Galway eyes hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for first time since 1955
Galway could be in line to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for the first time in 75 years as two councillors are trying to bring the event back to the west.
Galway County Councillor David Collins and Galway City Councillor Shane Forde have joined forces in promoting Galway as the most suitable location to host the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2030.
The Fleadh happens every year in a different town or village across the country. It welcomes musicians and participants from all over the world to celebrate Irish music and culture.
The 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was held in Belfast during the first week of August. Belfast will host the Fleadh for a second consecutive year in 2027. While Wexford hosted the 2025 Fleadh which saw over 4,500 competitors grace its stages last August.
In 1955, the Galway town of Loughrea hosted the Fleadh in a “hugely successful cultural event” which marked the fifth ever national festival.
Now, Cllr Forde and Cllr Collins are urging their colleagues to work together to bring the Fleadh back to Galway.
“If places such as Sligo, Clare and Westmeath can successfully host the Fleadh, then I believe Galway should be looking at making a serious joint pitch.”
“Seeing what has been achieved in Belfast during this year’s Fleadh has really shown the scale of the opportunity. If Galway is serious about its ambition to be Ireland’s cultural capital, then we need to be prepared to go after major events like this.”
“Galway is synonymous with Irish culture, music and the arts. We have a proud tradition of traditional music, a thriving cultural scene and a city and county that know how to welcome visitors,” Cllr Forde said, adding it would drive the local economy.
“That is the type of grassroots musical tradition and community involvement that makes Galway such a natural fit for the Fleadh, Cllr Collins added.
“From our towns and villages to the city itself, we have a huge depth of musical talent, community spirit and enthusiasm for Irish culture.”
The councillors will now consult with their chamber colleagues and local stakeholders around what would be needed to submit a successful bid to host the festival.
“Galway has hosted major international events, festivals and cultural celebrations for decades. We have the infrastructure, the experience and, most importantly, the passion for Irish culture,” Cllr Forde said.
“What we need now is the ambition to put ourselves forward.”