FLEADH Cheoil an Dúin 2026 makes history this year as it is the first time the event is being hosted in Downpatrick.
The celebration of Irish traditional music takes place from Monday, 15 June, to Sunday, 21 June. There are a series of events from Monday to Friday, leading to the competitions that take place on Saturday and Sunday.
It is also a significant coincidence that all three of the biggest Fleadh Cheoil events in Ireland — county, provincial and All-Ireland competition — are being organised by Down branches.
Mark Higgins is chairman of both County Down Comhaltas Board and Lecale Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, two groups which are involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music. He has been at the forefront of the Fleadh Cheoil taking place in Downpatrick.
“It marks a significant moment in local history as the County Fleadh has never before been held in Downpatrick, and not only that – branches from our county will also host Fleadh Cheoil Uladh and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in the same year – a remarkable achievement!
“I am therefore delighted that Lecale CCÉ, the Comhaltas branch I set up four years ago, and Downpatrick town are part of an historic year for Comhaltas, and Irish traditional music flourishing in County Down.”
Mark emphasised how special this year’s Fleadh Cheoil is going to be.
He said: “Warrenpoint CCÉ will once again host Fleadh Cheoil Uladh, and Ards CCÉ is the host branch for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to Belfast for the first time ever!
“All this is also happening in the same year that Comhaltas celebrates its 75th anniversary.”
Each year the Fleadh Cheoil involves hundreds of competitors — from young beginners to seasoned performers — taking part in competitions across traditional music, singing, storytelling, Comhrá Gaeilge, and dancing.
Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin is the first qualifying stage for competitors from County Down on the pathway to the Ulster and All-Ireland Fleadhanna.
Alongside the competitions, the host town comes alive with sessions, céilís, workshops, family activities, and a fantastic festival atmosphere filled with music and culture.
Mark said: “As part of hosting the Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin, we have a fantastic range of free fringe events from Monday, the 15th of June, to Friday, the 19th of June, that will showcase the talent associated with Comhaltas traditions, leading up to the main competition days, Saturday, the 20th, and Sunday, the 21st of June, that will be held in the SERC Campus, Downpatrick.
“The fringe events will have everything from piping displays, Irish dancing, pop-up Gaeltachts, heritage showcasing, Sean-Nós Dancing – and of course Irish traditional music.
“All fringe events are free and open to everyone to attend, and I would encourage everyone to follow Lecale CCÉ on social media, where full information is available.”
Mark has made a great effort to make this event special, as he wants it to be an important one for the town.
“The Fleadh is expected to attract around 2,000 visitors to Downpatrick, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.
“With the main venue located at the SERC Campus beside the bus station, visitors will be right at the heart of the town — and we encourage all visitors to explore the town and enjoy local cafés and restaurants, and support local businesses and the artisan market.”
