St Mary’s University College Belfast is pleased to announce that many of its students will be actively involved in Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, which will take place in Belfast this coming August. Students from across the College community will contribute both as volunteers and performers, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and the College’s enduring commitment to the arts and music.

Known as the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music, language, and dance, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to Belfast. Students from St Mary’s will volunteer across a range of events, assisting with festival coordination, hospitality, and community engagement, while others will perform traditional tunes as soloists and in ensembles.

Prof. Peter Finn, Principal of St Mary’s University College, said:

“Participation by our students in this prestigious festival reflects both their enthusiasm for cultural life and the College’s mission to serve the wider community. It’s inspiring to see energy, creativity, and tradition to an event that celebrates what is unique about Irish cultural.”

The College’s strong tradition of promoting the Irish language, music, and culture continues to shine through the involvement of its students and alumni in major cultural events. As Belfast welcomes visitors from across the globe, St Mary’s University College stands proud to support and celebrate this historic occasion.

Last year the traditional musicians from St Mary’s represented Belfast in Music City USA by taking part in the “Belfast in Nashville” St Patrick’s Day celebrations as part of events to mark the 30-year Sister City partnership between the two cities. The visit promoted the strong cultural and educational links between Nashville and Belfast with the St Mary’s students bringing the sounds of traditional Irish music to the Tennessee capital for St Patrick’s Day. The student teachers also visited St Bernard Academy in Nashville on St Patrick’s day to share with the elementary school pupils their music culture. Visits were also made to Belmont and Vanderbilt Universities.

For more information about St Mary’s University College involvement in Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann follow our social media. To be part of the volunteer team at Fleadh Cheoil contact Volunteer Now.

For more information contact John Brolly, St Mary’s University College, Marketing and Communications Manager: j.brolly@smucb.ac.uk

M: 07976584021

St Mary’s University College student teachers and traditional musicians who will be taking part in Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast this August Eoin Ferry, Jane Wals, Erin Maginn, Tommy McDermott and Róise Ó Murchú.