Lecale CCE To Host Downpatrtick heats of Fleadh Ceoil an Dúin running from 15-21st June 2026
A significant footfall of Fleadh supporters and players is set to descend on Downpatrick for the 15-21st June.
The Fleadh is a world-wide Irish music competition always hotly contested by keen musicians of all ages.
For the first time the County Down heat will take place in Downpatrick and will based at the SERC campus and other venues around the town. (see programme for full details).
Speaking at the last music session following a combined session, Mark Higgins said that “this is a momentous occasion for our group and for Downpatrick.
“We have been working with local businesses and we have created a session trail around Downpatrick for music followers and we welcome musicians and their families to Downpatrick.
“The Fleadh is a family type festival and will draw a large crowd to the town. We have around 50 volunteers to help us out with the organising.
***
Council Supports Summer of Fleadhs Across Newry Mourne and Down
Newry Mourne and Down District Council is encouraging residents and visitors to experience a vibrant summer of traditional Irish music, culture and community spirit as three major Fleadhs take place across the County Down in the coming months.
The Council has provided funding support towards the events as part of its ongoing commitment to cultural development, tourism growth and supporting local communities.
The summer programme begins with the Armagh County Fleadh in Crossmaglen from 25–31 May, marking a particularly significant occasion as the Fleadh returns to the town for the first time in more than 50 years.
The event is expected to bring a major celebration of music, dancing, singing and Irish culture to the heart of South Armagh, with a packed programme of competitions, sessions, concerts and community events planned throughout the week.
The celebrations continue with the Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin (Down Fleadh) in Downpatrick from 15–21 June, offering another opportunity to showcase the district’s rich musical traditions in the historic home of St Patrick.
Musicians, performers and visitors from across the island are expected to gather in the town for a week-long programme celebrating traditional Irish arts and culture.
The Ulster Fleadh takes place in Warrenpoint from 19–26 July, bringing one of the province’s largest traditional music festivals to the scenic coastal town. Last year’s event attracted around 30,000 visitors, with organisers hoping to grow this year’s visitor numbers to 40,000.
With its vibrant hospitality sector, waterfront setting and strong musical tradition, Warrenpoint is expected to provide a fitting backdrop for what promises to be a major regional cultural celebration.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “The Council is delighted to support this exciting programme of Fleadhs taking place across the district throughout the summer months, celebrating the enduring strength of traditional Irish music, song, dance and culture within our communities.
“These events are an important opportunity not only to showcase our rich cultural heritage, but also to bring people together through music, community participation and shared experiences.
“Fleadhs continue to play a vital role in encouraging young musicians and performers, supporting local cultural organisations and ensuring these traditions are preserved and celebrated for future generations.”
The Council Chairperson said the programme of summer events will create a vibrant atmosphere across towns and villages throughout the district, attracting competitors, performers and visitors from across Ireland and beyond, with the increased footfall providing a significant boost for local businesses, hospitality providers and the wider tourism sector, while also highlighting Newry Mourne and Down as a welcoming and culturally vibrant destination.
Cllr Campbell added: “With the All-Ireland Fleadh taking place in Belfast this year, there is also a fantastic opportunity for visitors to explore the wider region and experience everything our district has to offer.
“From our coastline and mountains to our unique heritage, hospitality and busy calendar of festivals and events throughout the summer season, there is a lot to chose from.”
This summer’s programme also comes as excitement continues to build ahead of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, one of the largest celebrations of Irish music and culture in the world.
Hosting of the All-Ireland Fleadh on the island’s eastern corridor presents a major opportunity for Newry Mourne and Down to welcome domestic and international visitors exploring the wider region during their stay.
Ideally located between Belfast and Dublin, the district offers excellent accessibility through direct rail services on the Belfast–Dublin line, extensive bus connections and strong road links, making it an attractive base for visitors attending Fleadh events across the region.
Visitors staying in Newry Mourne and Down can enjoy a wide range of accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, self-catering properties and coastal retreats, experiencing the renowned Mourne Gullion Strangford offering outdoor adventures, food experiences and a packed calendar of festivals and events throughout the summer season.
For further information visit:
https://www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/whats-on/armagh-county-fleadh-p1061001
https://www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/whats-on/fleadh-cheoil-an-duin-2026-p1063631
https://www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/whats-on/ulster-fleadh-p841131
What’s on in Mourne Gullion Strangford:
https://www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/whats-on
***
Tourism NI urges industry – let’s make this summer: `Un-Fleadhgettable’
Tourism Northern Ireland is encouraging tourism businesses to rise to the occasion this Summer to help make Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann a “key moment for tourism”.
Over 700,000 people are expected to descend on Belfast for the world’s largest annual festival of Irish music, song, dance, and competitions, which will be hosted by Belfast City Council between August 2 -9.
It is estimated that the Fleadh, which will also return to Belfast – Ireland’s only UNESCO City of Music – in 2027 will generate millions of pounds for the local economy with the benefits set to be felt across the region.
:With a focus on inspiring visitors to turn their Fleadh trip into a `Giant Adventure’ by extending their stay to explore beyond Belfast, Tourism NI has this week launched a comprehensive marketing campaign aimed at maximising the opportunities hosting the event presents.
The campaign will include TV advertising across RTÉ and TG4, a special supplement in The Irish Independent targeting Republic of Ireland visitors, radio activity aligned with the regional Fleadhs, PR activity across Northern Ireland and RoI, email marketing and digital and social content.
The activity, which will run alongside Tourism NI’s Summer marketing campaign, will focus on what there is to explore in Northern Ireland beyond Belfast and beyond the music – from world-class visitor experiences and breathtaking landscapes to stunning coastlines and a vibrant food and drink scene worth savouring.
On completion, it is estimated that the campaign will have resulted in over 13 million advertising impacts, 12 million digital impressions and a PR reach of 200,000.
Tourism NI will also be hosting a`Get Ready for the Fleadh: Lunch & Learn Webinar’ on June 9th.
The webinar is designed to help tourism and hospitality businesses prepare for the opportunities surrounding the Fleadh and maximise visitor engagement across Northern Ireland.
Tourism NI has also today issued a call out to the industry inviting them to share their Fleadh-related special offers including promotions, events, tailored tours and experiences, and special family-focused packages.
This information will be showcased on:
www.discovernorthernireland.com
while some will also feature in PR, press and social media activity.
Industry can upload their offers at:
Tourism NI is also looking ahead to the Fleadh’s return to Belfast in 2027 by launching `A Giant Welcome Back” initiative.
A dedicated landing page on:
www.discovernorthernireland.com
will feature industry-led offers and promotions designed to incentivise visitors coming to the Fleadh to return to Northern Ireland later this year and in 2027.
During this year’s Fleadh, a special QR code will be widely distributed to drive traffic to this hub to capture visitor interest for future travel.
Carmel Scott, Head of Marketing at Tourism NI, said: “The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann represents a significant opportunity to drive demand by encouraging visitors to extend their stay and explore Northern Ireland’s world-class attractions and experiences – alongside the giant welcome we are known for.
“Our programme of marketing activity is designed to promote the Fleadh, encourage visitors to stay longer, discover more of Northern Ireland and inspire a return visit.
“We would strongly encourage industry partners to get involved by submitting their events and promotions, helping us showcase an `Unfleadhgettable’ giant adventure in Northern Ireland.”
