Mullingar has been selected as the venue for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2020 and 2021, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann announced on Saturday.
The event will take place from August 2nd-9th next year. (Please note the change in dates)
Last year’s event in Drogheda, Co Louth attracted around 400,000 visitors to the town with up to 10,000 musicians taking part.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann founded the event in the Co Westmeath town in 1951 but the event has not been hosted there since 1963.
2021 will mark 70 years since Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was founded in the town in 1951. So it will be a special year for Fleadh going back to where it all started
The event is estimated to be worth €40 Million to the economy in Mullingar.
“We are very proud to be part of this mammoth endeavour and have pledged that all necessary resources will be made available to the organising team,” said Pat Gallagher, chief executive of Westmeath County Council.
Chairperson of the Westmeath Comhatlas, Joe Connaire said; “We are bringing the Fleadh back to its roots, back to where it all began, and back to where our great organisation was founded. Our bid was founded on positivity from the start.”
Mullingar beat applications from Wexford town, Portlaoise, Co Laois, Tullamore, Co Offaly and Douglas, Co Cork to be selected as hosts.
This year’s Fleadh Cheoil will be in Drogheda and run from August 11th-18th.