Home » TOURISM NEWS » Belfast Set to Boost Northern Ireland’s Tourism with Fleadh Cheoil in 2026 – 700,000 Visitors Expected!

Published on
December 26, 2025

Belfast is preparing for a significant tourism event in 2026, as the city will host the prestigious Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for the first time. This world-renowned Irish music and culture festival, celebrated annually, is expected to attract over 700,000 visitors over its eight-day duration in early August. Tourism officials have high hopes for the event’s economic and cultural impact, predicting that it will bring about a tourism legacy similar to the success seen with golf’s Open Championship held on the north coast.

The Fleadh Cheoil’s Impact on Northern Ireland Tourism

Tourism Northern Ireland (NI) has expressed confidence that the Fleadh Cheoil, set to take place in Belfast, will significantly enhance the city’s status as a key cultural destination. It will be only the second time in the festival’s history that it has been staged in Northern Ireland, with Londonderry hosting the event back in 2013. Aine Kearney, Tourism NI’s director of events, emphasized that the Fleadh will not only attract a large number of visitors but also create a substantial economic boost for the region.

The anticipated attendance of at least 700,000 visitors is expected to generate an economic impact of around £60 million, which Kearney considers a conservative estimate. This influx of visitors is set to benefit local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators across Belfast and Northern Ireland. Furthermore, the festival provides an excellent opportunity to encourage cross-border travel, particularly between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. For many visitors from the south, the Fleadh may mark their first visit to Belfast, strengthening the connection between the two regions.

International Interest and Cultural Significance

In addition to attracting domestic visitors, the Fleadh is expected to draw significant attention from international markets. Kearney highlighted the growing interest from global tourists who are keen to experience Ireland’s unique music and cultural heritage. The event’s status as the largest of its kind in the world positions Belfast as a major player in the global cultural tourism scene.

The Fleadh Cheoil will feature a packed schedule, including large-scale concerts, performances by world-class musicians, and an exciting programme of street performances, pop-up gigs, and community ceilis. This vibrant cultural showcase will undoubtedly attract music lovers and culture enthusiasts from across the world, further bolstering Northern Ireland’s tourism profile.

A Legacy on Par with the Open Championship

Kearney drew a parallel between the Fleadh Cheoil and the Open Championship, which was hosted in Portrush, Northern Ireland, in 2019. The Open’s success provided a substantial economic boost to the region, with estimates suggesting that the tournament generated £280 million in economic benefit for Northern Ireland. Kearney believes the Fleadh will have a similar impact in terms of creating a lasting tourism legacy.

The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July 2019 drew nearly 280,000 spectators and received extensive global media coverage. The economic impact of the event was twofold, with a direct economic benefit of £90 million and an additional £191 million in destination marketing value, as the event showcased Northern Ireland to a global audience. Kearney described the success of the Open as a “landmark year” for Northern Ireland, noting that the region’s tourism profile was significantly raised as a result.

Continuing the Momentum from the Open

The success of the Open Championship in Portrush has created a strong foundation for Northern Ireland’s tourism sector, and Kearney highlighted the importance of maintaining this momentum. The Fleadh Cheoil, along with other major cultural events, will contribute to the continued growth of tourism in the region. Kearney noted that the year following the Open was about capitalizing on the interest generated and continuing to promote Northern Ireland as an international tourism destination.

Additionally, Tourism NI has supported several other events, including the North West 200 motorcycle races and Derry’s Halloween festival, which have collectively contributed to an estimated £27 million in economic benefits. These events, along with the Fleadh Cheoil, highlight Northern Ireland’s ability to host world-class cultural events that attract both local and international visitors.

The Economic Benefits of Hosting Major Cultural Events

The Fleadh Cheoil represents more than just a cultural celebration; it is also a significant driver of economic growth. Major events like the Fleadh and the Open Championship create opportunities for local businesses to thrive, particularly in the hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors. Visitors flocking to Belfast for the festival will generate demand for accommodation, food, transport, and various other services, providing a direct economic boost to the region.

Furthermore, the exposure that Belfast and Northern Ireland will gain from hosting such a prestigious event will have long-term benefits. As the Fleadh is broadcast worldwide and shared across social media platforms, it will showcase the region’s cultural vibrancy and its appeal as a destination for future visitors. This enhanced visibility will be invaluable for Northern Ireland’s tourism strategy, attracting more international tourists in the years to come.

A Bright Future for Belfast’s Tourism

The Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast promises to be a landmark event for Northern Ireland, generating significant economic benefits and leaving a lasting tourism legacy. With the city set to host over 700,000 visitors and attract substantial international attention, the event is expected to further solidify Belfast’s position as a key cultural hub in Europe. As Tourism NI continues to support and promote major events like the Fleadh, the region’s tourism industry is poised for continued growth, contributing to Northern Ireland’s long-term economic development.

The success of the Fleadh, following in the footsteps of events like the Open Championship, signals a bright future for Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole, positioning the region as an exciting destination for both cultural tourism and international visitors.