Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 concludes after more than one million visit Belfast

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 has concluded in Belfast after eight days of music, culture and celebrations.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said footfall in Belfast city centre exceeded one million during the event, creating a major policing and transport operation.

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally praised officers, staff and partner agencies for helping the festival run safely and with minimal disruption.

The official Fleadh Cheoil website confirms Belfast will also host the event in 2027.

PSNI praises operation as Belfast Fleadh ends

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 has come to an end following an unforgettable eight days in Belfast.

Months of planning by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and partner agencies went into managing the huge cultural event.

The Fleadh ran from Sunday 2 August until Sunday 9 August, attracting visitors, musicians and performers from across Ireland and around the world.

The dates are also confirmed by Belfast City Council’s official Fleadh Belfast information and the official Fleadh Cheoil website.

Police said footfall in Belfast city centre exceeded one million during the festival.

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally, who led the policing operation, praised officers and staff involved throughout the week.

He said:

“Our officers and staff worked tirelessly to help deliver an event unlike anything previously seen in Northern Ireland. The professionalism shown by our officers on the ground, who assisted with the smooth running of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, is a credit to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the communities they serve.”

Months of planning behind Fleadh Cheoil policing operation

Police said an event on the scale of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 required extensive preparation.

ACC McNally said:

“An event like this, which ran from Sunday 2nd August until Sunday 9th August, does not happen overnight. The sheer scale, coupled with the meticulous planning by ourselves and our partner agencies, should not be underestimated.”

The PSNI’s role included supporting event organisers with traffic and transport arrangements while helping ensure the safety of those attending.

Belfast City Council had introduced extensive traffic, transport and travel arrangements for the Fleadh, including Park & Ride facilities and city centre road closures.

At the same time, officers worked to allow Belfast to continue operating as normally as possible.

More than one million people arrive in Belfast city centre

ACC McNally described the operation as “extremely complex and intensive”, particularly given the level of footfall.

He said:

“It was important that Belfast continued to run as normal but with the additional event management with footfall in excess of one million arriving in the city centre.”

Officers from several areas of the Police Service were deployed during the festival.

These included:

• Neighbourhood Policing teams
• Response Officers
• Traffic and transport support
• Other policing departments supporting the wider operation

Officers provided reassurance at events while also helping visitors find venues and access information from other agencies.

Police say officers were warmly received

According to ACC McNally, feedback towards officers working throughout the Fleadh was overwhelmingly positive.

He said:

“It was clear our officers were warmly received by visitors, spectators and those involved in the events.”

He added:

“Not only did they minimise any disruption to the city centre, but they certainly added to the overall feel-good factor that continues to emanate following Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.”

Police also received positive feedback from stakeholders and members of the public about the service provided by officers throughout the week.

Belfast praised for delivering major international event

The conclusion of the Fleadh marks the end of one of the biggest cultural events hosted in Belfast.

The festival is described by organisers as the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, bringing competitions, concerts, street sessions, céilí bands and cultural activities to Belfast. More information about the event is available through the official Fleadh Cheoil website.

ACC McNally said the week further demonstrated the city’s ability to stage major international events.

He said:

“Belfast further positioned itself as a wonderful destination for visitors and further demonstrated its ability to deliver world class events.”

He added:

“There was overwhelming positivity throughout Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, alongside our partner agencies played a vital role in its success.”

Fleadh Cheoil will return to Belfast in 2027

Although the 2026 festival has ended, Belfast’s Fleadh story is not over.

Belfast will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann again in 2027.

The official Fleadh FAQ confirms that the 2026 and 2027 Fleadh festivals are being hosted by Belfast City Council in partnership with local Comhaltas branch Ards CCÉ.

Readers can find further information through:

• Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann official website
• Belfast City Council – Fleadh Belfast
• Police Service of Northern Ireland
• Visit Belfast
• Fleadh Cheoil What’s On

What did you think of Fleadh Belfast 2026?

Were you among the crowds enjoying Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast?

Tell us what you thought of the festival and whether you would like to see more major cultural events held in the city.