Cavan Town to host County Fleadh

Traditional music, song, dance and Irish culture will take centre stage as Cavan Town Branch CCÉ hosts the County Fleadh 2026, with a packed weekend (May 29-31) of competitions, concerts, céilís and cultural events.

Marking its return to the Cavan Town for the first time in almost 30 years, following successful Fleadhanna in Belturbet and Killeshandra, the event offers an opportunity for competitors to progress to the Ulster finals in hopes of qualifying for the All-Ireland later in the year in Belfast.

Competitions

The Fleadh officially begins on Friday, May 29, with competitions taking place in both the Cavan Town Hall Arts Centre and St Clare’s Primary School.

Friday evening’s programme includes Under-10 tin whistle competitions from 6:30pm, followed by medal presentations and a Ceol na nÓg recital and youth session.

Sean-nós and céilí dancing competitions take place at the Town Hall, including four-hand, eight-hand and full set dancing competitions.

Breege Flynn, chairperson of Cavan Town Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, said enthusiasm within the branch and wider community is exceptionally strong.

“We have an unbelievably enthusiastic and hard-working committee and everybody is passionate about encouraging Irish song, music, dance and culture throughout the county,” she told the Celt.

“Friday evening really gets the Fleadh started,” Ms Flynn explained. “The instrumental competitions, especially the younger age groups, create a wonderful atmosphere from the very beginning.”

Competitions continue throughout Saturday and Sunday from 11am at St Clare’s Primary School, with events covering all age categories including U12, 12-15, 15-18, O18 and O35 divisions, in which musicians, singers, dancers and groups from across the county will compete in a wide range of traditional disciplines.

“There is a huge amount of interest in traditional music and culture in Cavan at the moment,” Ms Flynn enthused.

“From Irish dancing and sean-nós dancing to singing and every instrument imaginable. We cater for all age groups and it’s wonderful to see so many young people getting involved.”

Saturday Night Céilí

One of the social highlights of the upcoming weekend will be the ticketed Céilí on Saturday, May 30, at the Town Hall Arts Centre.

Music will be provided by the hugely popular Copperplate Céilí Band, with dancing beginning at 9pm and doors opening at 8:30pm (Tickets €12).

Showcase Sunday

The weekend concludes with a ticketed concert at the Town Hall Arts Centre on Sunday evening at 8pm, showcasing some of the finest young traditional talent in the region.

The concert will feature performances from the Cavan Town CCÉ Ceoltóirí and Ceoltóirí Óga groups, the branch céilí bands, musicians, singers, dancers and lilters, as well as the St Patrick’s College traditional groups under the direction of Ciaran Tackney.

Also appearing will be local Siansa group Fíoch, featuring exceptionally talented young musicians from Cavan and neighbouring counties.

Street Seisiún

Across the June Bank Holiday weekend, traditional music sessions will take place throughout pubs and venues across Cavan Town as part of a special Fleadh Session Trail.

Participating venues include Blessings, McGinnity’s, The Blackhorse, Slieve Rossa, Top of the Town and the Abbey Bar.

Street sessions and impromptu pub performances are also expected. A popular busking competition will return on Saturday evening, with groups of up to six performers U15 invited to compete for prizes and perform in front of Fleadh crowds.

“It’s something a little different and we hope it encourages lots of young people to come out and perform,” Ms Flynn said.

Cupla focal

Ms Flynn says fleadh organisers are also placing a strong emphasis on promoting the Irish language during the festival.

“We hope to have spaces where people can drop in and chat through Irish during the Fleadh.”