Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to begin in Belfast

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will get under way in Belfast for the first time in the event's history this afternoon.

The world's largest celebration of Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture will also be held in the island's only UNESCO city of music next year as well.

Organisers say they expect around 800,000 visitors during the eight-day festival with hundreds of events including competitions, traditional sessions, céilí nights, concerts, storytelling, Irish language workshops and street performances taking place.

President Catherine Connolly will join Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly at the opening ceremony in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, which have been transformed into a performance arena called the 'Gig Rig'.

Internationally acclaimed accordion player Sharon Shannon and her Big Band will close the ceremony with a free concert this evening.

A large part of the city centre will be a pedestrian zone for the duration of the Fleadh as the streets will become performance areas and will host trade stands.

A number of special entertainment licences have been granted for pop-up bars and cafes along with extensions to existing licences for premises in the city centre.

While All-Ireland competitions remain at the heart of the festival, the organisers say there is also a focus on families with dozens of free and low-cost events designed to keep children entertained.

A Fleadh Fringe will also take place in the city centre and neighbourhoods across the greater Belfast area.

In a city with deep political and religious divides, organisers say there is a strong cross-community focus.

On Thursday, the iconic Titanic Slipways in the shadow of the city's giant shipyard cranes Samson and Goliath will be the venue for an "Ulster Bands Showcase" celebrating the rich and distinct heritage of Northern Irish Unionist and Ulster Scots culture.

It will include flute band music, Lambeg drumming, pipe bands and Scottish country dancing.

More than 1,300 volunteers from across Ireland have registered to welcome and help performers and visitors.

Musicians playing during the festival are expected to include performers from Japan, North America, Australia, Germany and France.

Promising a "giant welcome" for all, Belfast City Council's promotional ads state: "Our character is stout, our humour is dark and the craic is mighty."

It is only the second time the event will be held in Northern Ireland. The Fleadh was hosted by Derry in 2013 with an estimated 400,000 visitors and 20,000 performers.

Those planning to attend are being encouraged not to drive into the city centre as the closure of some main roads will increase congestion and car parking will be a problem.

Several Park and Ride sites will operate on main approach roads into the city allowing drivers to park and complete their journey by bus.

Parking at each site will cost £10 per day, with the bus shuttle service free.

For those travelling by train from Dublin, Grand Central Station is just a few minutes' walk from the city centre and Translink has added an additional late return service for the duration of the Fleadh (times vary during week).

* For full details of what's on at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, visit the official Fleadh website at fleadhcheoil.ie

Read more: Your guide to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026