Linen Hall Library

As part of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 fringe programme, Senior Library Assistant Seán Corr presents a journey through highlights from The Linen Hall’s remarkable music collections. Discover the historic Beath Manuscripts and their connections to influential collectors and musicians including Edward Bunting, Patrick Lynch, Robert McAdam, Mary Ann McCracken and William Ware, before moving through to more contemporary archives, including that of the late Derek Bell of The Chieftains. A fascinating look at the people, manuscripts and collections that have helped preserve Ireland’s musical heritage.

Neil Martin & Rod McVey Featuring uilleann pipes, cello, whistles, piano and keyboards, Neil Martin and Rod McVey bring together 40 years of collaboration for a very special evening as part of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 fringe programme. Drawing from traditional music alongside Neil’s own compositions, the pair have developed a distinctive sound that has taken them to stages and studios at home and abroad. Between them, they have contributed to more than 200 albums. Rod McVey is one of Ireland’s leading pianists and keyboard players, having worked with artists including Van Morrison, The Corrs, Christy Moore, Liam O’Flynn, Ronan Keating and Dolores Keane. He has also spent four decades as a producer, session musician, composer and musical director. Neil Martin is a composer, musician and producer whose collaborators include The Chieftains, Wynton Marsalis, Liam O’Flynn, Bryn Terfel, The Dubliners, Nicola Benedetti and Christy Moore. His career has taken him from Carnegie Hall to the Royal Albert Hall, while his compositions span orchestral music, opera, film, theatre, television and radio. Two stellar musicians, four decades of making music together, and an evening spanning traditional and contemporary Irish music. Doors: 7pm

It's Of My Rambles... A Journey in the Ulster Song Tradition with Len Graham Join renowned traditional singer Len Graham for It's Of My Rambles... A Journey in the Ulster Song Tradition, an exploration of the rich folk song heritage of his native Ulster. Through a combination of storytelling, discussion and live performance, Len will guide audiences through the many strands of the Ulster song tradition. The talk will be interspersed with songs in English on a wide range of themes, including classic ballads, broadside songs, love songs, political songs, songs of emigration and many other aspects of traditional life and culture. About Len Graham Born in County Antrim, Len Graham has been a full-time professional traditional singer since 1982 and is widely regarded as one of Ireland's foremost traditional song collectors and performers. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with numerous musicians, poets and storytellers. His long-standing partnership with the late John Campbell brought traditional storytelling and song to audiences around the world. Their work together over more than two decades made a significant contribution to fostering a deeper cross-community understanding of shared cultural traditions during the years of conflict in the north of Ireland. Together they recorded the acclaimed albums Ebb and Flow (1998) and Two for the Road (2001). Len has performed at Irish and international folk, literary and storytelling festivals and has appeared extensively on radio and television. In 2011, he was honoured with the Gradam na mBard CCÉ (CCÉ Bardic Award) at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. An evening of song, story and tradition with one of the great custodians of Ulster's rich folk heritage.

The launch of the Comhaltas Education Prospectus 2035 at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 marks an important milestone in Irish traditional arts education. Taking place on Wednesday 5 August at 4pm in Linen Hall Library, Belfast, the event forms part of the cultural programme surrounding the first All-Ireland Fleadh hosted in the city. As Comhaltas celebrates its 75th anniversary, the prospectus will outline a vision for the future of Irish traditional music, song, dance and Irish language education, highlighting innovation, accessibility and new opportunities while reaffirming the organisation's commitment to nurturing future generations at home and abroad.

Music, Orange and Green with Gary Hastings Join Gary Hastings at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for an engaging talk exploring the connections between music, identity and tradition in Music, Orange and Green. Recently retired as a Rector in the Church of Ireland, Gary is one of Ireland's best-known traditional flute players. Originally from Belfast, his musical influences span the traditions of Fermanagh, Donegal and Antrim, while his research has focused on the Lambeg drumming and fifing traditions associated with Orangeism. Gary has written and lectured extensively on these shared musical traditions and has recorded with Fr Séamus Quinn, The Chieftains and Frankie Gavin. Together with his late wife, Caitríona, he also translated the Church of Ireland Book of Common Prayer into Irish. Drawing on a lifetime of music, scholarship and lived experience, this fascinating talk explores the cultural intersections of tradition, heritage and identity in Ireland.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, in association with the Tunney Song Tradition Trust, is delighted to launch the new and updated edition of Where the Linnets Sing 2026: Five Generations of the Extended Tunney Family and their Songs. Combining archival recordings with newly commissioned performances, this remarkable collection showcases one of the richest song repertoires not only in Ulster but across the entire Irish tradition. The recordings will be officially launched by Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir (National Director) of Comhaltas, with the event featuring performances of songs and music from members of the Tunney family and their relations. At the heart of the collection is the singing of the legendary Paddy Tunney (1921–2002), The Man of Songs. A tireless champion of the tradition, Paddy's influence as both performer and collector connects the five generations of singers represented in this extraordinary musical legacy.

The Belfast Harp Orchestra An Illustrated Lecture with Janet Harbison Join Janet Harbison, founder and director of the Belfast Harp Orchestra (BHO), for a fascinating illustrated lecture accompanied by live musical performances. The Belfast Harp Orchestra was a remarkable stage ensemble of more than twenty young harpers, aged between 12 and 20, drawn primarily from counties across Ulster and representing both religious and political traditions in Northern Ireland. Trained through the medium of traditional Irish music and the oral tradition, the orchestra helped bring the Irish harp to international audiences on some of the world's most prestigious stages. A Global Success Story Among the orchestra's many achievements was touring with The Chieftains, performing at renowned venues including: The Barbican, London Royal Festival Hall, London The Kennedy Center, Washington DC Carnegie Hall, New York Their collaboration with The Chieftains on The Celtic Harp contributed to a Grammy Award-winning recording in 1993, bringing international recognition to the orchestra and its musicians. A Lasting Legacy During its ten years of activity, the Belfast Harp Orchestra helped train and inspire more than 100 young harpers. Many graduates went on to successful careers as professional performers, recording artists, educators, ceremonial musicians, therapeutic practitioners and ambassadors for the Irish harp tradition. Notable alumni include: Michael Rooney Gráinne Hambly Deirdre Macklin Lucy Kerr Through photographs, stories, archive material and live music, Janet Harbison will reflect on the orchestra's extraordinary achievements and its lasting impact on the revival and development of Irish harp music. A celebration of one of the most influential chapters in the modern history of the Irish harp and the young musicians who carried its sound around the world.

This Comhaltas archive publication, a 75th anniversary project, is based on the singers' recordings on the earliest CCÉ (CL label) compilations, including the early Comhaltas Concert Tour LPs. All singers on these albums are included, together with Séamus MacMathúna, Timire Ceoil CCÉ; the quality of the singing and songs having stood the test of time. Transcribed lyrics of each song and context are included, with a tribute to each singer. CANAIGÍ is further enhanced by the insightful foreword of Diarmuid de Faoite, writer, actor and director.