Key partners behind this summer's Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann gathered in Belfast to review the 2026 festival's achievements and consider how to build on its legacy as the city prepares to host the All-Ireland event again in August 2027.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins chaired the discussions, which brought together representatives from government, tourism and cultural bodies whose collaboration helped stage one of Belfast's largest-ever cultural showcases. The session was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, on behalf of lead partners Belfast City Council, working alongside Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ.

Talks centred on the impact of the 2026 Fleadh, lessons learned from delivery, and how joint working can enhance the event's return from 1–8 August 2027.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister Archibald said: "Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 was a landmark event, celebrating Irish music, language and culture while delivering significant benefits for tourism, local businesses and communities.

"It's demonstrated what can be achieved through strong partnership working and today was an opportunity to thank everyone who helped make the Fleadh such a success, learn from their experience and begin looking ahead to 2027.

"Our collective aim is to make next year's Fleadh even bigger and better, and I am committed to working with our partners to build on this year's tremendous success and maximise the benefits for our economy and communities."

Minister Kimmins added: "Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 showcased Belfast at its very best. It brought significant cultural, social and economic benefits, attracted visitors from across Ireland and beyond, and demonstrated what can be achieved when organisations work together towards a common goal. "My Department was pleased to play its part in supporting the safe and efficient movement of people throughout the event. From delivering significant traffic management plans, including temporary pedestrianisation of the city centre, to the increased public transport services provided by Translink ensuring people got into the city and back home safely. The Fleadh will have a lasting legacy for Belfast and as the city once again prepares to host in 2027 we will now reflect on what worked well and identify if we can make any improvements to build on that success."

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, said: "It was great to take the opportunity today to share our experiences of co-ordinating and delivering such a large-scale event and to discuss how we can work together with all partners as we look ahead to 1-8 August 2027.

"Our council teams worked incredibly hard to deliver a Fleadh which will live long in the memory, together with our partners at Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ.

"Co-operation and input from our musicians, city centre partners, local businesses, the creative, tourism and hospitality sectors, sponsors and all our statutory agencies was also vital – go raibh míle maith agaibh to everyone who got behind our bid to bring Fleadh to Béal Feirste and helped to make it such a huge success.

"Agus muid ag tabhairt aghaigh ar an bhliain seo chugainn, tá sé iontach go raibh muid in ann teacht le chéile leis na deiseanna agus féidearthachtaí do Fhleadh 2027.

"While our plans for 2027 are still in development, I'm delighted to see such enthusiasm and excitement for next year's event from all those around the table."

Initial indicators show the 2026 festival drew more than 1.6 million city-centre visits between Sunday 2 and Sunday 9 August, with at least £54 million in economic benefit expected. Official statistics are due later in the year.