Call for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to be staged in Cork city

A local TD has made calls for Cork to host the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture.

Ballyphehane-based Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice wants Cork City Council to bid to host the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, citing the cultural and economic benefits for Cork.

Approximately 1.6m people flocked to Belfast this month to attend the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with the week-long festival expected to deliver up to €177m for local businesses.

“Belfast has shown, once again, how positive the fleadh cheoil can be for a city,” the TD has said.

“The festival brings increased footfall, tourism, and significant economic benefits, while giving the host town or city the opportunity to showcase the best of its culture on a national and international stage.”

A total of 5,000 entrants from 25 countries travelled to Belfast earlier this month to compete for All-Ireland titles in music, dancing, and sean nós singing.

Vibrant celebration of Irish culture 

The fleadh was held in Belfast for the first time, hosted by Belfast City Council, in partnership with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) and Ards CCÉ, and the city transformed in to a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, with competitions, concerts, céilithe, sessions, workshops, and events.

Mr Rice wants to recreate this success in Cork and showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage.

“Cork has never hosted the fleadh, and I believe this needs to change,” Mr Rice said.

 “Cork has thriving comhaltas branches across the county, along with so many talented musicians, singers, dancers, and artists, who deserve to be celebrated.

“What is needed now is a real commitment from Cork City Council to develop and submit a serious bid for 2028.”

“There is no doubt that external financial support is required to host an event of this scale, but there is no reason why the work to identify and secure that support cannot begin now.”

Huge attendance

Footfall cameras across Belfast city centre put attendances at 1,653,999 from Sunday, August 2, to Sunday, August 9, with Saturday the busiest day of the year to date, with 289,560 visitors.

The Ballyphehane-based TD said: “From the Cork International Choral Festival to the Cork Jazz Festival, we have a strong record of hosting big events.

“Hopefully, we can add the fleadh cheoil to that list.

”Belfast has been a clear demonstration of the benefits of supporting and celebrating culture and the arts in our communities. Cork has the opportunity to benefit enormously from hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, both economically and culturally.”