Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is coming to Belfast for the very first time this year, promising ceol, craic and oodles of culture.
Running from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August 2026, the beloved festival will bring eight extraordinary days of Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture to Ireland’s only UNESCO City of Music.
With over 800,000 visitors expected at this year’s festival, finding your way around will be crucial – especially if you’re a first-time visitor to the Fleadh.
Visit Belfast has shared its list of 100 things to know about attending the Fleadh, which you can read here.
Roisin Balladares, aged 2 and a half from Vancouver, feels the energy of the Fleadh at Dublin Connolly as part of Visit Belfast’s Moving Session celebration.
Here, we’ve listed the basics that you’ll need to know before diving in.
What happens at the Fleadh?
The Fleadh features All-Ireland music and dance competitions, live stage concerts, céilí dancing, street performances, pub sessions, storytelling, language events and a huge fringe festival programme.
The programme includes All-Ireland competitions in music, song and dance, headline stage concerts, céilí nights, pub sessions, street performances, storytelling events, language workshops and a fringe festival featuring more than 90 events.
Are there free events at the Fleadh?
Yes. Many of the Fleadh’s events, including street performances, pub sessions and outdoor entertainment, are free to attend.
Where are the Fleadh events taking place?
The Gig Rig at Belfast City Hall will host a packed programme of free music and performances throughout the festival. Special performances and competitions will also take place at Ulster Hall, ICC Belfast and Waterfront Hall. Scoil Éigse, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann’s annual international summer school, will take place at Ulster University’s Belfast campus, while The MAC will host a range of Fleadh-related cultural events and performances in a contemporary arts setting.
What are the All-Ireland competitions?
These are the prestigious national competitions at the heart of the Fleadh, where qualifying musicians, singers and dancers from all over Ireland and overseas compete for the title of All-Ireland champion across dozens of categories.
How do I get to Belfast from Dublin and other parts of the country?
Belfast is approximately one-and-a-half to two hours from Dublin by road or rail. Enterprise train services run regularly between Dublin Connolly and Belfast Grand Central Station. Buses also run frequently between the two cities.
From Limerick it will take around four to five hours by public transport. From Cork, allow around five to six hours. Most routes involve changing in Dublin.
The High Kicks dancers, brings the energy of the Fleadh to Dublin Connolly as part of Visit Belfast’s Moving Session celebration.
Where can I stay in Belfast during the Fleadh?
Belfast offers a wide range of accommodation options including city centre hotels, boutique guesthouses, B&Bs, self-catering apartments and hostels. Special Fleadh camping sites and short-term stays in the city’s student accommodation are also available.
Are there camping options for the Fleadh?
Yes. Three different campsites will accommodate different types of campers, each offering a safe and friendly base for your Fleadh experience. Spaces can be booked for four nights or for the full eight days. Titanic Quarter will host campervans, caravans and roof tents, while Ormeau Park and Falls Park will host tent-only camping.
Where are the best areas to eat and drink in Belfast?
The Cathedral Quarter, Linen Quarter, Botanic Avenue and Stranmillis in the Queen’s Quarter are all excellent hubs for food and drink, with a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget.
Is the Fleadh family-friendly?
Yes. The Fleadh is an inclusive and family-friendly festival. Children are warmly welcomed and there is a wide range of events, workshops and entertainment designed especially for younger visitors.
Will Fleadh venues be accessible to wheelchair users?
Festival organisers are committed to making the Fleadh as accessible as possible. Visitors with specific requirements are encouraged to check official venue information via the Fleadh and Visit Belfast websites.