Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann comes to a close in Belfast

The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has come to a close after 8 days which saw the streets of Belfast city centre packed out with crowds for the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.

This year’s Fleadh – held in Belfast for the first time – attracted record footfall, with final figures expected to top 1million, making it the best attended Fleadh ever.

The festival came to a close at Belfast City Hall late yesterday evening with a performance from the Lissadel Céilí Band, this year’s winners of the Senior Céilí Band competition.

Organisers say the success of the event has been a total dream come true.

Niall McClean, co-chair of the organising committee said, “It has been absolutely extraordinary… way beyond our wildest dreams. It has been just off the charts”.

The festival will return to the city from 1-8 August 2027.

Turning to thoughts on next year, Mr McClean said “I don’t know how it will be bigger…I think Belfast is going to have to get an extension. I think it’ll be even bigger and better.”