Heart-filled conversations with YOU wrapped up in timeless country songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s & early 2000s
Nan's Notes
Belfast & the Fleadh
August, 2026
Nan Kelley
Visiting Ireland has always been on the bucket list for me and my husband Charlie. So when Tourism Ireland called and asked if I wanted to cover the largest Irish music festival in the world, it was an easy YES! I was thrilled because a) it was for a much-loved yearly music festival called the Fleadh and b) I would witness it being held in Belfast for the 1st time in its history!
What is the Fleadh? Its full Irish name is Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann or "Music Festival of Ireland." Fleadh means festival, Cheoil is music and na hEireann is of Ireland. It's the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music, dance, song, and language and at the center of it is a competition. This year, there were over 5,000 competitors from 22 countries in 180 categories. In addition to the competitions, the Fleadh hosted 438 official events at 90 venues, including 107 acts on the main stage alone.
Aside from the produced events, there were spontaneous gigs on every corner, young, budding musicians lined the shop fronts along the cobblestoned streets, ...music was everywhere. Harps, tin whistles, bodhrans. And not just "trad" music (traditional Irish music), but all kinds were welcomed and enjoyed. Me, my traveling companion, dear friend and excellent crew of 1, Karen, and our fabulous expert guide, Dolores, rounded the corner on a street and ran into a massive crowd watching three young girls (drums and 2 electric guitars) play and sing "Johnny Be Good" and the crowd loved them! Then down the road a wee bit (l'm adopting that word now), a young guy sang out "9 to 5" by Dolly Parton and everyone (including me) was dancing and singing along. One thing that struck me was that all ages were represented. A massive concert of several hundred musicians happened at the Cathedral plaza--from the very young to seniors. And the crowds that watched were the same--all ages, families, kids, and dogs! Lots of dogs. I stopped to pet as many as I could :)
Though this was my 1st time in Ireland and in Belfast, I just felt at home. I don't know exactly what it was..a feeling, the welcoming people, delicious food, the familiar beat of music, the fact that Nashville and Belfast are sister cities, etc. Whatever it was, I loved being there. And though I can't know for sure how they feel, I can only imagine the sense of pride the citizens of Belfast must have after this very successful hosting of the Fleadh, the 1st time in its 75 year history. During the days of the troubles, Belfast and its people endured so much pain and loss. And as for music during that time, touring musicians and acts would hardly go to Belfast to perform and now, the city saw not just musicians pouring in, but over 1.5 million festival goers. More than any other year. Way to go, Belfast. I'll always be in your corner and I'll be back. Thank you, Tourism Ireland for the invitation and thank you, Belfast, for the warm hospitality you showed me and the rest of the world!
