Karen Gilmore 🇺🇦

NEW: Thank you to Belfast for hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 – an open letter to the city   

On behalf of hosts Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ, a message of thank you to everyone in the city, as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann draws to a close after eight days of unforgettable music, colour and friendship: 


“A leithéid de sheachtain nach raibh feicthe ariamh i mBéal Feirste. Ceol, craic is draíocht san aer ar fud fad na seachtaine is trasna na cathrach ar fad.

“Words cannot do justice to how proud I am of this city and the magic that it has produced over the last eight days. The pictures and videos of our people, our music and our streets projected right around the world show our city at its best.

“Our spirit, our craic and our shared love of music, from all our different communities, have all been embraced and displayed for everyone to enjoy.

“Tháinig na sluaite isteach go lár a’ bhaile lenár gceol is ár gcultúr a roinnt le chéile agus bhí sé galánta An Ghaeilge a fheiceáil chomh flúirseach sin is le cloisteáil gach áit.

“When I opened Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann last Sunday, I described it as a full circle moment for our city. But it’s also been a watershed moment – a sign of our city’s strength, ambition and future potential. Fleadh 2026 has surpassed all of our expectations.

“Go raibh céad míle maith agaibh to everyone for their support, participation and generosity of spirit – you have all done Belfast proud.” Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, Lord Mayor of Belfast


“Bringing the Fleadh to Belfast has been a long time in the making and seeing it come to life on our streets this past week will live long in the memory.

“To our brilliant local musicians, dancers and performers, our host branch Ards CCÉ and our friends at Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann who entrusted us with their event, thank you for your guidance and talent. 

“To our council staff who have gone the extra mile to do what they do best – delivering for our city and residents. You have put Belfast on the map for all the right reasons – with your words, your efforts, your skills and your co-ordination of events, campsites, Park and Rides and everything in between. 

“Our elected members saw the potential of Fleadh to bring communities together, and our partners at PSNI, Translink, Visit Belfast, Tourism Northern Ireland, the Department for Infrastructure, the Department for the Economy, Volunteer Now, St John’s Ambulance and many others have all helped deliver a safe and welcoming event for everyone.

“Local businesses have worked with us, over many months, to maximise the opportunities the Fleadh has presented. Together with our venues, community partners and cultural organisations, they have made our streets sing with a vibrancy which has rippled out into every corner of our city.  

“And, finally, to our residents – thank you for opening your hearts and minds to the Fleadh. Whether you volunteered, performed or became a proud tourist in your hometown, your support, co-operation and positivity have all been essential in making the event such a huge success – I hope to see you all at the Fleadh again, 1-8 August 2027.”

John Walsh, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council, and Co-chair of Fleadh Executive Committee 
“We have had an unprecedented Fleadh of music, magic and memories. Belfast opened its doors and hearts to the multitudes who came from far and near for this amazing celebration, which will have an encore in 2027.

“One million fans can say to Belfast ‘you are the envy of the world’, with perhaps billions worldwide aware of the cultural history made in August 2026.”

Dr Labhrás O Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann


“What an incredible week. Everyone I have spoken to has had an amazing time here in Belfast, thousands of people all on a high.

“Belfast has shone, the world has come to our doorstep, bringing the biggest numbers ever seen for a Fleadh Cheoil…