Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Belfast 2026

About the Fleadh

Belfast will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, from 2nd–9th August 2026​

For Belfast’s hospitality sector, this means feeding competitors, adjudicators, organisers and volunteers based at venues across the city, as well as visitors who will need breakfast, lunch and dinner options throughout the day.​

It is a major chance to showcase Belfast’s food and drink offer, encourage repeat visits and grow the city’s reputation as a world‑class culinary destination – but it will also demand smart planning around menus, staffing, supply, waste and service models to handle exceptional volumes.​

Belfast Flavours is working with Belfast City Council as an intermediary and critical friend, sharing learning from the 2025 Wexford Fleadh – where streets were packed, outdoor service was ramped up and rapid, locally focused menus were key – to help local businesses get ready and make the most of the opportunity.

We’ll compile available information here - check back for updates

FAQ

  • ‍The map showing the full footprint of the Fleadh is yet to be published.

    Mid-January it was announced that the main venues will include

    Belfast City Hall where the main stage, known as the Gig Rig will be set-up with free performances taking place across the festival.

    The Waterfront and Ulster Halls plus ICC and MAC will all be used for performances with some also hosting competitions.

    Titanic Quarter’s outdoor landscape will be used as the home for some larger band competitions

    Ulster University will be host Scoil Éigse which offers young and up and coming musicians a unique opportunity to learn from traditional music’s best teachers and musicians. This week of intensive tuition and fun filled sessions at ‘Club na hÉigse’ culminates in a special concert featuring students and tutors.

  • No, there will be a fringe programme of events running at indoor and outdoor venues across Greater Belfast. There will also be activity taking place in North Down who were one of the partners who helped Belfast win the Bid.

  • Arrangements are currently being finalised for a camp site and visitors will stay in all types of accommodation across the City and beyond.

  • There will be a number of opportunities to maximise the opportunities this event presents. Details on how to apply to be part of specific elements will be announced in the coming weeks by Belfast City Council so in the meantime, click here to have your name added to the Belfast Flavours mailing list.

    Depending on your business there will be different ways you can get involved:

    Street Food:

    There will be an official food village located in the Cathedral Quarter. A call out for traders will be issued in the coming weeks.

    There will also be street food concessions and trader markets at other locations across the City which will be managed independently by land owners and market organisers. We will publish any opportunities we are made aware of.

    Producers:

    St George’s Market will have extended opening hours across the 8 days of the Festival.

    There may be one or more local producers’ markets held across the City. We will publish any opportunities we are made aware of.

    Restaurants, Cafes and Bars:

    There may be opportunities for group bookings across the festival which would include lunch and/or dinner events and provision for media, organisers and adjudicators. We will publish any opportunities we are made aware of.tion text goes here

  • ‍Yes there will be road closures for the duration of the event in the City Centre. Details of these will be released by Belfast City Council. Should your business fall within the closure, the Council’s team will be in touch regarding access for deliveries etc.

  • Belfast City Council are currently working on all aspects of licensing. Please keep an eye out for updates from them and we will let you know of any news we have.

    Belfast Flavours will be holding a Fleadh Information Session in March when official information has been made available but in the meantime we hope that this overview which we’ve compiled, has been useful in giving you a sense of the Festival. Keep an eye on Belfast City Council’s socials and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 for updates.

Got More Questions?

Did you know?

It’s the largest festival ever held in the city, with over 700,000 visitors expected.