Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast 

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest celebration of traditional music and culture, took place in Belfast for the first time ever in August 2026. The Fleadh wasn't just a landmark cultural event – it was a superb opportunity to showcase Belfast and Northern Ireland on the global stage. Tourism Ireland took every opportunity to promote the festival to millions around the world, in the run-up to and during the event.

Tourism Ireland’s research shows that culture is a key motivator for potential overseas visitors to Northern Ireland. The Fleadh provided a valuable platform to attract visitors to the event, while elevating Belfast’s profile as a UNESCO City of Music and inspiring visitors to extend their stay and explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer.

Highlights of Tourism Ireland’s programme of activity to capitalise on this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann included:

• Broadcast publicity reaching 14 million in North America, which included segments on NBC in the United States and on The Travel Guys, a popular TV travel series in Canada.
• 20+ overseas media from Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Nordics and Switzerland on the ground in Belfast, exploring the music scene, which – to date – has led to articles and placements in Time Out, Condé Nast Traveller, The Telegraph, Thrillist (popular US entertainment and lifestyle website), Radio France and Radio Nacional de España. 
• Major exposure on BBC’s ‘The One Show’, with a live broadcast from the Fleadh in Belfast reaching a significant audience across Great Britain. 
• Social, digital and advertising messaging targeting overseas music fans with Fleadh-focused messaging. In GB alone, activity reached 3.3 million music fans. 
• Dedicated content on Tourism Ireland’s international website, Ireland.com.
  

Article in Swiss travel magazine Ferientrends.