Ould Lammas Fair

What's On

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Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026

The world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture is coming to Belfast. From Sunday 2nd - Sunday 9th August 2026, the city will take centre stage as it proudly hosts Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

For one incredible week, the Fleadh (‘festival’ in Irish) will transform Belfast into a vibrant and immersive carnival of sound, colour, culture and craic. From lively pub sessions to headline concerts, pop-up street performances to prestigious All-Ireland competitions, the Belfast Fleadh is where tradition meets imagination - and where all visitors can look forward to a world-class welcome.

Hear songs drifting through historic streets, feel the rhythm of céilí bands and witness the world’s finest traditional musicians performing in the island of Ireland’s only UNESCO designated City of Music. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the Fleadh for the first time, you can expect:

  • Thrilling performances by world-class musicians, dancers and storytellers
  • Street sessions that spill into pubs, squares and hidden corners
  • Céilí bands, traditional dance, language and pageantry
  • Cultural events, exhibitions and creative workshops

Northern Ireland has hosted the Fleadh just once before - at the unforgettable 2013 festival in Derry~Londonderry. Now, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann returns in spectacular style, with over 800,000 visitors expected to share in the sounds, stories and spirit of this landmark event.

And, when the tunes wind down, the adventure continues. With its buzzing food scene, legendary pubs, iconic attractions and famously warm welcome, Belfast is the perfect base for exploring more of Northern Ireland’s world-famous destinations - from the Causeway Coastal Route to the Mourne Mountains and beyond.

For the full programme of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann events please see below. 

For more about the festival, visit fleadhcheoil.ie.

What's On At The Fleadh

Opening Ceremony Aug 02
Ceremony

Opening Ceremony

Expect lively entertainment, stirring performances and contemporary collaborations as Belfast…

Bardic Awards Aug 04
Indoor Event

Bardic Awards

The Comhaltas Ceannródaithe Awards (Bardic) honour individuals who have made exceptional…

Flanagan Award Aug 05
Awards

Flanagan Award

The Flanagan Award is an opportunity to pay tribute to the great banjo players across traditional…

Ard Ollamh Award Aug 05
Indoor Event

Ard Ollamh Award

The Ard-Ollamh Award acknowledges a lifetime of dedication to the traditional arts and is the…

Experience Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Time To Get Planning

Looking for inspiration? You’ll find plenty here. Dive in, plan your days your way and start shaping your Fleadh adventure with useful itineraries and guides.

Plan Your Trip
Bus

Getting Here & Getting Around

Northern Ireland boasts a wealth of accolades, from the breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route, hailed as "one of the greatest drives on earth," to Derry~Londonderry, renowned as "the best…

House

Trip Inspiration

Whether you’re planning a family day out, an adventure with your four-legged friend, or a memorable escape with your besties, Northern Ireland is ready to welcome you with endless…

Where To Stay

Whether you’re making a week of it or just stopping by to soak up the atmosphere for a night, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles.

 

Getting To Belfast

Travelling to Belfast for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann? Getting here couldn't be easier. With two airports, great road and rail links, plus daily ferry services, the city is well connected to the Republic of Ireland, the UK and beyond.

Discover More Information

Find out how to get here, what to do, where to eat & drink and where the music carries on long into the night. From travel advice to must-see attractions, everything you need is right here at your fingertips.

Explore The Fleadh's History And Heritage

Stories & Inspiration

Every Fleadh has its stories, and Northern Ireland has plenty to share. From the roots of the festival to the people, places & moments that make it special, discover inspiring tales, handy itineraries and insider info to help you make the most of your time here.

Find Out More
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More Live Music & Events In Belfast

The Fleadh might be the reason you're coming to Belfast, but it doesn't have to be the only one. From live music and cultural events to festivals across the city, here's what's happening during your visit - so whether you're arriving early or staying on after, there's every reason to keep the session going. For a full list of events taking place in Northern Ireland during the Fleadh period, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/

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Frequently Asked Questions