Foxford, Co. Mayo will come alive on Saturday, 20th June 2026 for a vibrant celebration of Argentina Day. This is to mark the 249th anniversary of the birth of Admiral William Brown, the Foxford native who became the founder of the Argentine Navy and a revered hero in both Ireland and Argentina. Everyone from the Foxford locality and the Argentine community living in Ireland are warmly invited to join the festivities. People from all around Mayo and Ireland also invited visit the area and experience the atmosphere.
Honouring a Historical Figure
Born in Foxford on 22 June 1777, Admiral William Brown emigrated from Ireland as a child and went on to become the founder of the Argentine Navy. Reverently known in Argentina as the “Father of the Navy” and often referred to as the “Father of the Seas,” Brown remains one of the country’s most respected national heroes.
This year’s event carries special significance as it marks the beginning of the countdown to 2027, when Foxford, Mayo and Argentina will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Admiral Brown’s birth with a programme of major commemorative events and international collaborations.
Margaret Reilly, Chairperson of the Admiral Brown Society, said: “Each year we gather to honour Admiral Brown’s remarkable achievements and the enduring friendship between Ireland and Argentina. The 2026 celebrations are particularly important as we look ahead to 2027 and the 250th anniversary of Brown’s birth. We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far as we continue to strengthen the special bonds between our two countries.”
Event Highlights and Schedule
The day’s commemorations will proceed as follows:
- 11.15am – Prayers at Craggagh Cemetery
- 12.00pm – Mass at St. Michael’s Church, Foxford, including a welcome to distinguished guests and ambassadors
- 1.00pm – Wreath-laying ceremony at the Admiral Brown Monument on Church Road, led by the Foxford Brass and Reed Band
- 1.30pm – Walk along the scenic Admiral Brown Trail and River Moy Promenade
- 3.00pm – Reception and celebrations in the Admiral Brown Hall
Among those expected to attend are Her Excellency Ana Cachaza, Argentine Ambassador to Ireland, and Her Excellency Olive Hempenstall, Irish Ambassador to Argentina, reflecting the importance of the occasion and the enduring diplomatic and cultural links between the two nations. The Admiral Brown Hall is expected to be a hive of fun, celebration, and cultural exchange throughout the afternoon.
Throughout the Day
This year’s Argentina Day will feature a particularly vibrant cultural programme.
- Attendances expected from Her Excellency Ana Cachaza, Argentine Ambassador to Ireland, and Her Excellency Olive Hempenstall, Irish Ambassador to Argentina
- Argentine tango dancers bringing authentic Argentine culture and colour to Foxford
- Dance showcases and interactive sessions with local dancer Gina Laffey and visiting performers
- A lively atmosphere in the Admiral Brown Hall with music, culture and celebration
- Argentine-themed tractors decorated in the country’s iconic blue and white colours
- Football fans and supporters celebrating Foxford’s famous connection with Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup
- Representatives of the Irish Naval Service recognising the enduring maritime links between Ireland and Argentina
- International coverage from content creator Juanjo Marco, whose videos on the Foxford-Argentina connection continue to attract a growing global audience
All events are open to the public and everyone is warmly invited to attend as Foxford launches the countdown to the 250th anniversary of Admiral William Brown’s birth in 2027.
Past Connections and Events
The Argentine Navy has a long history of visiting Foxford, fostering warm relations with the local community. In 1957, to commemorate the centenary of Admiral William Brown’s death, Argentina gifted a bronze bust of the admiral to Foxford. This tradition of camaraderie continued in 2022 when the Argentine Ambassador welcomed the crew of the ARA Libertad to Foxford. The ARA Libertad, one of the largest sailing ships in the world at 103 meters long, graced the waters of Killala Bay.
The above shows a glimpse of the work in progress. Image by: Admiral Brown Society
In addition to these celebrations, the Admiral William Brown Society in Foxford launched the innovative ‘Admiral Brown Heritage Trail.’ This initiative was soon followed by an Argentinian club, Guillermo Brown de Puerto Madryn, making headlines with a distinctive jersey honouring Admiral Brown, Foxford’s maritime legend.
Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, praised the Admiral Brown Society for their efforts in strengthening ties between Foxford and Argentina. “These bonds place Foxford on a global stage, making it a must-visit destination,” she noted.
In March 2024, Minister of State Dara Calleary laid a wreath at Admiral William Brown’s grave in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as part of the Government’s St. Patrick’s Day missions. He was joined by Argentinian municipal leaders from the region. The minister also distributed specially commissioned pins featuring the Irish and Argentinian flags alongside an image of Admiral Brown, further symbolising the lasting connection between the two communities.
Community Efforts and Supports
The Admiral Brown Society, supported by Mayo County Council, extends a warm invitation to everyone to attend Argentina Day 2026 and take part in celebrating the life and legacy of one of Foxford’s most internationally significant sons. Follow the build-up to the event and the celebrations themselves across the Admiral Brown Facebook, Instagram and X social media platforms as Foxford begins the countdown to the landmark 250th anniversary celebrations in 2027.
The below video shows drone footage of the 2019 wreath laying ceremony in Foxford with the Argentine Navy for Admiral William Brown.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Looking ahead to 2027, the Admiral Brown Society is working with partners in Ireland and Argentina to develop an extensive programme of events to mark the 250th anniversary of Admiral Brown’s birth. These plans include commemorative events in both countries, cultural exchanges, and continued strengthening of historic links between Mayo and Argentina. Discussions are also ongoing regarding the potential return of the Argentine Naval Training Ship ARA Libertad to Ireland as part of the anniversary programme. The last major Mayo delegation to Argentina took place in 2007, and organisers hope the upcoming milestone year will further deepen these long-standing international relationships.
In this context, Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, said: “Admiral Brown’s story is one of Mayo’s most significant international connections. The work of the Admiral Brown Society preserves an important shared heritage while also strengthening cultural and tourism links between Ireland and Argentina. The forthcoming 250th anniversary presents a unique opportunity to showcase Foxford and Mayo on an international stage.”
Margaret Reilly, Chairperson of the Admiral Brown Society, said: “Each year we gather to honour Admiral Brown’s remarkable achievements and the enduring friendship between Ireland and Argentina. The 2026 celebrations are especially significant as we begin the countdown to the 250th anniversary in 2027. We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far as we continue to strengthen the bonds between our two countries.”
For more details
For more details, please visit the Admiral William Brown Twitter page as well as this, visit the Admiral Brown website.
While in the area, check out our guide to the top 10 things to do in Foxford.
