Belfast, UNESCO City of Music, to Host the World’s Largest Irish Music Festival this Summer

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 launches in Belfas

Belfast will show exactly why it deserves its UNESCO City of Music status this summer as it hosts the world’s largest Irish music festival, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, for the first time — an eight‑day celebration like no other running from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August 2026.

Musicians, dancers and performers from across the globe will converge on Belfast for a rip‑roaring celebration of traditional music. At Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, audiences can expect street performances, intimate concerts, big‑name acts and more than 180 competitions showcasing the very best of traditional talent.

Across all eight days, the festival’s outdoor Gig Rig will host free live performances against the stunning backdrop of Belfast City Hall, featuring legendary musicians including Sharon Shannon and her Big Band, Lúnasa, Foy Vance, Goitse, Blackwater Céilí Band and Mec Lir, among many others

Ards CCE on stag at the Ulster Hall, Belfast

From instrument-making to beginner bodhrán circles to céilí dancing, there are so many ways to get involved in this week-long extravaganza. It's more than just music. It's a cultural and creative get-together like no other. Expect multi-cultural performances, cross-community showcases, language classes and more.

Commissioned especially for the opening, ‘Sharing Traditions’ showcase will reflect the festival’s ambition to ‘celebrate together’ by fusing traditional Irish music with Dhol drummers, Indian dancers, flute and pipe bands and Highland dancers. As performers join forces to celebrate Belfast’s shared identity, the opening event will send a powerful message of inclusion and kickstart Fleadh Cheoil in style.

Throughout the festival, audiences will have the chance to listen to some of the best traditional music, from uilleann piper Conor Mallon and composer Neil Martin, through to champion Irish dancers from Riverdance, and even a ‘trisco’ - a trad disco!

The energy will extend beyond the main stages and venues too, with a fringe festival focused on bringing Belfast’s rich cultural diversity to life through music and performance, as well as events like Neuromusicology hosted by NI Science Festival, a unique live show looking at the powerful relationship between the human brain and playing the harp. The Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) Belfast will serve as the festival’s Irish language hub, offering a week of language learning, music, art, storytelling and workshops, all delivered in Irish.

Irish traditional music, or ‘trad’ as it is often known, has a rich history. Beginning as an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation, it tells the story of Ireland. The Fleadh's finest moments can often be found in hidden corners around the city. So, as the festival atmosphere sweeps through Belfast's cobbled lanes and historic pubs, listen out and follow the sounds of an impromptu street session starting up. The magic of the Fleadh is in the air!