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From:Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, will represent the government at the official opening of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 on Sunday, 2 August. The Fleadh will be held in Belfast from 2 to 9 August 2026. It is only the second occasion that the event has been hosted in Northern Ireland following on from Derry in 2013.

The Fleadh is the largest annual celebration of Irish traditional music, song, dance, and culture, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and generating substantial economic and social benefits.

Speaking ahead of the official opening, Minister Calleary said:

“I am delighted to be in Belfast to mark the opening of this historic and global event. Over the coming days, the best of Irish culture will be represented by over 180 competitions in over 50 venues.

“I’m particularly thrilled for the city of Belfast and its residents as it marks a significant milestone for the city, positioning it as a leading cultural and tourism destination. I wish all of the participants, organisers and local businesses the very best of success in the days ahead.”

The CCÉ Fleadh Ceol is supported by the Government of Ireland with funding from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.