The return of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Belfast in August 2027 is being planned by partners who met to review the success of this summer's event.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins chaired discussions with representatives from government, tourism and cultural bodies who staged the 2026 festival. The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Róis-Máire Donnelly, hosted the session on behalf of Belfast City Council, which worked with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ.

Archibald said the 2026 Fleadh was a landmark event that celebrated Irish music, language and culture and delivered significant benefits for tourism, local businesses and communities. She added that the collective aim is to make next year's event even bigger and better.

Kimmins said the Fleadh brought significant cultural, social and economic benefits and attracted visitors from across Ireland and beyond. Her department supported traffic management plans, including temporary pedestrianisation of the city centre, and increased public transport services provided by Translink.

The meeting considered lessons learned from delivery and how joint working can enhance the return from 1 to 8 August 2027. The Lord Mayor thanked partners and said plans for 2027 are still in development but there is enthusiasm for next year's event.

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.