Belfast will welcome 800,000 visitors this August for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance.
Belfast Fleadh kicks off on 2 August, with seven days of events planned to keep music lovers entertained. The only UNESCO City of Music on the island of Ireland – and the first to host the annual celebration – it promises to be a highlight on the summer calendar.
From intimate trad sessions in beloved local pubs to spontaneous street performances and headline gigs in some of the county’s most iconic venues, below is a taste of some of the best things to see and do if you plan on making the trip up north.
Opening ceremony
Taking place on 2 August, the opening ceremony will set the tone for what is sure to be an incredible week of fun. With City Hall as its backdrop, the main Gig Rig stage will be at the heart of the entertainment on the opening day. There will be a special collaborative performance from host branch, Ards CCÉ, South Asian Dance Academy, Belfast Bands Forum, as well as an array of highland pipers and champion Irish dancers led by Riverdance lead, Lauren Smyth. The impressive outdoor stage will also welcome over 100 children from primary and secondary schools across North Down and Belfast as part of a Schools Choir Project.
Come evening time, Goitse, Blackwater Céilí Band and legendary accordion virtuoso Sharon Shannon and her Big Band will continue the festivities.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of traditional music or experiencing the Fleadh for the first time, be part of a momentous moment for Belfast and for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Tickets for the accessible viewing area can be booked here.
Ómós na nUltach – Micheal Rooney
Ómós na n-Ultach comes to the Ulster Hall on 4 August for an uplifting celebration of Ulster’s music, history and cultural identity.
Composed by the renowned Micheal Rooney – a composer, harpist and concertina player from Scotstown, Co Monaghan – the suite will be performed by the Ulster Youth Folk Orchestra, alongside guest musicians from across the province of Ulster.
Each piece within the suite represents a different facet of Ulster life, with key moments and themes ranging from the beauty of the landscape to the arrival of St Patrick, the Flight of the Earls and the enduring reality of emigration. The performance is enhanced with narration and visual imagery.
Tickets cost £15 and you can get yours here.
Singing Sessions
An integral part of this year’s programme, there are various Singing Sessions organised throughout the week – each one free to attend and hosted at the The Penthouse in the Europa Hotel intergral part of the Fleadh Cheoil Na néireann programme, join us at the Europa Hotel (the world’s most bombed hotel, having been targeted 33 times between 1970 and 1994).
Attendees can expect a mixture of both singing and storytelling with appearances from well-known names in the trad music scene. Find more information here.
Open Air Céilí
Set against the stunning backdrop of Belfast City Hall, the Gig Rig is where the magic of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will come alive for everyone. There are a wide range of different events on across the week, running free from 11am to 11pm daily with the open air céilí sure to be a real highlight.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or taking your first steps, everyone is welcome to get involved. Bring your friends, family and dancing shoes for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, culture and craic! Find more info here.
The Plantin
A family show for children aged six to eight, The Plantin is an immersive theatre experience brought to life through physical theatre, puppetry, storytelling and traditional music. Inspired by Irish and Ulster-Scots folklore, it’s set in a magical wood, where mischievous fairies meddle.
Over the course of 45 minutes, storytellers will guide you through strange and playful tales of changelings, trickster fairies and enchanted journeys. Along the way, audiences help shape the adventure, using their imagination to help lift a fairy curse. Tickets cost £5 and you can get yours here.
The New Lodge Street Party
If you’ve ever been to the Fleadh before, you’ll know that the atmosphere is unmatched and what better way to experience it outside, soaking it all in.
The New Lodge Street Party will bring music, culture, and community spirit to the heart of North Belfast on 6 August. Families, friends, and visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music, dancing, local entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere, showcasing the rich heritage and welcoming community pride of the New Lodge area. Find full details here.
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