Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, Director-General of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, formally announced recently at Belfast City Hall that Ards CCÉ will be the host Comhaltas branch for the All-Ireland Fleadh 2026 in Belfast in association with Belfast City Council! This really is history in the making as this is the first time ever it’s been held in Belfast.

This is also a mind-boggling achievement and milestone for Ards CCE branch and a very proud moment for Donard McClean (co-founder and ‘Grand Patriarch’ of the branch), as  the branch will also be celebrating their 50 years anniversary in 2026. The All-Ireland Fleadh (Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann) is the world’s largest celebration of Irish music, song, dance & culture and for Ards CCÉ to be invited as host branch is a fitting accolade to the commitment and dedication of all our branch and committee members. The Fleadh is also a very inclusive event and will involve many artists from all cultural backgrounds performing throughout the week, so everybody is very welcome to come along and enjoy what will be an amazing cross-community festival experience! It is envisaged that the event will attract record visitor numbers from all over the world to Belfast and surrounding areas of up to 1 million people. It will also potentially generate up to £100 million for the economy. This will of course bring amazing benefits and income for local businesses into Belfast, Bangor and surrounding areas, as major events are being planned for both cities.

Niall McClean (Chairperson of Ards CCÉ) commented “Ards CCÉ are thrilled and honoured to be host branch and bring Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 to Belfast in association with Belfast City Council. This really is a monumental achievement and an amazing opportunity for Belfast and our branch. We also look forward to further promoting Comhaltas throughout Belfast and surrounding areas during the Fleadh and continue expanding our Belfast & Bangor music classes in all traditional instruments. Belfast will, without doubt, be an amazing venue for the Fleadh and Comhaltas are committed and delighted to be part of this momentous occasion”

The dates for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Belfast 2026 will be from SUN 2ND – SUN 9TH AUGUST 2026.

This year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is taking place in Wexford Town and will once more be so welcoming and a massive success….so be sure to get down there and enjoy the music and the craic.

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ARDS CCÉ ARE NAMED HOST BRANCH FOR ALL-IRELAND FLEADH 2026 IN BELFAST!