Europa Hotel

Opening Night Céilí Featuring the Beartla Ó Flatharta Céilí Band Kickstart your Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann week with an unforgettable night of high-octane traditional dance. Join us in Belfast on Sunday, 2nd August 2026, for a spectacular opening-day céilí featuring the sensational Beartla Ó Flatharta Céilí Band. Fresh from their celebrated successes on the céilí circuit, this powerhouse group brings their signature driving rhythms and infectious "Kildare style" energy straight to the heart of the festival. Whether you're a seasoned set dancer or a complete beginner eager to experience the craic, grab your dancing shoes and prepare for an evening filled with reels, lifts and world-class traditional music. The Perfect Start to Fleadh Week Expect a vibrant atmosphere, outstanding musicianship and a dance floor packed with energy as festival-goers come together to celebrate the opening of one of Ireland's biggest cultural events. An evening of music, dancing and unforgettable Fleadh spirit. Don't miss the ultimate opening-night party.

Duntally Céilí Band The Duntally Céilí Band from County Donegal are celebrating 15 years on the road in 2026, bringing their music to céilís and set dancing events throughout Ireland and the UK. The band features Chris Digimas on five-row button accordion, Bréid Gallagher on fiddle and John Bonner on banjo, combining exceptional musicianship with the driving rhythms and energy that have made them favourites on the céilí circuit. An Evening of Music, Dance & Craic Get ready for the ultimate night of high-octane traditional dance as the Duntally Céilí Band takes the stage for a spectacular céilí in Belfast during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. Whether you're a seasoned set dancer or stepping onto the floor for the first time, expert callers will guide you through every swing, turn and set, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. Expect world-class traditional music, a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of craic as dancers and music lovers come together in the heart of the festival city. Grab your dancing shoes and join us for an unforgettable night of céilí dancing, live music and celebration. Please note: Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Singing Sessions are an intergral part of the Fleadh Cheoil Na néireann programme, join us at the Europa Hotel for an evening of traditional singing. 4pm -6pm Singing Session hosted by Shamrock / Falcarragh Singing Circle & Down Singing Circle 7pm-9pm Open Storytelling Session hosted by Brian McNicholl (Derry) 9pm-late Open Singing Session hosted by Gavin Byrne (Wexford)

Singing Sessions are an intergral part of the Fleadh Cheoil Na néireann programme, join the singers at the Europa Hotel for an evening of traditional singing. Thursday 6th August 4pm -6pm Singing Session hosted by Shamrock / Falcarragh Singing Circle & Down Singing Circle 7pm-9pm Open Storytelling Session hosted by Brian McNicholl (Derry) 9pm-late Open Singing Session hosted by Gavin Byrne (Wexford) Friday 7th August 4pm - 6pm Cork Singing Circle 7pm - 9pm All Ireland Senior Champions (from Ulster) Concert/Recital 9pm - late Open Singing Session hosted by Mairead Walls (Antrim) Saturday 8th August 12pm - 2pm Singing Session hosted by Wexford Singers 2pm - 4pm Singing Session hosted by North Wexford Singers Circle 4pm - 6pm Singing Session hosted by Sligo Singing Circle 7pm - 9pm All Ireland Senior Champions (from Ulster) Concert/Recital 9pm - late Open Singing Session hosted by Tommy Dunn (Derry) Sunday 9th August 12pm - 2pm Singing Session hosted by Drogheda Singing Circle 2pm - 4pm Singing Session hosted by Howth Singing Circle 4pm - 6pm Singing Session hosted by Nightingale Singing Circle Belfast & Glorthag Cuinn South Armagh 7pm - 9pm All Ireland Senior Champions (from Ulster) Concert/Recital 9pm - late Open Singing Session hosted by Seamus Brogan (Wexford)

Glór na dTonn Céilí Band are the reigning All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band Champions, having claimed the title in Wexford last year. They recently released their debut album, Come West Along the Road, and have been in high demand for Concerts, Céilís and CD launches Nationwide! The group aims to capture a lively Connacht style of dance music, drawing inspiration from some of Connacht's finest musicians, including the legendary James Morrison and Michael Coleman. The name Glór na dTonn reflects the band members' roots in coastal counties Mayo, Sligo, and Waterford. Anuas air sin, is logainm áitiúil an t-ainm "Glór na dTonn" a chuaigh go mór i bhfeidhm ar an mbanna. The line-up features Séamus Tiernan, Marianna Tiernan, Kathryn Tiernan, Chloe McGrath, and Alan Judge from County Mayo. Sligo musicians include Tom Gavin, Kate Gavin, Jason McGuinness, and Conal McCormack. Thomas Ahern comes from County Waterford.

Singing Sessions are an integral part of the Fleadh Cheoil Na nÉireann programme, join us at the Europa Hotel for an evening of traditional singing 4pm -6pm Cork Singing Circle 7pm-9pm All Ireland Senior Champions (from Ulster) Concert/Recital 9pm-late Open Singing Session hosted by Mairead Walls (Antrim)

Innisfree Céilí Band Influenced by the legacy of the highly developed musical traditions of North Connacht, the Innisfree Céilí Band brings together a generation of musicians who grew up playing and learning together. Combining exceptional individual musicianship with a shared stylistic understanding, the band has developed a distinctive and mature musical voice rooted firmly in the traditions of the region. Their performances are characterised by a rare sweetness and clarity of tone, balanced with the dramatic energy, drive and rhythmic precision that define both North Connacht music and the céilí band tradition itself. A Distinctive Musical Voice Drawing on a deep well of traditional repertoire and regional style, the Innisfree Céilí Band captures the excitement, power and elegance that have made céilí bands a cornerstone of Irish traditional music. Their ability to blend technical excellence with musical sensitivity has earned them recognition as one of the outstanding ensembles of their generation. A vibrant celebration of the North Connacht tradition, combining sweetness, power and the unmistakable spirit of the céilí band.

Singing Sessions are an integral part of the Fleadh Cheoil Na nÉireann programme, join us at the Europa Hotel for a full day and evening of traditional singing 12pm-2pm Singing Session hosted by Wexford Singers 2pm - 4pm Singing Session hosted by North Wexford Singers Circle 4pm -6pm Singing Session hosted by Sligo Singing Circle 7pm-9pm All Ireland Senior Champions (from Ulster) Concert/Recital 9pm-late Open Singing Session hosted by Tommy Dunn (Derry)