Mayo GAA Scor na nOg

Scór na nÓg is one of those GAA events that surprises people who only know the association through football and hurling. This county competition puts young people under 17 centre stage to perform across eight disciplines of Irish culture - solo singing, traditional and set dancing, instrumental music, ballad group, recitation and storytelling, novelty act, and table quiz. If you have a teenager in a GAA club or you simply want to see what young Mayo has in it, this is an evening well spent.

What to expect

Each club enters its strongest performers in whichever disciplines they have talent for, and the standard at county level is genuine. The competition moves through club and divisional rounds before arriving at the county final, so the acts you see have already earned their place. Expect a ceílí dancer who has been practising since January, a ballad group that knows every word of three-part harmony, a solo singer working to get the nerves down, and a novelty act that has probably been rehearsed in someone’s kitchen for weeks. The table quiz runs separately from the stage events, giving a different kind of competitor a chance to shine. Mayo’s county Scór competitions have produced All-Ireland finalists, and the atmosphere is supportive rather than cutthroat - this is a cultural showcase as much as a contest. Entry is typically a small door fee; check the Mayo GAA website or your local club for the confirmed venue and exact schedule, as individual stage locations are confirmed closer to the date.

Getting there

Castlebar is Co. Mayo’s county town and sits roughly at the centre of the county, making it a natural hub for county-level finals. It is about two hours from Dublin via the N5, or just under an hour from Galway city via the N17/N84. Bus Éireann runs regular services from both Dublin (route 23) and Galway (route 51). Within Castlebar there is ample free car parking around the town centre and at most GAA facilities.

While you’re in Castlebar

Castlebar has a lively town square and good range of pubs and restaurants for before or after the competition. The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life is a short drive away at Turlough Park and is free to visit. There is more to see in Castlebar and across Co. Mayo.

Good to know

• Date: Monday 10 August 2026, 6:00pm
• Price: From €5
• Venue: Various venues, County Mayo - confirm with Mayo GAA closer to the date
• Check for updates: mayogaa.ie
• Suitable for all ages; young children welcome at most GAA cultural events