Belfast is hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann – and it’s playing a blinderFleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is in Belfast for the first time ever and takes over everything from the streets to vacant buildings. Video: Enda O'Dowd Sat Aug 08 2026 - 06:00 • 2 MIN READFor mother and son Adele Haase and Matthew Rowe from Liverpool, the Fleadh Cheoil has been an unexpected treat. “We had no idea it was on, and when we got to the hotel [in Belfast], they said, ‘have you heard of the Fleadh?’ and we were like, ‘no’,” explains Rowe. “It was unbelievable. It’s brilliant. It’s everywhere, so it makes just walking the city phenomenal. “On our whole first day, we didn’t feel the need to do anything else, because we were just loving going from place to place and seeing people playing the music.”“It’s our first time here,” says Haase. “In the 70s and 80s, the reason why I didn’t come to Ireland was because of the Troubles. It’s been fantastic, that [the Fleadh] has just made it extra special.” This is the first time Belfast has hosted Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the annual celebration of Irish music and culture, though it is not its first time in the North; Derry took that honour in 2013. More than 800,000 people are expected to attend the event, which runs until Sunday. Locals and visitors alike have hailed the transformation of the city centre, thanks to temporary pedestrianisation and a big clean-up effort. However, on Friday, The Irish Times reported that rough sleepers had been moved from Belfast city centre for the Fleadh.Many have remarked on the festival atmosphere on Belfast’s streets – as well as the extent to which it has been embraced by both communities. “What a time to be alive,” said a beaming Maurice Brown, who performed in the opening ceremony as part of the Belfast Bands’ Forum, Belfast Band Forum. “That a Northern Irish Protestant march band would take part in the opening of the Fleadh … [and] for it to go down the way it did was truly amazing.”Evelyn McCabe and Orlaith Brock, from the Brazier School of Irish Dancing in Glenavy, Co Antrim, perform on the streets of Belfast for the Fleadh. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd Musicians perform in Belfast city centre for the Fleadh. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd Fleadh: Mikey McWilliams is back from Zambia visiting family and takes an interest in her cousins Maebh Rainey (seven, red jacket) who's playing tin whistle with her brother Padraic and cousin Una Convery on Royal Avenue, with Belfast City Hall in the background. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd Ellie Coney, Eva Brady and Conor Brady from Monaghan perform in Belfast city centre at the Fleadh. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd Rían and Eve McMahon, from Bearfield, Co Clare, perform in Belfast atthe Fleadh. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd Charlie the pug takes his seat in a pop-up pub on Donegall Street in Belfast opened especially for the Fleadh. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd Rachel, Annabelle and Mary-Lillian Hayes, from Claremorris, Co Mayo, perform at the 2026 Fleadh in Belfast. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd Buskers entertain crowds in Belfast city centre during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is under way in the city this week. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd Belfast is the host city of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. Photograph: Enda O'Dowd IN THIS SECTION