Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann Belfast 2026

What to Expect

Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2026 is the All-Ireland championship and festival of traditional Irish music, marking the first time Belfast has hosted the event. Over eight days the city hosts All-Ireland competitions in solo instruments, ceili bands, song and dance, alongside free street sessions, headline concerts, ceilis, Irish-language workshops and a fringe programme. The Gig Rig at Belfast City Hall is the free outdoor stage running throughout the week. Scoil Eigse, a week-long intensive school of traditional music for young musicians, takes place at Ulster University in the days leading up to the festival.

Good to Know

• Dates: Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August 2026.

• Senior ceili band final takes place at Waterfront Hall, Sunday 9 August.

• Scoil Eigse tuition week runs immediately before the festival at Ulster University Belfast campus.

• Street sessions and the Gig Rig are free; competitions and headline concerts require tickets - book early via fleadhcheoil.ie.

• The event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors; accommodation should be booked well in advance.

Getting There

Belfast city centre is served by Belfast Grand Central Station (Europa Bus Centre) and Lanyon Place railway station; both are within easy walking distance of the Gig Rig at City Hall.