Tourism NI celebrates local talent ahead of Fleadh Cheoil kick-off

The spectacular sights and sounds of Northern Ireland are taking centre stage after Tourism NI assembled an outstanding line-up of musicians at iconic visitor attractions to herald the countdown to Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

With the world’s largest celebration of Irish music, song, and dance taking place for the first time in Belfast (August 2-9), Tourism NI is showcasing this part of the world’s rich cultural music and dance heritage through a vibrant series of social media videos.

Published on Discover Northern Ireland’s website and social media platforms over the coming weeks, the series begins at the iconic Giant’s Causeway where Ceala Dobbin of County Antrim’s Loughgiel School of Irish Dance took to the basalt columns to dance a treble reel.

The other videos showcase popular attractions with performers including the widely acclaimed and multi-instrumental Hughes family from Keady, County Armagh at the ancient Navan Fort site playing their version of The Glass of Beer reel.

In Derry~Londonderry Celtic Grá, a high-energy traditional Irish music and dance group based in The Gweedore Irish Bar, performed The Wild Rover in Ebrington Square with the landmark Peace Bridge as a backdrop.

At County Tyrone’s Sperrin Sculpture Trail in the Gortin Glens with Darach the Guardian as a backdrop, The Whistlin’ Donkeys frontman, Fergal McAloon played a rendition of Wild Mountain Thyme, also known as, Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go.

Tourism Northern Ireland Head of Marketing, Carmel Scott said Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to Belfast for the first time is a major opportunity to welcome visitors and encourage them to explore more of Northern Ireland.

She said: “From Sunday August 2-9, Belfast will come alive with lively pub sessions, spontaneous street performances and dramatic stage shows as it hosts the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music, song, language and dance.

“The Fleadh is about much more than what happens on stage. It is about creating memorable experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer, explore further and discover what makes Belfast and Northern Ireland such a unique destination.

“Through this video series, we want to inspire Fleadh visitors to enjoy the atmosphere in Belfast, explore beyond the city and discover even more of what Northern Ireland has to offer.”

To build your ultimate Fleadh itinerary in Northern Ireland visit discovernorthernireland.com.