Fleadh by the Feale returns to Abbeyfeale for from April 30 to May 4, 2026

Fleadh by the Feale returns to Abbeyfeale for from April 30 to May 4, 2026

Fleadh by the Feale 2026 returns to Abbeyfeale for its 32nd year with music throughout the town from April 30 to May 4

Fleadh by the Feale 2026 is set to celebrate music and culture with the 32nd edition of the festival returning to Abbeyfeale from April 30 to May 4.

This year, the fleadh promises workshops, music sessions, headline concerts, and on-street entertainment, bringing both local and national artists to audiences over a jam-packed weekend.

Festival organisers said, “The Fleadh by the Feale is a Traditional Music Festival held in Abbeyfeale in the heart of West Limerick. Our Festival celebrates Irish music, song, dance and culture. The Festival Committee welcomes both existing and new Visitors every year for this great weekend. 2026 is the 32nd year of the Festival and over the years has developed and expanded and now encompasses a host of great Events and activities across 5 days.”

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This year’s fleadh gets underway on Thursday, April 30 with a strong focus on traditional music and community participation, beginning at 6:30 pm with a traditional Mass featuring a choir, followed by street busking competitions from 7 pm and from 9 pm “Oíche Cheoil agus Caint” takes place at T.J O’Connell’s Bar.

The music will continue on Friday with some seisiúin ceoil taking place throughout the town building steadily toward a busy weekend of music, dance, and culture.

On Saturday, May 2nd, workshops take place at Scoil Mháthair Dé from 12 pm to 2 pm, with tutors including singing, fiddle, banjo, accordion, concertina and beginner mixed instruments. Registration is available from 11.30 am, with a €20 fee and limited places.

Saturday also includes a packed programme in Abbeyfeale Town Square featuring a vintage car display, family fun day, trad disco, traditional entertainment, rambling house at St. Ita’s Hall, and busking competitions.

The evening culminates at Glórach Theatre with a special sold-out concert featuring Ger O’Donnell, Trevor Sexton and Don Stiffe supported by Coláiste Íde agus Iosef School Band, delivering an intimate night of songs and stories.

On Sunday at 5 pm the Sliabh Luachra Session takes place at The Ramble Inn with Emma O’Leary, Conor Daly, Maura O’Connor and Sean Butler in a welcoming open session.

Later, world-renowned band Lúnasa perform at 8pm in Coláiste Íde agus Iosef with doors at 7.30pm and tickets priced at €25, closing the weekend with high-energy traditional music.

Festival organisers said, “The Fleadh by the Feale is a Traditional Music Festival held in Abbeyfeale in the heart of West Limerick. Our Festival celebrates Irish music, song, dance and culture. The Festival Committee welcomes both existing and new Visitors every year for this great weekend. 2026 is the 32nd year of the Festival and over the years has developed and expanded and now encompasses a host of great Events and activities across 5 days.”

The organisers added, “A very fine programme of events has been arranged for 2026, ensuring that there will be something for everyone. Abbeyfeale is a fantastic town in the heart of Sliabh Luachra and has a lot to offer over the weekend. We would like to thank our local community and all our sponsors and we look forward to seeing you. Rest assured, you will not be disappointed.”

With just a taster of what’s on offer included here, a full programme for the fleadh is available online.