Ulster University is proud to be one of the selected core host venues for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, which will take place across Belfast from 2–9 August, bringing what is expected to be the largest cultural event ever held in the city.
With a minimum of 700,000 spectators and visitors from across the world anticipated over the eight-day festival, Belfast will become the global centre of Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture.
As a key educational partner and host venue, Ulster University’s Belfast campus will be at the heart of the celebrations.
A core Fleadh venue
During the first half of the week, the Belfast campus will host Scoil Éigse, the flagship educational programme organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Around 800 young people each day are expected on campus to take part in workshops, masterclasses and learning experiences focused on traditional music, crafts and culture.
Classes will be delivered across the campus in all instruments associated with Irish traditional music, from beginner through to advanced level, making Ulster University a central hub for the teaching and development of traditional arts during the festival.
As the Fleadh moves into its second phase, the campus will become a key venue for the prestigious All-Ireland competitions, which take place from 7 - 9 August.
With more than 180 competition categories spanning music, song, dance and language, performers from across Ireland and around the world will compete for national titles, with Ulster University hosting competitions throughout the three days.
A vibrant week on campus
Around 180 volunteers will be based on campus to help manage visitors and participants, and music, singing and dance activities will take place throughout the day.
The University will also host the central Fleadh Medical Centre in its Birley Building, with ambulance services located in the car park to the rear of the building, providing medical support for the wider festival across Belfast.
Significant road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place across Belfast city centre during the event. Most streets in the city centre, including areas north of City Hall, Smithfield and the Cathedral Quarter, as far as the University, will be closed to vehicles to allow safe pedestrian movement and street performances.
Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Provost of Ulster University, said:
“This is a unique opportunity for Ulster University and we are delighted to have been selected as one of the core host venues for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.
“As an educational partner hosting Scoil Éigse and a key venue for the All-Ireland competitions, our Belfast campus will play a central role in welcoming thousands of participants, visitors and performers from across the world.
“This promises to be a truly special and memorable week for Belfast and for our University community. While colleagues can expect a busier campus environment than usual, it will also be a fantastic opportunity to experience the energy, creativity and cultural richness of the world's largest celebration of Irish music, song and dance right on our doorstep."
Find out more
For more information on Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 and the programme of events taking place across the city, visit the official Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 website.
Information for Belfast residents and business is available at Fleadh Belfast 2026.
