Tourism NI launches 10 new music experiences – as legacy of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann continues

Photo 1: Liz Steele, Culture & Heritage Tourism Manager at Tourism NI and Thomas McGarvey from the Department for the Economy pictured with representatives from Sing it Back Home, Harp by the Foyle, Hooley in the Hen House, Bodhrán sa Culturlann, Here’s to the Craic and Ceol, at Tourism NI’s launch of 10 new music experiences for visitors, which took place at Harrison Chambers of Distinction in Belfast

Photo 2: Photo 1: Liz Steele, Culture & Heritage Tourism Manager at Tourism NI and Thomas McGarvey from the Department for the Economy pictured with representatives from Belfast Music Stories, Feadóg sa Culturlann, Songs and Stories of Carrickfergus, Burgers and Bagpipes, and Echo of the Glens at Tourism NI’s launch of 10 new music experiences for visitors, which took place at Harrison Chambers of Distinction in Belfast

Tourism Northern Ireland this week launched ten new music experiences for visitors aimed at further enhancing the region’s reputation as a destination for vibrant culture and rich heritage.

With an ambition to attract more visitors and inspire them to stay longer, explore more, and make return visits, Tourism NI’s Music Experience Development Programme worked with tourism providers to develop a range of new compelling music experiences that will appeal to both the domestic and global markets.

Launching just weeks after the incredible success of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, the experiences will enhance the long-term legacy of the world-class event benefitting the tourism economy and regional communities even further.

The new experiences were launched this week in Belfast - Ireland’s only UNESCO City of Music.

From live performances to a virtual music tour and céilí dancing, the providers have created unique and engaging experiences for visitors throughout the year.

These include Harp by the Foyle in Greysteel, Hooley in the Hen House in Swatragh, Belfast Music Stories at the Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Feadóg sa Culturlann and Bodhrán sa Culturlann, Songs and Stories of Carrickfergus, Here’s to the Craic and Ceol in Belfast, Burgers and Bagpipes in Groomsport, Sing it Back Home in Co. Down and Co Armagh, and Echo of the Glens in Ballycastle.

With the Fleadh due to return to Belfast in 2027, the development of such regional experiences will enable the benefits of the major event to be felt across the region, not just in Belfast.

Tourism NI has also created a new dedicated music landing page Northern Ireland's Music Scene | Heritage & Experiences to showcase the wide range of great music experiences and events that are happening all the time across the region.

Liz Steele, Culture & Heritage Tourism Manager at Tourism NI, said: “This programme shows what can be achieved when people come together with a shared commitment to creativity and collaboration.

“We set out to develop new music experiences that reflect the richness and diversity of our musical traditions while showcasing the character of our destination. The participants embraced this challenge, bringing passion, talent and a range of instruments and ideas that have resulted in a wonderful collection of experiences.

“These new experiences will enhance our cultural tourism offer long after the Fleadh has ended, and I hope they encourage others to explore innovative ways of sharing our musical heritage with visitors and local audiences alike”.