Belfast is poised to make history as it prepares to host the world’s largest traditional Irish music festival, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, for the first time—though no official announcement has yet been made.
According to The Irish News, Belfast has been selected as the host city for the 2026 Fleadh, marking only the second time in the festival’s 73-year history that it will take place in the north. The confirmation is expected to come next month at an event in Belfast City Hall.
The Fleadh, organized by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, with last year’s event in Wexford drawing over half a million people and generating an estimated €60 million for the local economy. With Belfast’s strong tourism sector and increasing investment in hospitality, the city could see a similar financial boost. The influx of visitors will provide a major economic uplift for hotels, restaurants, pubs, and local businesses, with additional job opportunities expected in the lead-up to and during the festival.
Belfast’s bid, put forward by Belfast City Council in partnership with Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, follows previous unsuccessful attempts to secure the event. The city had hoped to host the festival in both 2023 and 2024 but lost out to Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. A Belfast City Council report on the failed 2024 bid highlighted shortcomings, including a lack of Irish language inclusion and insufficient disabled access. However, it appears these concerns have now been addressed, leading to a successful bid for 2026.
The last time the Fleadh was held in the north was in 2013, when Derry played host, drawing an estimated 430,000 attendees. The event was widely praised for its positive economic and cultural impact, and Belfast will now hope to replicate that success on an even larger scale.
When the festival arrives in Belfast, it will feature over 180 competitions in music, singing, dancing, and storytelling, making it one of the biggest arts festivals the city has ever hosted. As well as formal competitions, Belfast’s streets and pubs will come alive with traditional music sessions, and a dedicated programme will highlight the Irish language.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has yet to comment on The Irish News report, while Belfast City Council has confirmed only that an announcement is expected in March. If confirmed, the Fleadh Cheoil could bring
