Cavan Town to host 2026 County Fleadh

Cavan Town has been selected to host next year’s County Fleadh, which will take place over the June Bank Holiday weekend in 2026.

The decision was confirmed by Comhaltas members at the County Board AGM on November 26.

The event returns to the county town for the first time in almost 30 years, following recent successful fleadhs in Killeshandra and Belturbet.

James McGovern of Cavan Town CCÉ said the branch is well used to staging major cultural events, including the Ed Reavy Festival, which celebrates the renowned Irish-American composer across various town venues.

“We hosted [successive All-Ireland Fleadhanna] so it’ll be nice to have the County Fleadh back in the town again,” he said. “Our branch is very active—one of the biggest in the country—and we’re looking forward to it. There’s a lot of work ahead to organise the competitions, venues, concerts and hopefully a céilí, but we’re confident we can do it.”

He noted that the Ed Reavy Festival’s steady growth has strengthened the branch’s expertise.

“I served on the All-Ireland Fleadh committee in 2010, 2011 and 2012, so we have the capability, a strong committee, and plenty of talented young musicians.”

Mr McGovern believes the legacy of hosting the All-Ireland Fleadhanna is only now becoming apparent in a new generation’s strong interest in traditional music.

“Only now are we really seeing that come through,” he said, describing Cavan as one of the “strongest counties” in terms of producing new and supremely talented young traditional musicians.

“They’re bringing the right end of the tradition with them,” he said adding that giving young performers opportunities to help shape large cultural events is essential.

“You’re not trying to create followers - you’re trying to bring through another group to carry the torch.”

Mr McGovern stated that the Cavan Town comhaltas committee has grown in recent years and is up for the challenge. Preparations will now focus on securing venues, liaising with local schools, and seeking support from businesses and publicans.

“We just need to get the buy-in and get organised,” he said. “We’re used to running festivals, and we’re looking forward to bringing the County Fleadh back to Cavan Town.”