*Patrick O’Loughlin & Klea Krasniqi at the Fleadh Nua farewell session 2025
Fleadh Nua 2026 will mark 75 years since the founding of Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Eireann, with a special concert which will bring together some of the finest traditional musicians, singers and dancers from throught county Clare and beyond.
‘An Tradisiun Beo – The Living Tradition’ will take to the stage in Glór on Sunday May 31st, to remember and celebrate this significant event in the cultural life of the nation.
“ When Comhaltas was founded in 1951, our traditional music and song was in a bad way and in danger of being lost forever, but Comhaltas changed all that, with branches springing up all around the country and volunteers working tirelessly to preserve the tradition,” according to Frank Whelan, Chairman of the Flleadh Nua Committee.
“One of the first ever Comhaltas branches was set up in Clare and it’s great to think that today, with 450 branches worlwide in 22 countries, our culture can be celebrated and enjoyed, not just here in Ireland, but in every corner of the globe! “
Glór is also the venue for another Fleadh Nua event when ‘O’Connell – The Liberator’ makes a welcome return to the stage on Sunday 24th May, exploring the life and times of a giant of Irish and world history. Produced, written and directed by Diarmuid de Faoite with musical direction by Geraldine Cotter, this unique production weaves together narration, traditional music, choral performance, piping and dance to create a concert experience unlike any other.
Firm favourites The Kifenora Ceili Band return to Fleadh Nua with what promises to be a sell-out concert at Glór on Saturday 30th May, while the Aos Óg concert at the same venue on Friday 29th of May, ‘Fuaim Inchicronan’, with musical director Tim Collins, will honour the iconic local bearers of the tradition from the Crusheen area as their legacy re-emerges through the music, song and dance of a new generation.
Cois na hAbhna plays host to ‘The Rambling House’ with the Cloughleigh Branch of Comhaltas on Tuesday 26th of May with a full programme of Ceilís at the same venue over the Bank Holiday weekend.
“Fleadh Nua 2026 runs over ten days from May 23th until Monday June 1st and if you can’t make it to any of the main events, there will be plenty more to enjoy” according to Frank Whelan.
“We have Lunchtime concerts at St Columba’s Church, Cafe Sessions at Glór, storytelling and workshops, a pub session trail, singing sessions and music on the streets, so it’s a great opportunity to come along and connect with our own rich culture of music, song and dance at the ‘Fleadh down in Ennis’… Bígí linn!”
For further details and to download a full programme of events see fleadhnua.com.
Contact Frank Whelan 086 8260 300
