4 November 2026

A six-part highlights series of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 which took place in Belfast for the very first time.

Broadcasting on RTÉ One, Fridays from 6th November at 8:30PM

 

The popular Fleadh Cheoil series returns on Friday, 6th November, showcasing the very best of Irish traditional music from Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. For the first time ever, the Fleadh took place in Northern Ireland’s capital, in the stunning, historic city of Belfast and it exceeded all expectations!

Across six episodes, viewers can experience the music filled lanes of Belfast city, lively street sessions and unforgettable musical encounters. RTÉ star Dáithí Ó Sé and acclaimed musician Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh return to guide audiences through the celebrations. Along the way, they meet an array of locally and internationally renowned musicians, including The Woodgies, local musicians like Donal Ó Connor, the McKibbin Brothers, Neil Martin and Jack Warnock, Conor Caldwell and Paddy McKeown, Ríoghnach Connolly, and this year’s Senior Céilí Band Champions, Lissadell Céilí Band.

The series captures the craic, colour and ceol of Ireland’s biggest traditional music festival, bringing viewers right into the heart of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. With Belfast welcoming more than 1.6 million visitors over the eight-day celebration, according to Belfast City Council, this was the biggest Fleadh ever.

The immense pride of Belfast’s communities shines throughout the festival, with the city pulling out all the stops to showcase its musical heritage and vibrant culture. From the spectacular Ulster Bands Showcase at the iconic Titanic Slipways, to the honouring of Gary Hastings as the Ard-Ollamh, and the countless competitions that lie at the heart of the Fleadh, the series celebrates the people and passion that makes the Fleadh.

Visitors and locals come together to soak up the atmosphere, with colourful characters, impromptu sessions and the glorious August sunshine bringing Belfast’s streets to life against the city’s historic backdrop. The series also features an exciting line-up of performances, including Seamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, Carlos, Sweeney & McCartin, Róisín Chambers, Breen l Rynne l Murray, Talisk, and many more.

 

The series is a Red Shoe Production for RTÉ

Fleadh Cheoil - RTÉ One - series starts Friday 6th November 8:30pm