Belfast is hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for the first time ever! From Sunday 2nd to Sunday 9th of August 2026, the city becomes one giant stage. Over 800,000 visitors are expected across the eight days, so if you're heading in, here's some ideas on how to experience all things The Fleadh ☘️
1. Catch the Opening Concert at City Hall
The Fleadh kicks off with a free concert outside one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings the City Hall on Sunday 2nd August. Sharon Shannon, Goitse and Blackwater Céilí Band headline, joined by pipe bands and school choirs.
It sets the tone for the whole week so it's worth heading on down and getting a taste for the brilliant music that is to come throughout your visit 🎶
2. Follow the Street Sessions
This is the heart of the Fleadh! From sunrise to sunset, musicians turn up in pubs, squares and doorways and just start performing 🙌🏻
No tickets or schedules holding you back! Keep an eye out for "Official Session" signs around the Cathedral Quarter, including spots like the Duke of York and The Deer's Head which are some of Belfast’s most well-known pubs!
3. Get a Ticket for the Senior Céilí Band Competition
The Senior Céilí Band final takes place at the ICC Belfast on the evening of Sunday 9th August and is the biggest prize in traditional music.
It's the closing event of the whole Fleadh week and the most popular for visitors, the event is now sold out but extra tickets could be released, so keep your eyes peeled 👀
4. See the Kilfenora Céilí Band at Waterfront Hall
Saturday 8th of August brings the legendary Kilfenora Céilí Band to Waterfront Hall, one of Belfast’s go-to event spaces located right on the river 🙌🏻
If you want a big-name ticketed show without waiting for the finale, this is the perfect event to grab some tickets for!
5. Bring the Kids to a Family Céilí
The Fleadh is built around passing music on to the next generation, family-friendly sessions and children's events run right through the week, to keep the kiddos entertained!
Youth competition categories cover Under 12s up to 18s, so there's plenty to watch and whether it’s their first competition or 100th lots of cheering is encouraged 🥳
6. Watch the Competitions
Hundreds of competition categories run across the week, covering everything from fiddle, flute and uilleann pipes to sean-nós singing and dancing 👯
Competitors range from small children to seniors, and most competition venues are dotted across the city centre and Queen's Quarter making them very accessable and easy to find!
7. Join a Fleadh Farewell Music Trail
On the last day, two music trails carry the festival out to the neighbourhoods. The East Belfast trail runs from Audacity Café along Beersbridge Road, via CS Lewis Square and Portview, ending at Native Café!
The West Belfast trail starts at St James Farm and heads towards the city centre which is a great way to see a different side of Belfast whilst still enjoying the tunes 🎼
8. Catch a Fleadh Finale Gig
Look out for one-off closing shows like The Rapparees' Pogues tribute, "Fairytale of The Pogues.”
This is a great option if you want one last big night out before saying farewell to The Fleadh celebrations for another year 🍾
9. Sit In on Scoil Éigse
If you're a musician yourself, Scoil Éigse runs masterclasses at Ulster University's York Street campus from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th of August!
Even if you're not taking a class, it's great to know this is where the bulk of teaching happens during the week 🎻
10. Just Follow Your Ears
The best Fleadh moments won’t be the one you plan and schedule into your iteinerary (even though these will be great too) it will be the times you are wandering through the city, from Cathedral Quarter to The Docks down at Titanic Quarter.
The music will find you and you’ll find it, some of the best music of the week will be somebody playing on a street corner 🪈
Taking a break between sessions? Pop into one of our Belfast locations to grab yourself a goodie to keep you going during your celebrations 🍰 👇
https://dougiesgoodies.com/pages/store-locator
