Waterford could launch bid to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2028

Waterford city could launch a bid to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2028, a council meeting has heard.

Fine Gael councillor Damien Geoghegan made the suggestion at the November plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

Cllr Geoghegan said: “We’ve seen, for example, Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann being held in Wexford for the last two years.

“It’s going to Belfast next year and will probably be in Belfast the year after that. I think it’s something Waterford should go for. Waterford city is absolutely made for the Fleadh Ceoil.”

He went on to say that such an event would provide a huge economic boost for the city and county.

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“€60 million, which I think is a conservative estimate, was pumped into the Wexford economy in 2024 and this year was even better again.

“We saw Waterford city at its very best when the Tall Ships came there twice a number of years ago, so I think it’s something the council should go for.”

“I think having it in Waterford city, the entire city and county would benefit from that,” Cllr Geoghegan concluded.

In response, Director of Services Michael Quinn expressed uncertainty as to whether Waterford currently has the capacity to host the event.

Mr Quinn said: “In relation to the Fleadh Ceoil, I have maybe a slightly more nuanced thinking on that.

“I think it is a great event but obviously by its nature it has to be in the summer, so we’re already at full capacity.”

He noted the number of other festivals that already take place in the city during the summer. Despite his doubts, he said that it is something the council will consider in the future.

“I would certainly think when we should look for it is when we get one or two of the new hotels in Waterford city coming on stream.

“I think there’s a real opportunity that you try and tie it in with something like that which provides additional capacity and then we can leverage that.

“So I think there’s an opportunity after Belfast to look at it,” Mr Quinn concluded.

Belfast will be the host city for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, which will take place from August 2 to 9, 2026.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (the Fleadh) is the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.

Established in 1951, the event takes place in Ireland every August with qualifying performers from all over the world showcasing the very best of traditional music talent in all-Ireland competitions.