Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2026 to bring music and celebration to Ballina
Ballina is set to come alive with the sound of music, song and dance as Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2026 takes place from May 2 to 10 inclusive.
Hosted by the Gort na mBó/Bofield branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the event will bring performers and visitors from across Mayo and beyond for a week-long celebration of traditional Irish culture.
Talented young musicians will be at the heart of this year’s Fleadh, with competitions offering a platform for performers of all ages to showcase their abilities and compete for progression to Connacht and All-Ireland level.
The Fleadh coincides with what is expected to be a particularly busy May Bank Holiday weekend in Ballina. The West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon will take place on Sunday, May 3, while Mayo Day celebrations on Saturday, May 2, will bring additional activity to the town. Together, these events are set to create a lively and festive atmosphere, with large numbers of visitors expected.
An official launch event for Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2026 will take place on Thursday, April 2, at 6 p.m. in the Jackie Clarke Collection, Ballina. The event is open to the public and will include music and guest speakers, offering a preview of what’s to come during the Fleadh. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP in advance to clarkecollection@mayococo.ie.
CENTRAL
Competitions remain central to the Fleadh, with dancing and sean-nós competitions taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4, at Ballina Arts Centre and music competitions scheduled for Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, at St. Mary’s Secondary School.
The Cuimsiú inclusive competitions will also take place on Sunday, May 10, continuing to provide a supportive space for participants with additional needs.
Alongside the competitions, a wide range of events will take place throughout the week, including concerts, céilís, talks, exhibitions and traditional music sessions across venues in Ballina. Highlights include outdoor performances at Market Square Plaza over the opening weekend, a launch concert at Ballina Arts Centre on May 2, and a staging of Let Justice Rise Though Heavens Fall – The Story of Michael Davitt on May 3.
Additional events include Irish language gatherings, a Rambling House at the Great National Hotel Ballina, talks and lectures at the Jackie Clarke Collection, and a céilí mór at Ballina Community Sports Centre on Saturday, May 9. A Fleadh session trail will also run across a number of venues, adding to the atmosphere throughout the town.
BOOST
The Fleadh is expected to bring a strong cultural and economic boost to Ballina and the wider north Mayo area, supporting local businesses and attracting visitors from across the country.
Michael O’Donnell, chairperson of Bofield CCÉ and the Mayo Fleadh committee, said the town has a long-standing connection with traditional music.
“Ballina has long been associated with a strong tradition of Irish music, and we are delighted to welcome performers and visitors from across Mayo and beyond,” he stated. “The Fleadh is about bringing people together, celebrating our culture, and creating opportunities for the next generation of musicians to shine.”
Mairéad Melody Carr, manager of Mayo North Tourism, said the event comes at an important time for the region.
She explained: “With so much happening across the May Bank Holiday weekend and beyond, the Fleadh presents a great opportunity for Ballina and north Mayo. It will attract visitors, support local businesses and showcase the energy and hospitality of the region.”
Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2026 runs from May 2 to 10, with a full programme of events taking place across Ballina. Further information is available at mayocomhaltas.weebly.com and on social media via Mayo Fleadh and Bofield CCÉ.