Fleadh 2026 · What's on
The full festival programme
Tap any day to see what's running. Events update live as venues add them.
SUNDAY 26 JULY
7:30pm
Trad & FolkBelfast TradFestMichael McGoldrick
Mandela Hall
## Michael McGoldrick Big Band Belfast TradFest is proud to present the Michael McGoldrick Big Band as part of the Belfast TradFest 2026 concert programme. Led by flute, whistle and uilleann pipes virtuoso Michael McGoldrick, this all-star ensemble brings together some of the finest musicians from the traditional, folk and jazz worlds for a bold and expansive musical collaboration. Expect driving rhythms, rich textures and world-class improvisation, rooted in tradition while pushing into exciting contemporary territory.
MONDAY 3 AUGUST
2pm
Trad & FolkGradam Inclusion Awards
The MAC
# Comhaltas Gradam Inclusion Awards The **Comhaltas Gradam Inclusion Awards** celebrate traditional Irish musicians with additional needs and help ensure that **Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann** is a place where everyone can share their love of music. This uplifting event recognises the talent, commitment and contribution of musicians who are helping to enrich and strengthen the tradition at every level. Alongside programmes such as **Cuimsiú**, these heart-warming awards reflect **Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann's** ongoing commitment to making participation in traditional music open, accessible and welcoming to all. --- ## Celebrating Inclusion Through Music Join us in recognising the achievements of musicians whose passion, dedication and creativity continue to inspire communities across Ireland and beyond. > *A celebration of talent, inclusion and the shared joy of traditional Irish music.* **Free Event**
8pm
Trad & FolkArds CCÉ 50th Anniversary Concert
Waterfront Hall
## Ards Comhaltas 50th Anniversary Concert To celebrate **50 years of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE)**, this special concert brings together internationally renowned artists and outstanding local talent for an unforgettable evening of music, song and dance. Headlined by **The Priests** alongside leading traditional performers, the concert will showcase the richness, diversity and enduring appeal of Irish traditional culture. Spanning generations of performers, the programme highlights both the legacy and future of the tradition through a vibrant celebration of community, heritage and artistic excellence. Join us for a unique anniversary event honouring five decades of Ards Comhaltas and its invaluable contribution to Irish traditional music and culture.
TUESDAY 4 AUGUST
6:15pm
Trad & FolkBardic Awards
Belfast City Hall - Gig Rig
## Comhaltas Ceannródaithe Awards (Bardic Awards) The **Comhaltas Ceannródaithe Awards (Bardic Awards)** honour individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the preservation, promotion and development of Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture. Among the highest honours bestowed by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, these prestigious awards recognise a lifetime of dedication, outstanding artistic achievement and significant service to the traditional arts. The recipients represent some of the most influential figures in Irish traditional culture, individuals whose commitment and passion have helped shape and sustain the tradition for generations. The ceremony will be accompanied by performances from the award recipients themselves, all nationally and internationally renowned for their virtuosity, artistry and enduring contribution to Irish traditional music. This special event offers a rare opportunity to celebrate and experience the talents of some of the tradition's most respected and accomplished performers.
7pm
Trad & FolkThe Wran
Lavery's
## The Wran Hailing from the Comeragh Mountains of County Waterford, **The Wran** are four brothers: Tommy, Danny, Seán and Stephen Dunford. Drawing inspiration from acts such as Planxty, The Pogues and Lankum, they bring a fresh and distinctive voice to Irish music, blending traditional sounds with punk energy and a touch of psychedelia to create something that feels both deeply rooted and strikingly contemporary. Combining traditional and modern instrumentation including banjo, harmonium, acoustic guitar, bass VI and drums, The Wran are committed to preserving the Irish language, traditional song and storytelling while pushing the tradition forward in their own unique way. Following an explosive live debut in 2025, the band quickly gained attention with acclaimed appearances at Glastonbury, Green Man, All Together Now and Electric Picnic. They went on to support The Scratch and Kíla, perform at Dublin's NYD Festival and sell out their first Irish tour. Having kicked off 2026 with a sold-out UK tour, The Wran are rapidly establishing themselves as one of the most exciting and vital new bands to emerge from Ireland's contemporary folk and traditional music scene.
8pm
Trad & FolkÓmós na n-Ultach - Micheal Rooney
Ulster Hall
## Ómós na n-Ultach As part of the All Ireland Programme, **Ómós na n-Ultach** comes to the Ulster Hall in a powerful and uplifting celebration of Ulster's music, history and cultural identity. Commissioned by **Comhairle Chúige Uladh, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann**, this evocative suite of Irish traditional music premiered to great acclaim at Fleadh Uladh 2022 in Dromore, County Tyrone. Composed by the renowned Micheál Rooney, the acclaimed harpist, concertina player and composer from Scotstown, County Monaghan, the work is performed by the **Ulster Youth Folk Orchestra** alongside guest musicians from across the province. Through a rich tapestry of music, narration and visual imagery, audiences are taken on a journey through Ulster's story, exploring themes of landscape, heritage, faith, migration and resilience. The suite reflects key moments in the province's history, from the arrival of St Patrick and the Flight of the Earls to the enduring experience of emigration, while celebrating the people, places and traditions that continue to shape Ulster today. Each movement captures a different facet of Ulster life, creating an immersive experience that is accessible for families, deeply rewarding for lovers of traditional music and inspiring for Irish language learners of all levels. Described by audiences at its premiere as *"an excellent reflection of the traditional music, culture and history of Ulster - a show that has something for everyone"*, **Ómós na n-Ultach** is a moving and memorable celebration of a living cultural tradition in the heart of Belfast.
WEDNESDAY 5 AUGUST
3pm
Trad & FolkFlanagan Award
Assembly Buildings
## Michael A. Flanagan Banjo Award 2026 The **Michael A. Flanagan Banjo Award** honours the outstanding banjo players of the traditional Irish music world whose artistry, creativity and dedication embody the spirit and musical legacy of Michael Flanagan. Established by the Flanagan family in 2016, the award commemorates the important place of the legendary **Flanagan Brothers** in Irish music history while celebrating and preserving the richness of Irish culture, heritage and identity. It recognises musicians whose contribution to traditional music reflects the excellence, innovation and passion that Michael Flanagan represented throughout his life. The 2026 recipient is **Cathal Hayden** from County Tyrone. Widely regarded as one of Ireland's finest traditional musicians, Cathal is an accomplished banjo and fiddle player whose career has spanned several decades. Born into a musical family, he recorded his first solo album in 1980 and has since become a leading figure in Irish traditional music. Throughout his distinguished career, Cathal has been a member of acclaimed groups including **Arcady**, **Four Men and a Dog** and **Bow Brothers**, while also performing and recording with some of the most respected names in Irish music, including Christy Moore, Paddy Keenan and Dónal Lunny. He continues to perform regularly alongside Máirtín O'Connor and Seamie O'Dowd, earning admiration for his virtuosity, musicality and enduring contribution to the tradition. Join us as we celebrate Cathal Hayden's remarkable achievements and honour his lasting impact on Irish traditional music.
7pm
Trad & FolkIspíní na hÉireann
Lavery's
## Ispíní na hÉireann Formed in Dublin in 2018, **Ispíní na hÉireann** are a revolutionary trad-fusion collective led by Tomás Mulligan, Paahto Cummins and Declan Gillen. Rooted firmly in Irish traditional music yet driven by a fearless spirit of innovation, the group has built a reputation as one of the most exciting and original acts on Ireland's contemporary music scene. Bringing together exceptional musicians with backgrounds spanning traditional music, classical, jazz, opera and bluegrass, Ispíní na hÉireann create a sound that is both deeply connected to tradition and unapologetically forward-thinking. Their music combines original compositions with bold reimaginings of traditional repertoire, resulting in performances that are raw, raucous and unmistakably Irish. Blending technical brilliance with humour, storytelling and social commentary, the band's live shows are equal parts musicianship, mayhem and meaning. Whether delivering intricate arrangements, thought-provoking lyrics or moments of pure chaos, they consistently challenge expectations of what contemporary Irish music can be. Following the success of their acclaimed debut album *Hard Working Men*, the band are preparing to release their eagerly anticipated second record, *Poxtail Soup*, further showcasing their trademark mix of wit, energy and creativity. With a reputation for electrifying performances and a uniquely adventurous approach to the tradition, **Ispíní na hÉireann** continue to push boundaries and redefine the possibilities of Irish folk music.
7pm
Trad & FolkArd Ollamh Award
Belfast City Hall - Gig Rig
## Ard-Ollamh Award The **Ard-Ollamh Award** is the highest honour bestowed by **Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ)** at **Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann**, recognising a lifetime of exceptional dedication to Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture. Awarded to individuals whose work has made a profound and lasting impact on the traditional arts, the Ard-Ollamh celebrates those who have devoted their lives to preserving, nurturing and advancing Ireland's rich cultural heritage. Recipients are recognised not only for their artistic excellence, but also for their commitment to teaching, mentoring and inspiring future generations. This prestigious award acknowledges a lifetime of achievement and service, honouring individuals whose contributions have helped shape and enrich the world of traditional Irish music and culture for audiences both at home and around the globe.
THURSDAY 6 AUGUST
7pm
Trad & FolkJohn Spillane (Support: Shamrock Showband)
Lavery's
## John Spillane Musician, songwriter, storyteller, poet and dreamer, **John Spillane** is one of Ireland's most beloved and distinctive artists. Rooted in people, place and story, his songs are rich with imagination, humour and humanity, transporting listeners through landscapes both real and imagined. His warm, engaging live performances have captivated audiences across Ireland and around the world. John's latest release, *Fíoruisce – The Legend of the Lough*, is his most ambitious work to date and was awarded **Best Album** at the 2025 RTÉ Folk Awards. This acclaimed concept album weaves together folklore, mythology and song, bringing to life a richly imagined world through music and storytelling. Featuring collaborations with an outstanding cast of artists including Ríoghnach Connolly, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Niamh Farrell and Nell Ní Chróinín, *Fíoruisce* showcases John Spillane at the height of his creative powers, blending traditional influences with his unique gift for storytelling and songcraft. A masterful performer with an unmistakable voice, John Spillane continues to create music that is thoughtful, uplifting and deeply connected to the people and places that inspire it. Shamrock Showband supporting.
7pm
Trad & FolkRyan McMullan
Empire Music Hall
## Ryan McMullan – A Fleadh Celebration For this special Fleadh performance, **Ryan McMullan** reimagines songs from across his catalogue alongside some of Ireland's finest traditional musicians, creating a unique collaboration that blends contemporary songwriting with the energy, spirit and musical richness of the Irish tradition. Known for his powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics and captivating live performances, Ryan brings a fresh perspective to familiar favourites, accompanied by world-class trad musicians in a one-off celebration created especially for Fleadh 2026. Expect unforgettable songs, extraordinary musicianship and a unique meeting of contemporary and traditional Irish music.
8pm
Trad & FolkCeol na Cruinne – Comahltas International Showcase
Ulster Hall
## Ceol na Cruinne **Ceol na Cruinne**, the Comhaltas International Showcase Concert, brings together exceptional traditional musicians from around the world in a vibrant celebration of the global reach of Irish music. Showcasing the talent, dedication and cultural connections fostered through Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann's international network, this special concert highlights how Irish traditional music continues to thrive far beyond Ireland's shores while remaining deeply connected to its roots. This year's programme features performers from Comhaltas branches across **Australia, Britain, Dubai, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, North America and Singapore**, creating a unique musical gathering that reflects the worldwide community united by a shared love of Irish music, song and dance. A celebration of tradition without borders, **Ceol na Cruinne** offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the richness, diversity and international spirit of Irish traditional culture.
FRIDAY 7 AUGUST
8pm
Trad & FolkComhaltas National Folk Orchestra of Ireland
Ulster Hall
## National Folk Orchestra The **National Folk Orchestra** is a 60-member ensemble of exceptional young musicians, singers and dancers, bringing together some of the finest emerging talent in Irish traditional arts. Renowned for its dynamic and high-energy performances, the Orchestra combines the richness of traditional Irish music with innovative contemporary arrangements, creating spectacular productions that celebrate both heritage and creativity. Through ambitious themed works such as *Oriel Wave* and *Legacy*, the ensemble has developed a reputation for pushing artistic boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in tradition. Regular performers at major cultural events and prestigious venues, including **Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann**, the National Folk Orchestra continues to inspire audiences with performances that showcase the skill, passion and future of Irish traditional music, song and dance.
SATURDAY 8 AUGUST
9pm
Trad & FolkValtos
Lavery's
## Valtos Hailing from the Isle of Skye, Valtos are electronic folk duo Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald. Since their debut shows in 2021, they have taken the traditional and electronic music scenes by storm, selling out venues and captivating festival audiences across the UK and beyond. Blending traditional Scottish music with modern electronic production, Valtos have crafted a sound that is uniquely their own. Described by Folk Radio UK as *"like nothing you've heard before"*, their music draws inspiration from artists such as Martyn Bennett, Peatbog Faeries, ODESZA, Madeon and Bicep, creating a powerful fusion of folk traditions, soaring melodies and dancefloor energy.