Hosting Fleadh Cheoil could generate €120m for Cork’s economy, says councillor

Hosting the annual Irish music festival Fleadh Cheoil in Cork could generate €120m for the local economy and showcase the city around the world, a councillor has said.

Fine Gael councillor Shane O’Callaghan told The Echo that the fleadh “was fantastic for Wexford, and I have no doubt it will be a great success for Belfast. It can only be a good thing for Cork”.

“In Wexford, there were talks of it generating €120m for the local economy when hosted for two years. It’s an international event at this stage, and people would spend money in bars, restaurants, and shops.

“This would be the biggest event Cork ever had — a retailer in Wexford compared the crowds to hosting seven All-Ireland final days in a row.”

Mr O’Callaghan has put in a motion to council on the topic: “That Cork City Council explore the possibility of applying for Cork city to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2027, 2028, and 2029.

“Given the number of visitors that would attend the fleadh and the worldwide publicity it would generate for Cork, hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann would be of enormous benefit to the city, as it would shine a light on Cork’s rich cultural heritage, boost tourism, and leave a lasting legacy that will benefit the city for years to come.”

He said the festival will likely be held in Belfast in 2026 and 2027, but that the council should express their interest in hosting it next.

“It’s time it came to Cork — I raised this in the last council term with the executive, and unfortunately they weren’t interested at the time, but I’m encouraged by the fact we have a new chief executive and deputy who are both very proactive.”

Fianna Fáil’s Seán Martin also has a motion on the topic, calling for the council to investigate the idea and report back on cost and benefits.

A council spokesperson told The Echo: “A response to the councillors’ motions will be first brought to a council meeting for discussion.”