Belfast’s first Fleadh ‘so joyful’ in a city that was once ‘so dark’

The first Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to take place in the Northern Ireland capital drew visitors from across the world.

A weeklong celebration of Irish music and culture is bringing an expected 800,000 people to Northern Ireland’s capital. It’s a sign of how far the city has come decades after a bloody sectarian conflict.

As musical director of ArtsEkta’s acclaimed Connections at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, the award-winning composer will bring together musicians from across cultures, traditions and genres

‘I think it’s important that we talk about our histories, how similar we are’