Competitions

All‑Ireland level competitions are at the heart of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. With over 180 categories, the Fleadh brings together the very best in traditional music, song, dance, and language.

From fiddle to flute and sean‑nós singing to céilí dancing, these pinnacle finals represent the highest standard of traditional arts. Performers from across the world earn their place here through county and provincial qualification. Every note, every step, every voice carries a story and creates a champion.

The hush of a slow air and the thunder of dancing feet, audiences get to witness months and years of dedication and skill play out on stage.

With categories divided into age groups: Under 12, 12–15, 15–18, and Over 18 (Senior), competitions bring together a mix of young prodigies and seasoned masters.

What are the core competition categories at Fleadh?

Solo Instrument

  • Fidil (Fiddle)
  • Bosca Ceoil (Button Accordion)
  • Feadóg Mhór (Flute)
  • Feadóg (Whistle)
  • Cairdín Pianó (Piano Accordion)
  • Consairtín (Concertina)
  • Píb Uilleann (Uilleann Pipes)
  • Cruit (Irish Harp)
  • Orgán Béil (Mouth Organ)
  • Bainseó (Banjo)
  • Maindilín (Mandolin)
  • Pianó (Piano)
  • Mileoideon (Melodeon)
  • Bodhrán 
  • Drumaí Céilí (Céilí Band Drums)
  • Rogha Ghléis (Miscellaneous Instrument)

 

Slow Airs (Foinn Mhalla) 

  • Fidil (Fiddle)
  • Píb Uilleann (Uilleann Pipes)
  • Feadóg Mhór (Flute)
  • Feadóg (Whistle)
  • Cruit (Harp)

 

Ensembles & Groups

  • Ceol Beirte (Duets)
  • Ceol Trír (Trios)
  • Buíon Cheoil Chéilí (Céilí Bands)
  • Grúpaí Cheoil (Music Groups)

 

Marching Bands

  • Buíon Cheoil Cairdín (Accordion Band)
  • Buíon Cheoil Feadóg Mhór (Flute Band)
  • Buíon Cheoil Rogha Ghléas (Misc Band)
  • Buíon Cheoil Phíb (Pipe Band)

 

When will the competitions take place?

The competitions at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann take place over the final four days, from Thursday 6 until Sunday 9 August. The competition schedule will be shared here when confirmed.