Your guide to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026
Belfast is set to host the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann festival for the first time in August 2026. The event will feature traditional Irish music, dance, and cultural competitions across various city venues.
Why it matters
As a major cultural event expecting 800,000 visitors, it highlights Belfast's growing status as a UNESCO City of Music.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is coming to Belfast for the very first time this year, promising ceol, craic and oodles of culture.
Running from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August 2026, the beloved festival will bring eight extraordinary days of Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture to Ireland's only UNESCO City of Music.
With over 800,000 visitors expected at this year's festival, finding your way around will be crucial - especially if you're a first-time visitor to the Fleadh.
Visit Belfast has shared its list of 100 things to know about attending the Fleadh, which you can read here .
Here, we've listed the basics that you'll need to know before diving in.
The Fleadh features All-Ireland music and dance competitions, live stage concerts, céilí dancing, street performances, pub sessions, storytelling, language events and a huge fringe festival programme.
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