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The hotly anticipated Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann competitions are officially underway in Belfast today, Friday 7 August 2026. Over 5,000 competitors from across the globe will vie for All-Ireland titles in music, dance, and sean nós singing, with events running until Sunday across various city centre venues. Get ready for a weekend packed with incredible talent and vibrant Irish culture!
2026/08/06
Get ready, North Belfast! The city is buzzing as the hotly anticipated Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann competitions officially kick off today, Friday 7 August 2026. This weekend promises an incredible showcase of traditional Irish music, dancing, and sean nós singing, with thousands of talented competitors vying for All-Ireland titles right here in our vibrant city.
Over 5,000 competitors from 22 countries have descended upon Belfast, ready to impress the judges. The action starts at 2.30pm, with judging taking place across key city centre venues including the ICC/Belfast Waterfront Hall, Assembly Buildings, The MAC, and Ulster University. Competitions will run until Sunday, featuring all age groups in both solo and group categories.
With large crowds expected, we strongly encourage everyone to leave the car at home if possible, as no stopping will be permitted around the competition venues. Instead, make use of the convenient Park & Ride services, running every 10 minutes at peak times from Eikon Exhibition Centre, Sprucefield (near M1), Giant's Park (near M2), and Belfast Harbour Estate (near M3). Shuttles will take you directly to Grand Central Station or Laganside Bus Centre for just £10 per day. You can book in advance via the Ring Go app or pay on the day using contactless machines.
Dedicated Blue Badge parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at Dunbar Street (outside Common Market) and Winetavern Street/Smithfield. Plus, a free city centre loop bus is running for those with mobility needs or carrying large instruments, costumes, or equipment, ensuring everyone can get around easily.
Want to keep up with all the happenings? The full Fleadh guide, 'The Clár,' is available for purchase at all Fleadh venues, transport hubs, and the Welcome Centre. For those wanting to catch the live competitions, day and weekend wristbands are available at main venues like the Waterfront Hall and Assembly Buildings. Adults can get them for £12/£30, and children for £6/£12.
It's been a busy week already, but this weekend is set to be the highlight, with over 800,000 people expected to for this world-renowned celebration of Irish culture. Hosted by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ, the city is truly alive with music and dance.
Head to the Gig Rig main stage at City Hall today for a fantastic lineup! Loughbeg CCÉ kicks things off at 11am, followed by Bangor Ukes at 1pm and an open-air céilí at 3pm. This evening, don't miss ArtsEkta's intercultural music experience 'Connections' at 8pm, directed by Neil Martin, then Trip at 9.10pm, and Lúnasa at 10.30pm. Best of all, no tickets or booking are required for any Gig Rig events!
For those in North Belfast, make sure to check out the Lúnasa North Blöck Night Market this evening at 7pm for just £3 – a fantastic local addition to the Fleadh! Nearby, the Templehouse Céilí Band will be performing at Belfast Castle at 8pm (tickets £13).
Also happening across the city today:
Janet Harbinson: The Belfast Harp Orchestra Legacy, 12 noon, Linen Hall Library (£5)
Foinneóg: 75 Bliain Ag Fás – a special one-hour live event, Grand Opera House, 5.30pm (£5)
All Ireland Senior Champions (from Ulster) concert, Europa, 7pm-9pm (free)
Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra of Ireland, Ulster Hall, 8pm (£15)
Open Singing Session with Mairead Walls, Europa, 9pm-late (free)
And for families, plenty of fun awaits:
Family Fun Day at Whiterock Library: enjoy balloon animals, face painting, games, stories, crafts, and a special visit from the Amazon Jungle Show, 10am-4pm (free).
Play Make-Believe, tent at 2 Royal Avenue, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm (free).
Paidí agus Fionn and Comórtas na hAaoiri: a fun-filled Irish-language adventure, Cityside Retail Centre, 12noon-1pm (£6).
MOIRO (Music of Irish Origin) featuring Dark Tropics with Paul Rose and VERA at 2 Royal Avenue, 7pm-11pm (tickets £0-10 from Eventbrite, under 5s go free).
As the weekend progresses and crowds grow, please remember to: check the weather and dress appropriately; allow extra time for your journey; use public transport (including additional late-night bus services running across the weekend), cycle, wheel, or walk where possible; dispose of litter responsibly in the bins provided; check event locations and opening times; follow event signage and steward directions; and be respectful of everyone enjoying the Fleadh. Look out for our friendly Fleadh volunteers in yellow T-shirts and hats if you need any help or directions.