The Mac Reachtain Summer School, a major event for Irish language and culture, will take place in north Belfast from 19 to 31 July 2026. Organised by the Mac Reachtain Cultural Association on the Antrim Road, the annual programme offers activities for all levels of Irish speakers.

The schedule includes guided walks, such as a route from Belfast Castle to McArt's Fort led by Cormac Ó hÁdhmaill, and a Belfast history walk with Fionntan de Brún. Irish language courses for adults will be held at various levels, alongside music sessions, dance classes with Tura Artura, and singing classes with Róisín Chambers and Róise Ní Mhurchú.

A literary discussion on 22 July will feature writers Caitríona Ní Chleirchín, Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde, and Professor Fionntán de Brún. Live radio broadcasts are planned from Raidió Fáilte and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Musical highlights include the 'Sruth na Maoile' concert on 29 July with Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde, Frances Morton, Diane Ní Chanainn, Máirí MacMillan, and Alan Henderson at the Caifé Ceoil. Later that same day, an 'Oíche Cheoil na mBan' will feature Clare Sands, Muireann Ní Shé, Catríona Ní Ghribín, Edel Ní Churraoin, and Aisling Lyons.

The festival closes on Friday 31 July with an Oíche Airnéail at Áras Mhic Reachtain, featuring music from Brían Danny Minnie Ó Domhnaill, Bláithín Mhic Cana, Naoise Mac Cathmhaoil, and others.

Seán Ó Coinn, chief executive of Foras na Gaeilge, described Belfast as a leader in community-based Irish language development. He noted the summer school provides a social environment where learners and active speakers can use Irish naturally.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is supporting the event through National Lottery funds. Chief executive Róisín McDonough said the summer school would be part of a broader celebration of the arts across Belfast and Northern Ireland this summer.

The full programme is available online, with updates on the festival's social media channels.