PICTURES: Thousands set to descend on Portlaoise for Leinster Fleadh

The best of traditional Irish music, song, dance and language will return to Portlaoise this June when the county town will host the Leinster Fleadh.

Organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the event attracts thousands of musicians, dancers, competitors and visitors from across the twelve counties of Leinster.

Portlaoise Comhaltas, originally established in the 1960s and reformed in 2009 after a period of inactivity, is proud to host Fleadh Laighean for the third time since its re- establishment. The branch has organised an extensive programme of events throughout the weekend, showcasing the exceptional talent of Laois and the wider Leinster region. SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM FOR PHOTOS FROM THE LAUNCH

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Founded in 1951, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026.

With branches in more than 20 countries worldwide, the organisation continues to play a leading role in promoting and preserving Irish traditional music, culture, language and heritage on a global scale.

At the heart of Fleadh Laighean is its prestigious competition programme. Competitors of all ages, having qualified through their respective county fleadhanna, will gather to compete in more than 50 disciplines encompassing traditional music, singing, dancing and cultural arts.

Successful competitors will progress to represent their counties and province at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which takes place in Belfast from August 2 to 9 this year.

The festival will officially commence with an Opening Night Celebration at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Sunday, June 21 at 6.00pm. The evening will welcome distinguished guests, local and county representatives of Comhaltas, sponsors and supporters of the Fleadh.

Entertainment will feature performances from:

• Portlaoise Comhaltas Under-12 Group

• Laois Community Choir

• Music Generation Laois Traditional Orchestra

• Noel Stapleton & Friends

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Competitions begin on Friday June 26 at 11.00am, with Set Dancing taking place at the Killeshin Hotel, while Céilí Dancing and Under-12 Group Ceol competitions will be hosted at St Mary’s CBS and Scoil Chríost Rí, Portlaoise. Competitions will continue throughout the weekend across both school venues.

A vibrant programme of cultural activities and entertainment will also take place across Portlaoise town:

• Session Trail: Live traditional music sessions in a variety of local venues, beginning on Thursday evening with a singing session and Pop-Up Gaeltacht. Music will continue throughout the weekend in pubs and venues along Main Street.

• Hynds Square: Live music performances on Saturday, June 27 from 4.00pm.

• Fitzmaurice Place (as part of the Old Fort Festival): Live music performances and interactive “Try an Instrument” experiences for all ages on Sunday, June 28.

On Friday, June 26, Ceoltóirí Óga Laighean will perform as the support act for the highly anticipated concert featuring Fergal Scahill and Ryan Molloy at the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

The entertainment programme continues on Saturday, June 27, when Peter Street will take to the stage in Kavanagh’s Pub from 9.30pm. Tickets for both concerts are currently on sale.

Portlaoise Comhaltas looks forward to welcoming competitors, visitors, families and traditional music enthusiasts from across Leinster and beyond, for what promises to be a memorable celebration of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.