Belfast welcomed million visitors for Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann 2026

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 has drawn to a close in Belfast following a week of traditional Irish music, song and dance, when more than one million people visited the city.

Some 5,000 entrants from 25 countries travelled to Belfast to compete for All-Ireland titles ins music, dancing and sean nós singing.

The Fleadh was in Belfast for the first time, hosted by Belfast City Council, in partnership with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) and Ards CCÉ, and the city transformed into a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, with competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions, workshops and events.

At the core of the Fleadh are the All-Ireland competitions, where musicians, singers and dancers of all ages compete at the highest level following success at regional competitions.

Cllr Róis-Máire Donnelly, Lord Mayor of Belfast, said: “A leithéid de sheachtain nach raibh feicthe ariamh i mBéal Feirste. Ceol, craic is draíocht san aer ar fud fad na seachtaine is trasna na cathrach ar fad.”

“Words cannot do justice to how proud I am of this city and the magic that it has produced over the last eight days. The pictures and videos of our people, our music and our streets projected right around the world show our city at its best. Our spirit, our craic and our shared love of music, from all our different communities, have all been embraced and displayed for everyone to enjoy.

“Tháinig na sluaite isteach go lár a’ bhaile lenár gceol is ár gcultúr a roinnt le chéile agus bhí sé galánta An Ghaeilge a fheiceáil chomh flúirseach sin is le cloisteáil gach áit.”

“When I opened Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann last Sunday, I described it as a full circle moment for the city. But it’s also been a watershed moment – a sign of our city’s strength, ambition and future potential. Fleadh 2026 has surpassed all of our expectations. Go raibh céad míle maith agaibh to everyone for their support, participation and generosity of spirit – you have all done Belfast proud.”

Dr Labhrás Ó’Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, added: “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has grown from its beginnings in 1951 into a festival of world proportions, and Belfast has demonstrated once again why traditional Irish music, song and dance have such a powerful international appeal. The presence of 5,000 competitors from 25 countries is testament to the strength, diversity and continuing growth of our traditions.

“We congratulate Belfast City Council, Ards CCÉ, the many volunteers and all our partners on an outstanding Fleadh. The welcome from the city has been exceptional and the level of participation and attendance has exceeded expectations.

“We are delighted to confirm that Belfast has been selected to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann again on August 1-8 2027. We look forward to returning and building on the success of this year’s Fleadh, continuing to bring our traditions to new audiences at home and around the world.”

For results and information on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, visit www.fleadhcheoil.ie.