Join us in Coláiste Ghlór na Mara in the beautiful seaside town of Balbriggan, North Co. Dublin from Saturday 7th to Sunday 14th May to celebrate Fleadh Áth Cliath 2023, hosted by local Comhaltas branch Craobh na Mara.

Beidh craic agus ceol againn!

Dublin Fleadh 2023

Hosted by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the fleadh is Dublin’s foremost annual traditional Irish music festival. Featuring music & dancing competitions, Irish language events, Irish music sessions and a host of family friendly activities spread across one week, the Dublin Fleadh will take place in Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, Balbriggan, North Co. Dublin and additional local venues from Saturday 7th to Sunday 14th May.

The highlight of the weekend is always the competitions in which Dublin’s finest musicians compete for the honour of representing their county at the Leinster Fleadh, and eventually Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Spectators are more than welcome to attend any of these competitions to hear some mighty music and hear some of Dublin’s brightest young musicians in action. A nominal entrance fee is payable at the door.

View from Balbriggan Train Station by William Murphy CC BY-SA 2.0

Saturday 13th May

Saturday’s events will see solo, duet and trio competitions taking place in age categories ranging from Under 12 to Over 18. Dublin is overflowing with music and the talent on display at the fleadh in all age categories never ceases to impress!

You’ll hear dance tunes and slow airs on every instrument from Irish harp to the wooden flute, songs sung in both English and the Irish language, storytelling, lilting, whistling, newly composed tunes and much more.

Sunday 14th May

Sunday will see traditional Irish music ensembles of many different shapes and sizes – grúpaí ceol and céilí bands – take to the stage to play exciting arrangements of traditional Irish music. Featuring lush harmonies and toe tapping accompaniment, these competitions are always well worth a listen – especially the Senior Céilí Band competition.