Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann - Belfast 2026

From 2–9 August, the city will attract large domestic and international audiences.

For Northern Ireland’s tourism industry, the Fleadh represents a major opportunity to showcase the region’s cultural strengths, drive record visitor numbers, increase overnight stays, and stimulate demand across accommodation, hospitality, attractions, tours, transport, and experiential offerings.  

Established in 1951, the event takes place in Ireland every August with qualifying performers from all over the world showcasing the very best of traditional music talent in all-Ireland competitions. 

Other activities across the eight-day festival include: 

• concerts
• street performances
• cultural activities
• big-name acts
• céilí bands
• pageants
• marching bands
• drama, and
• exhibitions. 

This is only the second time the Fleadh has been held in Northern Ireland, having taken place in Derry~Londonderry in 2013 as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations. 

For more information about the festival, visit fleadhcheoil.ie 

Belfast City Council – Fleadh 2026 stakeholder engagement sessions

Taking place during December these information sessions are an opportunity to find out what the Fleadh means for Belfast and how it can benefit you. The sessions will cater for all knowledge and interest levels. They are an opportunity to shape the planning process with insight from your business or organisation. 

Find out more 

Get your business prepared 

Considering developing an accommodation offer for the Fleadh? 

Check out our guides about tourist accommodation types and be aware of the important legal obligations you must adhere to in operating a tourist accommodation premises in Northern Ireland. 

Visit: tourismni.com/business-guidance/sector/accommodation

Offering an inclusive and accessible experience 

With a diverse range of visitors expected for the Fleadh, it is important that the event experience is both inclusive and accessible. 
Regardless of your organisation’s current stage in advancing accessibility, our toolkit and e-learning modules provide structured guidance to support the development of more inclusive and welcoming visitor experiences. 

Visit: tourismni.com/accessibility

Sustainability  

A Sustainability Action Plan is under development, with a focus on enhancing the sustainability of Fleadh venues, suppliers, transport and programme. 

Now more than ever visitors are tuned into sustainability and how businesses are implementing sustainable practices. Check out our section on tourismni.com for help and advice on how you can enhance what you are doing at tourismni.com/leanergreener.  In addition to this we now have 3 new e-learning modules to help you on your journey including NI’s Commitment to Climate Change, Guide to Waste Management and Guide to Energy Management.  Find out more at tourismni.com/mytourismni 

Join our upcoming Sustainability Story Telling webinar on 29th January find out more here.

Volunteering opportunities 

Volunteer Now are managing volunteering opportunities for the Fleadh in Belfast. If interested, you can complete an Expression of Interest form now: 

• Sign up to the events database at volunteernow.co.uk/event-volunteering 

Find out more 

Belfast City Council - Fleadh Belfast 2026 | Culture in Belfast 

Visit Belfast - Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann – Belfast 2026 

Discovernorthernireland.com - Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 | Belfast Traditional Music