In Ireland, there’s no doubt about it: you never turn down a good opportunity to have fun and party! All the more so when it comes to rallying around the rich tradition of Irish music. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, take a trip to the Fleadh Cheoil, a traditional music festival held every year in Ireland, attracting tens of thousands of visitors!
A concert at the Fleadh Cheoil – © G Mitchell 07729606851 [email protected]
The Fleadh Cheoil (pronounced “fla kyoel”), literally “Festival of Music”, began in the 1950s as an initiative to revitalize and preserve traditional Irish music, then in decline.
Since then, it has grown into a gigantic annual festival, taking place in different towns across Ireland, and bringing together musicians and dancers of all ages.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann usually takes place in August. The exact date may vary from year to year, depending on various factors such as logistics, the venue and other events taking place in Ireland. Since the festival travels and changes city each year, specific details, including dates, are often announced well in advance to allow participants, musicians and visitors to plan their trip.
If you’re planning to attend Fleadh Cheoil in any given year, it’s always a good idea to check out the event’s official website, or Go to Ireland.com for more information.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann usually lasts a week.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is a travelling festival that changes venue every year. Its aim is to promote traditional Irish music throughout the country, so the choice of moving it every year allows different towns to host the event and showcase it.
Over the years, towns such as Ennis, Sligo, Cavan, Drogheda and Mullingar have had the honor of hosting this great gathering. Each city hosting the Fleadh prepares for the event months in advance, and the anticipation contributes to the general excitement.
If you’re planning to visit Fleadh Cheoil, we recommend checking the location of the next edition in advance. Not only will this help you plan your trip, it will also give you the opportunity to explore a new city or region of Ireland each time you attend.
Fleadh Cheoil is not just a festival, it’s a pilgrimage for lovers of traditional music.
With instruments such as the bodhrán, fiddle, Irish flute, tin whistle and uillean pipe, every note played resurrects centuries of history and tradition. From official competitions to impromptu pub sessions, the range of talent is staggering.
And the cast is always exceptional! It brings together the country’s finest artists: singers, musicians, bands, composers, craftsmen specializing in the creation of instruments… There’s something for everyone!
A traditional dance number at the Fleadh Cheoil – © Tourism Ireland Ltd
Irish music would be incomplete without dancing! At Fleadh Cheoil, the streets come alive with dancers in tap shoes, performing jigs, reels and hornpipes. These dances, handed down from generation to generation, are the living testimony of a culture that refuses to die out.
Each step, each swirl, each leap is a testament to the passion and energy that drives these artists.
And if you thought dance competitions were reserved for TV shows, think again! During the festival, talented young dancers compete against experienced dancers in competitions that test agility, precision and artistic expression. It’s a real treat for the spectators who gather to cheer on their favorites.
Fleadh is also an opportunity for dancers to meet up, exchange techniques and choreography, or simply share a moment of conviviality. These exchanges enrich the art of dance and strengthen the bonds between participants.
In addition to performances, Fleadh Cheoil offers numerous workshops for those wishing to deepen their knowledge or learn a new instrument. It’s a chance to immerse yourself, get expert advice or even take up a new hobby!
Although the program varies with each edition, here’s a glimpse of what you can expect at upcoming festivals:
Rates : 
Opening hours :
August 6 to 14, 2023
Don’t hesitate to book your accommodation in advance: this festival is one of the most popular in the country, and hotels and B&Bs are quickly saturated by demand. Anticipate, and you’ll rest easy!
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