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.

Meitheal Reunion Concert Meitheal is a summer school for highly accomplished young traditional musicians, held annually in Ennis and Limerick each July. Since its foundation in 2004, it has become a rite of passage for many of Ireland's most ambitious young traditional performers, offering opportunities to learn from leading professional musicians and develop their performance skills. Over the years, a significant number of today's touring traditional musicians have passed through Meitheal, gaining valuable experience from tutors who perform professionally throughout Ireland and beyond. Each year, outstanding participants are awarded performance opportunities at festivals, as well as appearances on national television and radio. The orchestra performances are consistently among the highlights of the programme. This year marked Meitheal's largest-ever enrolment, continuing its role as one of the most important development programmes for young traditional musicians. The Reunion Concert With the summer programme freshly concluded, Meitheal returns for its annual Reunion Concert at Waterfront Hall as part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. The evening will feature award-winning soloists, the winning group from this year's programme and a selection of special guests, showcasing some of the finest emerging talent in traditional music. The concert will culminate with performances from the two Meitheal Orchestras, presenting newly commissioned suites by Oisín Morrison and Aoife Ní Bhriain. Widely praised following their premieres at Glór, Ennis and the Millennium Theatre, Limerick, these works represent the creativity, ambition and musical excellence that define Meitheal. A celebration of the next generation of traditional musicians, bringing together exceptional young talent from across Ireland for a spectacular Fleadh performance.

Fleadh Cheoil competitions running at this venue on Friday 7 August. Tap the heart beside a competition to add it to your saved plan. Main Theatre 14:30 — Grúpaí Ceoil (15–18) 18:00 — Céilí Bands (15–18) Studio Theatre 14:30 — Uilleann Pipes (15–18) 17:00 — Rogha Ghléas (Over 18) All venues, competitions and times are subject to change. Please refer to the Fleadh Clár upon arrival.

Fleadh Cheoil competitions running at this venue on Saturday 8 August. Tap the heart beside a competition to add it to your saved plan. Main Theatre 09:30 — Grúpaí Ceoil (12–15) 13:30 — Céilí Bands (12–15) 16:00 — Grúpaí Ceoil (Over 18) Studio Theatre 10:00 — Duets (Over 18) 13:30 — Banjo (Over 18) 17:00 — Harp (15–18) All venues, competitions and times are subject to change. Please refer to the Fleadh Clár upon arrival.

Fleadh Cheoil competitions running at this venue on Sunday 9 August. Tap the heart beside a competition to add it to your saved plan. Main Theatre 10:00 — Céilí Bands (Under 12) 17:30 — Céilí Bands (Over 18) Studio Theatre 10:00 — Concertina (Over 18) 13:00 — Melodeon (Over 18) All venues, competitions and times are subject to change. Please refer to the Fleadh Clár upon arrival.

Senior Céilí Band Competition Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 The Senior Céilí Band Competition is one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, and the highlight of Fleadh week arrives at Waterfront Hall on 9 August 2026. Drawing the finest traditional Irish musicians from across Ireland and beyond, this year's competition promises a spectacular showcase of talent, musicianship and tradition as the country's leading céilí bands compete for one of the highest honours in Irish traditional music. A Tradition of Excellence For more than 75 years, the Senior Céilí Band Competition has been a defining moment in the traditional music calendar. Many of Ireland's most celebrated musicians and ensembles have built their reputations on this stage, making the competition a vital part of the living tradition and a showcase for the very highest standards of performance. Combining precision, musicality, energy and regional style, the competing bands represent the very best of céilí band tradition and the communities that sustain it. The Grand Finale Whether you're a dedicated traditional music enthusiast or experiencing the Fleadh for the first time, this event offers a unique opportunity to witness Irish music at its finest. As the curtain falls on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, the Senior Céilí Band Competition provides a fitting grand finale, celebrating the passion, power and enduring spirit of Ireland's musical heritage. The ultimate showcase of céilí band excellence and one of the most iconic events in Irish traditional music.