The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, from 3 to 10 August in Wexford Town, Co. Wexford, will bring an extensive programme of traditional Irish music, song, dance, and cultural events to Ireland’s Ancient East, drawing an estimated 600,000 visitors.
The festival, hosted by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, will feature over 200 competitions across 18 venues, including the National Opera House, Whites of Wexford, and the Wexford Credit Union Dome, showcasing solo acts, duets, trios, céilí bands, and sean-nós singing and dancing.
Notable performances include the Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra’s concert at the National Opera House, celebrating Wexford’s heritage through music and storytelling, and acts like Tulua, Garadice, and Shaskeen, marking their 55th year. The Fringe Fleadh will animate the county with street performances, pop-up gigs, and community events from Rosslare to Enniscorthy.
Free events, such as the Gig Rig on Wexford’s Quayfront and trad sessions in pubs like the Crown Bar, ensure accessibility, while Scoil Éigse, a week-long traditional music summer school, offers classes for all skill levels. Visitors can expect céilís, parades, and a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest céilí band, following the 2024 record set in Croke Park.
The festival’s setting in Wexford Town, with its Viking heritage and proximity to beaches and attractions like Johnstown Castle, enhances the experience, with free shuttle buses and Wexford Bus services (WX1 and WX2) aiding travel. Accommodation options, such as the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy or Crown Quarter on Monck Street, place visitors near the action, with dining available at venues like the Crown Fleadh Food Court.
Founded in 1951 in Mullingar by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, a cultural organisation dedicated to preserving Irish traditions, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was established to promote traditional music, song, and dance through competitions and festivals. Initially a modest gathering, it has grown into the world’s largest annual celebration of Irish culture, hosting over 5,000 competitors and hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The festival’s return to Wexford in 2025, after a successful 2024 event, marks only the third time the town has hosted since 1951, reflecting its growing status as a cultural hub. The Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee, led by chairperson Tom Enright, has overseen preparations, building on the 2024 event’s €60 million economic boost. Enright, also Interim Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, has emphasised community involvement and accessibility, with volunteers playing a key role in the festival’s delivery. The 2025 programme aims to surpass its predecessor, with enhanced events and broader county-wide engagement through the Fringe Fleadh.
Visitors can explore Wexford’s historic streets, enjoy free transport on Wexford Bus town services, and participate in cultural activities like Seachtain na Gaeilge, focusing on Irish language events. The festival’s blend of competitions, performances, and community spirit ensures a rich experience for all ages. Programme details and tickets are available at www.fleadhcheoil.ie, with early booking recommended due to high demand.
