Irish rock bands The Coronas and The Academic and legendary Irish folk band The Chieftains will be among the musical acts to perform in Ballina, County Mayo, on Friday, April 14, 2023, prior to a public address by U.S. President Joe Biden.  

This outdoor event is free and open to the public.  Anyone wishing to attend should register online  at ie.usembassy.gov to receive additional information.    

 Gates Open:                         5:30 p.m.  

Official program begins:   7:00 p.m.  

Entry point:  Guests should enter the event at the junction of Barret and Tolan Streets or the junction of Dillon Terrace and Lower Pearse Street.    

Security:  All guests should be prepared for security screening similar to airport screening. Large bags and umbrellas will not be permitted. 

Shuttle Bus:  Free, Optional, Limited Shuttle Bus service will be provided to and from the event and available on a first come first, serve basis.  Shuttles will begin departing park-and-shuttle locations at 4:30 p.m.  The last shuttle to the event will depart at 7:00p.m.  Return shuttles can be picked-up at the pre-event drop-off location and will begin when the evening’s programme concludes.  

• Zone 1 – Knockmore: GA A Car Park, Drop-off and return location: Junction of James Street & Hill Street  
• Zone 2 – Castleconnor Community Centre Car-Park: Drop-off and return location: Bunree Industrial Estate  
• Zone 3 – Crossmolina: various parking around town, Drop-off and return location: Mercy Road  
• Zone 4 – North Ballina: McVann Furniture, Killala Road, Drop-off and return location: Bohernasup 

The event is free and open to the public.  Anyone wishing to attend should register online here or at ie.usembassy.gov to receive additional information.    

U.S. Ambassador Claire D. Cronin said “I am delighted to announce that Irish bands The Coronas and The Academic and six-time Grammy Award-winning Irish folk band The Chieftains will be among those playing for President Biden and our Irish guests in Ballina on Friday night.  The Chieftains played for President Biden when he visited Ireland in 2016.  This reunion of the band and President Biden will be an emotional one, since we lost the legendary Paddy Moloney in 2021. I am honoured to say that The Chieftains will reunite one last time in honour of President Biden and play together for the first time since Paddy’s passing.”  

Ambassador Cronin continued: “I visited Ballina earlier this week, and the excitement and anticipation is palpable.  This will be a once in a generation event, and I hope families and friends across the country will come to see the President of the United States speak in one of the places where his Irish family’s American journey began.”