It is being hailed as a week like no other with record numbers attending Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast.
With hundreds of music events throughout the city and musicians playing their tunes on city centre streets, footfall cameras recorded 1.6 million people enjoying the Irish trad music festival over the eight days.
The Economy Minister is also predicting a larger than anticipated financial windfall for the city with hotels booked out and bars and restaurants at full capacity.
As the Fleadh came to end in the early hours of Monday morning – and looking forward to its return next year – Lord Mayor Cllr. Róis-Máire Donnelly said: “A leithéid de sheachtain nach raibh feicthe ariamh i mBéal Feirste. Ceol, craic is draíocht san aer ar fud fad na seachtaine is trasna na cathrach ar fad.
“Words cannot do justice to how proud I am of this city and the magic that it has produced over the last eight days. The pictures and videos of our people, our music and our streets projected right around the world show our city at its best.
“Our spirit, our craic and our shared love of music, from all our different communities, have all been embraced and displayed for everyone to enjoy.
“Tháinig na sluaite isteach go lár a’ bhaile lenár gceol is ár gcultúr a roinnt le chéile agus bhí sé galánta An Ghaeilge a fheiceáil chomh flúirseach sin is le cloisteáil gach áit.
“When I opened Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann last Sunday, I described it as a full circle moment for our city. But it’s also been a watershed moment – a sign of our city’s strength, ambition and future potential. Fleadh 2026 has surpassed all of our expectations.
“Go raibh céad míle maith agaibh to everyone for their support, participation and generosity of spirit – you have all done Belfast proud.”
Dr. Labhrás O Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann said: “We have had an unprecedented Fleadh of music, magic and memories. Belfast opened its doors and hearts to the multitudes who came from far and near for this amazing celebration, which will have an encore in 2027.
“One million fans can say to Belfast ‘you are the envy of the world’, with perhaps billions worldwide aware of the cultural history made in August 2026.”
Niall McClean, Chair, Ards CCÉ and Co-chair of Fleadh Executive Committee added: “What an incredible week. Everyone I have spoken to has had an amazing time here in Belfast, thousands of people all on a high.
“Belfast has shone, the world has come to our doorstep, bringing the biggest numbers ever seen for a Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
“I’m so proud of our branch and all our members, and what we have achieved together. We dared to dream and those dreams have come true.
“Bringing the Fleadh to everyone, to every community, has put a permanent smile on my face. I’m the happiest man in Belfast. Roll on 2027.”
The festival will return to the city from 1-8 August 2027, hosted once again by Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ.
