The Fleadh Cheoil Celebrates Irish Music, Song & Dance in Belfast, August 2-9

The annual Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (Festival of Irish Music) takes place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from August 2-9, 2026. Billed as the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture, the week-long festival features continuous live music, dancing and singing on stage and in the streets, pubs, hotel lobbies, cafes and cultural venues throughout the city.

Here is a complete schedule of Fleadh Cheoil activities throughout the week.

Launched in the 1950s by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to preserve Irish traditional music, dance, singing, recitation and the spoken Irish language, this is the first year the Fleadh is being held in Belfast. An estimated 800,000 people are expected to attend, according to officials.

Tourism Ireland is promoting the Fleadh as a platform to shine a spotlight on Belfast’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music and to showcase the rich cultural and music experiences available right across Northern Ireland. Tourism Ireland is the organization responsible for promoting Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination.

Visit Belfast, the official tourism group for the city of Belfast, has complete information on where to stay, where to eat, how to get around and the best places to experience the festival. The Belfast City Council also has a handy checklist for visitors coming into Belfast for the first time.

The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉire is a sounding board for the global Irish Diaspora, with visitors coming from as far as Argentina and Australia, Asia and Europe, and from Canada and the United States. Many are here to compete in the competitions, while others are here to soak in the incredible atmosphere, craic, and quality of music.

New Englanders have strong connections to the Fleadh, with numerous local musi­cians winning coveted competitions over the years. The Boston Comhaltas branch is one of the world’s largest chapters, and its acclaimed Boston CCÉ Music School, teaches Irish traditional music to children and adults alike.

In addition to the Fleadh Cheoil taking place this week, are so many great opportunities to Discover Northern Ireland and Ireland for visitors any time of year.