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Date: 7 August 2026
Today, Friday 7 August, sees the start of the hotly anticipated Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann competitions in Belfast, with over 5,000 competitors from 22 countries vying for All-Ireland titles in music, dancing and sean nós singing.
Judging starts at 2.30pm at the ICC/Belfast Waterfront Hall, Assembly Buildings, The MAC and Ulster University, and runs until Sunday, with competitions for all age groups, as well as solo and group categories.
Competitors and supporters are advised to leave the car at home, as no stopping will be permitted around the competition venues.
Park & Ride shuttles are running every 10 minutes at peak times between Eikon Exhibition Centre, Sprucefield (near M1), Giant's Park (near M2) and Belfast Harbour Estate (near M3), taking visitors to either Grand Central Station and Laganside Bus Centre, for £10 per day.
Park & Ride spaces can be booked in advance via the Ring Go app, or pay on the day, using contactless machines only, with all spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dedicated parking, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, is available for Blue Badge holders at Dunbar Street (outside Common Market) and Winetavern Street/Smithfield, and a free city centre loop bus is also running for those with mobility needs and carrying large instruments, costumes or equipment.
Further information for competitors, including timetables, streaming information and details of how to request adjudication sheets, is available from the Clár - the full Fleadh guide – which can be purchased from all Fleadh venues, as well as transport hubs and the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.
For visitors wanting to view the competitions, day and weekend wristbands for both adults (£12/£30) and children (£6/£12) are also available from the main competition venues, including the Waterfront Hall and the Assembly Buildings.
It’s been a busy week so far across the Fleadh, and this weekend is set to get busier still.
Over 800,000 people were expected to visit the city over the duration of the Fleadh, the world's biggest celebration of traditional Irish music, song and dance, being hosted by Belfast City Council and event partners Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ for the first time this year.
Loughbeg CCÉ will get things started this morning at 11am on the Gig Rig main stage at City Hall and there’s another packed day of performances, including Bangor Ukes at 1pm and an open air céilí at 3pm.
This evening has a host of treats in store too, with an intercultural music experience Connections from ArtsEkta, under the musical direction of award-winning composer Neil Martin at 8pm, followed by Trip at 9.10pm and Lúnasa at 10.30pm.
No tickets are required for Gig Rig events and there’s no need to book.
Also happening 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 offering a lively look at what it means to grow, learn and lead within traditional Irish music today, Grand Opera House, 5.30pm (£5)
- All Ireland Senior Champions (from Ulster) concert, 7pm-9pm, the Europa (free)
- Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra of Ireland, Ulster Hall, 8pm (£15)
- Open Singing Session: Mairead Walls, the Europa, 9pm-late (free)
And families can enjoy:
- Family fun day at Whiterock Library: balloon animals, face painting, games, stories, crafts and a very 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 – fun-filled Irish-language adventure packed with music, laughter, storytelling and audience, 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 5’s go free)
Elsewhere in the city:
North Belfast
- Lúnasa North Blöck Night Market, Crumlin Road Gaol, 7pm (£3)
- Templehouse Céilí Band, Belfast Castle, 8pm (£13)
South Belfast
- Cabaret Evening Shaftesbury Bowling Club, 7.30pm, (£5)
East Belfast
- Poetry Workshop with Stephen James Smith, Cregagh Library, 2pm-4pm (free)
West Belfast
- Equal Notes Choir at the Kennedy Centre, 11am-11.45am (free)
As crowd levels increase towards the weekend, everyone attending the Fleadh is encouraged to:
- check the weather forecast and dress appropriately
- leave extra time for your journey
- use public transport (including additional late-night bus services running across the weekend), cycle, wheel or walk where possible
- bin your litter in the bins provided
- check event locations and venue opening times
- follow event signage and steward directions
- be respectful of other visitors – the Fleadh is an event for everyone
- look out for Fleadh volunteers in their yellow T-shirts and hats who can help with questions or directions if needed
For more on what’s on during the Fleadh, follow Fleadh Cheoil on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or visit the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann website.