Belfast is once again aiming to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2026, with city officials intensifying their efforts following a series of unsuccessful bids. The renowned traditional Irish music festival, held in Northern Ireland only once in its 60-year history—in Derry in 2013—draws tens of thousands of visitors from around the world.
Belfast City Council recently updated elected representatives on the city’s 2026 bid, stressing a renewed commitment to addressing issues in previous applications. As part of their strategy, the Lord Mayor, Chief Executive, and a senior council official will attend an Irish cultural convention in the United States next April to boost international support.
In the bid for the 2026 event, Belfast faces stiff competition from Ballina, County Mayo, which is also eager to host the festival and has an eye on 2027. Eamonn Walsh, PRO for the recent Connacht Fleadh in Ballina, is calling on Mayo County Council to support local Comhaltas organisations and prioritise the 2027 All-Ireland Fleadh for Ballina, the heart of north Mayo. Mr. Walsh noted that Ballina must start preparing an application for the 2026 Fleadh to prove to the 32 voting members of the Árd Comhairle of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann that it is a serious contender for hosting by 2027. “It’s imperative that we join the queue now,” he emphasised.
Belfast’s earlier attempts to secure the Fleadh Cheoil—most recently for the 2024 event—were unsuccessful, losing out to Wexford in 2024 and Mullingar the previous year. Council reports identified weaknesses in past bids, including limited use of the Irish language, insufficient engagement with voting members, and a lack of accessibility provisions.
In partnership with Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE)—Belfast City Council recently submitted an updated “Bid Book” for the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil, meeting the 30 August deadline. An official decision is expected in early March 2025.
To strengthen the city’s case, Belfast officials, along with Ards CCE members, participated in a networking and engagement event at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford. Council representatives attended sessions with Wexford organisers to observe operational logistics, including visitor services, security, and volunteer management. This follows two years of operational research at Mullingar’s Fleadh Cheoil, where they consulted with Sligo representatives, previous hosts of the event.
The report highlights plans for continued collaboration with Fleadh organisers, including a planned October meeting with Wexford officials and potential opportunities for Belfast officials to shadow Wexford’s Fleadh operations in the coming year. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann representatives are expected to visit Belfast ahead of the final decision.
To support the bid, the council is expediting staffing resources. Last month, the Lord Mayor hosted Ards CCE in celebration of their recent success at Wexford, where they earned four All-Ireland medals.
The latest report also emphasises the importance of attending the Comhaltas Convention in the U.S. in April 2025. This event is essential for building connections with diaspora communities and securing U.S. votes, which