Laois to be the heartbeat of Leinster trad in 2026

Planning is underway for the return of the big Leinster Fleadh Cheoil to Laois with Portlaoise selected for an event that will attract thousands to the town and county.

The news that the most competitive of provincial Fleadhs is returning to Laois was confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live Leinster Comhaltas Cathaoirleach and Clonaslee man Jody Conway.

“We are pleased to announce that Fleadh Laighean 2026 will take place from June 26 to 28, 2026, in Portlaoise,” said a statement from Leinster CCÉ.

Mr Conway said further details on next year's event will be revealed as planning for the competitive festival of music, song, dance and storytelling is progressed with the host branch Portlaoise CCÉ.

The announcement is a ringing endorsement for Portlaoise and Laois, which stepped in to successfully host the event in 2022 in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Competitors from 12 counties qualify by competing in their county fleadhanna. Winners make it through to Fleadh Cheoil. The fleadh also serves as a celebration of traditional Irish culture and heritage.

The event attracts more entries than any of the four provincial events and indeed the Fleadh Cheoil. Drogheda played host in 2025. It said the Leinster Fleadh attracted approximately 6,000 visitors to the town, including competitors of all ages. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Buggie School of Irish Dancing dancers with Bridinn Buggie at Top Square, Portlaoise during the Leinster Fleadh Street Festival in 2022. Photo: Denis Byrne

Portlaoise's hosting of the Leinster Fleadh in 2022 was seen as a big success, with competitions at locations such as Portlaoise College, Coláiste Dún Masc, St Peter's Church and O'Moore Park GAA grounds. A street festival also takes place on Main St.
It drew an estimated 1,500 competitors to the various competitions.

Since then, facilities have been enhanced with the opening of The Fort outdoor roofed space and the Laois Music Centre.

READ ALSO: Music Generation Laois open auditions for trad group and trad orchestra

Laois branches are sure to be well represented at the Fleadh competitions in the shape of competitors and organisers.

Members of all nine Laois Comhaltas branches took part in the Leinster Fleadh, in Co Louth, bringing home dozens of trophies and medals. The winners qualified for the All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford, where Laois contestants claimed several All-Ireland titles and numerous other medals.

Next year is a special for Comhaltas as 2026 marks its 75th anniversary.