three One Act plays each night, with nine groups from Donegal, Dublin, Kildare, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo competing across the Open and Confined sections.
The festival is run under the auspices of the Joint Amateur Drama Council of Ireland and the Drama League of Ireland and forms part of the Preliminary circuit, with groups aiming to achieve the required 36 points to qualify for this year’s All-Ireland Finals in An Grianán, Letterkenny.
Mairéad Melody-Carr, Manager, Mayo North Tourism welcomed the return of the festival to Ballina: “We are delighted to welcome the Ballina One Act Drama Festival back to the town for its 11th year and congratulate the brilliant team behind this festival. It is a fantastic example of the strength and commitment within the amateur drama community, and brings performers and audiences from across the country to Ballina. With such a strong line-up of groups taking part this year, including several recent All-Ireland winners, it promises to be a really enjoyable three nights of live theatre. We are delighted to support the festival as part of the wider programme of events that bring visitors to Ballina and give people another reason to enjoy the town.”
A strong line-up of groups
Audiences can look forward to a varied programme featuring five Open and four Confined groups, with three newly scripted plays also included in this year’s festival.
The standard promises to be high, with three recent All-Ireland Final winners taking part: Letterkenny Musical and Drama Group, Upstage Players and Butt Drama Circle.
The festival also welcomes Charlestown Drama Group to Ballina for the first time.
The nine competing groups are:
- Butt Drama Circle
- Charlestown Drama Group
- Upstage Players
- The Moat Club, Naas
- Insight Theatre
- Letterkenny Musical and Drama Group
- Roscommon Drama Group
- Clann Machua
- Castleconnor Drama Group
Experienced adjudicator
The festival is delighted to welcome Imelda McDonagh back to Ballina as adjudicator this year. Imelda previously officiated at the festival in 2017 and brings a wealth of experience as a highly regarded adjudicator, actor and director.
With a strong line-up of groups and a varied programme of plays, audiences can expect three evenings of high-quality amateur theatre and plenty of variety on stage.
Curtain Up Times
This is a competitive festival and entry during performances is not permitted, so patrons are asked to arrive in good time.
- Friday 6th November: 7.30pm
- Saturday 7th November: 7pm
- Sunday 8th November: 7pm
Ticket Information:
Nightly tickets: €15
Season ticket for all three nights: €35
Tickets are available from Ballina Arts Centre or by calling 096 73593. For more information, email [email protected].
Join the Community Conversation:
Stay updated by following the Ballina One Act Drama Festival Facebook Page, and feel free to share the festival details with your friends, family, and social circles. Let’s make this year’s festival the most successful yet! Also follow the festival on Ballina One Act Drama Festival Instagram Page.
Plan Your Visit to Ballina:
If you’re travelling to Ballina for the festival, why not make a weekend of it? With plenty to see and do across Ballina and the wider Mayo North area, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy local food, explore the town and surrounding countryside, and make the most of your visit. For more information on things to do and places to visit:
www.northmayo.ie/things-to-do/.