Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast 

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish 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 teed up the excitement globally, making sure everyone was aware that Belfast was the host city for this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Tourism Ireland highlighted the Fleadh as a ‘must-experience’ event for overseas visitors seeking authentic Irish music and culture. The organisation also used the Fleadh as a platform to shine a spotlight on Belfast’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music and to showcase the rich cultural and music experiences available right across Northern Ireland.

Special 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 this spring, which included segments on NBC in the United States and on The Travel Guys, a popular TV travel series in Canada.
• 20+ international media from the GB, 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. 
• Momentum will build this week, when a major TV show in Great Britain is set to broadcast live from the Fleadh. 
• 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.