In 2026, the world’s largest festival of Irish music and dance is set to take place in Belfast. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann – the All-Ireland Fleadh – typically draws up to 600,000 visitors to the host city or town during its week-long celebration in August. The official announcement of Belfast as the host city was made by organisers Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) and Belfast City Council at an event held at the city hall. First Minister Michelle O’Neill hailed this as a “magnificent opportunity” for Northern Ireland.
This will mark the second time that Northern Ireland hosts the event, with Londonderry previously hosting in 2013, attracting an estimated 400,000 attendees and 20,000 performers. The 2024 All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford saw over 500,000 visitors and more than 1,500 participants. The upcoming 2025 event is scheduled for August 3rd to 10th in Wexford. Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, the director general of CCÉ, expressed his anticipation for the event, labeling it as the “Olympics of culture and friendship.”
The event is expected to draw around 800,000 people to Belfast, with 20,000 performers coming from various parts of Ireland and around the world. Dr. Ó Murchú highlighted the significant impact such events have on engaging young people in traditional music. The chairperson of Ards CCÉ deemed this announcement as a “historic day” for Belfast, praising the city’s ideal venues and vibrant atmosphere for such an event. Lord Mayor of Belfast Cllr Micky Murray expressed his delight, emphasizing the social and economic benefits such events bring to the city.
In anticipation of the Fleadh in 2026, businesses in Belfast are gearing up for a substantial boost to the local economy. Martina Connolly, chief executive of Belfast ONE Business Improvement District, hailed the event as a historic moment and a tremendous opportunity for businesses in various sectors. The Fleadh Cheoil, established in 1951 by traditional musicians and Gaelic culture advocates, continues to enhance Irish music, dance, and language annually through its festivals across Ireland and overseas regions
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