Féile an Earraigh, the annual spring festival in Belfast, has begun with more than 300 events scheduled through March. Organised by Féile an Phobail, the programme features Irish language activities, traditional music performances and cultural tours leading to St Patrick's Day on 17 March.

Events include over 120 traditional music sessions at venues such as Maddens Bar, Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich and Áras Uí Chonghaile. Workshops cover céilí dancing, bodhrán playing, tin whistle, cooking, gardening and yoga, alongside Irish language classes from beginner to advanced levels provided by Scoil Ghaeilge Mhic Giolla Fhiondáin.

Talks address topics like 1916 leaders, community services in Irish and International Women’s Day. Family-orientated activities number 25, with walking tours, music workshops, a food fair and Spraoi Cois Lao on 7 March at Custom House Square. Tours, totalling over 30, explore Belfast history from 1798 onwards, including cemetery trails, murals on Falls Road and Shankill, and sites linked to James Connolly and Belfast Celtic.

Féile an Phobail director Kevin Gamble stated the festival partners with Seachtain na Gaeilge and forms part of preparations for 2026 events, including the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August. He noted Belfast City Council's collaboration to promote the city during St Patrick's celebrations.

Highlights ahead include the Craic 10k run from Belfast City Hall on St Patrick's Day, expecting up to 6,000 participants, and a carnival parade in the city centre. The festival supports local artists and underscores Irish cultural promotion in Northern Ireland, where efforts to revive the Irish language continue under post-Agreement initiatives.