Wexford is poised to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 3 to 10 August 2025, marking its second consecutive year as the epicentre of the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music, song, and dance. Organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the festival promises to transform the streets, pubs, and venues of Wexford into a pulsating hub of Irish culture, drawing an estimated 650,000 visitors. The programme, rich with over 180 competitions and a diverse array of performances, is set to captivate musicians, dancers, and culture enthusiasts from Ireland and beyond. Wexford’s historic lanes and quays will resonate with the sounds of fiddles, uilleann pipes, and sean-nós singing, creating an irresistible atmosphere for all ages.
The festival kicks off with a grand opening ceremony, featuring a performance by the 60-member Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra of Ireland, which will weave a musical tapestry celebrating Wexford’s heritage. A highlight of the week is the Senior Céilí Band Competition on 10 August at the Wexford Credit Union Dome, a thrilling showcase of high-energy reels and jigs.
Visitors can expect intimate gigs at venues like the National Opera House, where acts such as Frankie Gavin & De Dannan and the traditional ensemble Garadice will perform, alongside the internationally acclaimed violinist Martin Hayes at Rowe Street Church. The Crown Fleadh Village on Monck Street will be a focal point, offering eight bars with live music, a food court helmed by chef Tony Carty, and family-friendly entertainment including puppet and magic shows.
Street performances and pop-up music events will enliven Wexford’s quays, with the Gig Rig on the quayfront providing free live music daily. The Fringe Fleadh, extending across the county from Rosslare to Gorey, will feature community-driven events like traditional music sessions at Gorey Shopping Centre and storytelling presentations. A unique attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest céilí band, surpassing the 386 participants set in 2024, will add excitement.
The festival also celebrates Irish language and folklore, with talks by Michael Fortune on Wexford-Newfoundland connections and Rachel Uí Fhaoláin exploring traditional song complexities. The Ard-Ollamh Award, honouring Gary Shannon, and the Bardic Awards at Ferrycarrig Hotel will recognise outstanding contributions to Irish music.
Dance enthusiasts will revel in performances like Danceperados of Ireland, choreographed by Michael Donnellan, and outdoor céilís at Ardán na Slaine with bands like Rise the Dust and Core Céilí. TG4 will broadcast live from Crescent Quay, capturing the festival’s spirit, while Cúla4’s mobile stage will showcase young talent. Over 18 venues, including Whites of Wexford and Talbot Hotel, will host competitions and concerts, with the Rowsome Quartet’s uilleann pipes adding a distinctive sound.
A photography exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre, “In the Moment,” will display last year’s festival vibrancy. With enhanced transport options, including additional Irish Rail services and park-and-ride facilities, Wexford is ready to welcome the global Irish music community for an unforgettable week.
Road closures
From Sunday, August 3, to Sunday, August 10, Wexford Quays will be closed to traffic daily between 10 a.m. and 4 a.m., impacting several surrounding roads. A series of additional road closures will apply to numerous streets, including Skeffington St, Charlotte St, and Redmond Square, during the same period.
Wexford Bridge will also be closed from Crosstown Junction across to Wellington Place during the specified hours. On August 11, further closures will affect The Bullring and North Main Street from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m., with additional restrictions on South Main Street from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Local access will be maintained in specific areas, with temporary one-way systems in operation, and the public is urged to follow signage and cooperate with stewards throughout the Fleadh.
Wexford County Council shared, “All diversions and closures will be signposted and the general public are asked to comply with stewards for the duration of the Fleadh. Local access will be maintained from the Crosstown junction to Ferrybank. There will also be vehicular restrictions at Redmond Road. South Main Street will be closed on Monday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.”
