Fleadh Laighean 2023

The Fleadh Cheoil is a series of music competitions, organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, to aid in the promotion and preservation of Traditional Irish Music, Song & Dance, as well as the Irish language.

The Leinster Fleadh, or Fleadh Laighean, takes place annually, with competitors qualifying by competing in their county fleadhanna (of which there are twelve throughout the province). Far more than a music competition however, the fleadh also serves as a celebration of traditional Irish culture and heritage.

2023 sees the return of the Leinster Fleadh to Dublin where it will be hosted by the Dublin County Board of Comhaltas alongside Comhairle Laighean.

From 3rd to 9th July a number of events will be taking place, including but not limited to Irish Music Sessions, Pop Up Gaeltacht, Sean Nós Singing Sessions, Céilís, Workshops, Historic Walking Tours, Concerts.

The highlight of the week however is always the competitions in which Lesinter’s finest musicians compete for the honour of representing their provence at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Spectators are more than welcome to attend any of these competitions to hear some mighty music and hear some of Leinster’s brightest young musicians in action. A nominal entrance fee is payable for admission.

Fleadh Laighean competitions will take place on the 7th, 8th and 9th of July 2023 in East Quad, TU Dublin Grangegorman Campus, Dublin 7.

Please see the outline below for daily schedules - please note a more detailed timetable will be available online at www.leinster-fleadh.ie in the run up to the fleadh.

Friday 7th July:

• All dancing competitions (Céilí, Set & Sean nós) – All Ages
• Comhrá Gaeilge, Scéalaíocht & Storytelling – All Ages
• Grúpaí Ceoil U12 & 12-15
• Duets U12, 12-15, 15-18
• Trios U12, 12-15, 15-18

Saturday 8th July:

• All solo instrumental & singing competitions for age groups 12-15 & O18
• All newly composed tunes and songs (Irish & English) for all age groups
• Grúpaí Ceoil 15-18
• Céilí Band U12 & 15-18
• Duets O18
• Trios O18

Sunday 9th July:

• All solo instrumental and singing competitions for age groups U12 and 15-18
• Grúpaí Ceoil O18
• Céilí Band 12-15 & O18
• Saturday 13th May

Leinster 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.

You can also 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 O18 Céilí Band competition.

Host or Publisher Dublin Comhaltas