€40,000 has been allocated for a number of festivals taking place this year in Co Mayo.

Junior Tourism Minister Michael Ring admits that the funding for festivals is down this year, as his department is increasing its spend on tourism marketing campaigns.

The €40,000 allocated by Failte Ireland will be distributed to 9 festivals across Co Mayo….

€10,000 for the Westport Food Festival,

€5,000 each for the Ballina Salmon Festival, Achill Roar Adventure Race and Mayo Titanic Cultural Week,

€3,500 for the Bonniconlon Show,

€3,000 each for Feilte Acla, the John Wayne Film Festival in Cong and the Mayo International Choral Festival,

And €2,500 for the Grace Kelly Film Festival in Newport.