Local Development Week 2026 takes place from 28th September to 2nd October, bringing communities across Ireland together to celebrate the people, projects and partnerships that create lasting change at a local level.
This year’s theme, Local Action, Lasting Impact, highlights the difference that can be made when local people have the support, resources and opportunities to shape their own communities.
See below list of events taking place with the support of South West Mayo Development Company for Local Development Week 2026.
You can view the schedule of national events at https://ldcn.ie/local-development-week/.
EVENTS
28.09.26 A Space of Our Own Club
Community Playschool & Courtyard Garden, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo
A Space of Our Own Club
Time: Monday – Friday
Venue: Community Playschool & Courtyard Garden, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo
A Space of Our Own Club was set up in Ballinrobe 2024 by parents for children with special needs who were struggling to find a location to bring their kids to paly and socialise. This is a playgroup for children with additional needs and where their families can explore the sensory garden, relax in a sensory hall and connect with one another right in the centre of the town.
Places are limited. To book a place or find out more, contact A Space of Our Own Club at aspaceofourownclub@gmail.com
30.09.26 Start Your Own Business Information Workshop
St. Colman’s Training Centre, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co. Mayo
Start Your Own Business
Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Time: 9.30am to 5.00pm
Venue: St. Colman’s Training Centre, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co. Mayo
Event Description:
Thinking about starting your own business? Join South West Mayo Development Company for a free one-day Start Your Own Business (SYOB) training programme for SICAP eligible participants. The course covers business planning, start-up costs, business structures, grants and supports, Revenue registration, and the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance application process. Participants will also have opportunities to network and learn about the supports available to help turn their business ideas into reality.
Booking Information:
Places are limited. To book a place or find out more, contact South West Mayo Development Company on 087 2242133.
30.09.26 Autumn Fair Health & Wellbeing Event
Lough Lanngh, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Autumn Fair Health & Wellbeing Event
Date: 30th September 2026
Venue: Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
As part of Local Development Week 2026, the Autumn Fair Health & Wellbeing Event will take place in Lough Lannagh on Wednesday, 30 September. The event is aimed at residents of IPAS Centres across Mayo and will provide opportunities to engage in a range of health, wellbeing and social activities while connecting with local support services.
Activities will include yoga, boxercise, bulb planting, hand massage, henna painting and, weather permitting, kayaking. Attendees will also have access to information on health and wellbeing services, enjoy refreshments, and have the opportunity to relax, socialise and build community connections in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
01.10.26 Age Strong, Live Long HSE Event
Great National Hotel, Ballina, Co. Mayo
HSE's Age Strong, Live Long
Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
Venue: Great National Hotel, Ballina
SWMDC will attend the HSE’s Age Strong, Live Long event with an information stand promoting the Living Well Programme. Visitors can learn about this free programme, which supports people living with long-term health conditions to better manage their health and wellbeing, and find out how to access the programme locally.
01.10.26 Job Shadowing Opportunity
with the Ready to Work Programme & Debbie’s Doo’s Dog Grooming Studio
Balla, Co. Mayo
Job Shadowing Opportunity with the Ready to Work Programme
02.10.26 Social Farming Open day on Grauen Farm
Grauen Farm, Ballyhaunis
Social Farming Open day on Grauen Farm
Date: Friday 2nd October 2026
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: Grauen Farm, Ballyhaunis
Event Description:
Social Farming Open day on Grauen Farm outside Ballyhaunis, this is an opportunity to visit a working farm and learn about Social Farming.
Social Farming is the practice of providing outcome-based support placements on a family farm, using the natural assets of the people, the place, the activities, and the community to support a person to achieve some of their own chosen goals.
The farm remains at its core, a working farm, where the people availing of support can benefit from participation in the ordinary day to day farm’s activities in a non-clinical environment. Social Farming also creates the opportunity to reconnect farmers with their local communities through opening up of their farms as a community-based support for a range of people with many different needs.
Booking Information:
Places are limited. To book a place or find out more contact details Darren on 0860654136 / 0719641772 or socialfarming@ldco.ie
