Funding secured to support Waterford’s first Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan in 20 years

Today, €30,000 worth of funding has been announced to support this year’s Fleadh Ceoil na Mumhan, which is set to take place in Lismore, County Waterford from July 11 to 18.

Lismore has a distinguished history with the Munster Fleadh, having previously hosted the provincial festival in 2000 and 2006.

2026’s events mark 20 years since the town last welcomed this prestigious celebration of Irish traditional music, song and dance.

This year’s festival is being hosted by the CCÉ Ballyduff / Ballinvella / Ballysaggart branch, and will include celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Welcoming the allocation of funds, Minister John Cummins said he worked alongside Chairman Tom Hyland and Fine Gael colleague, Cllr. Niamh O’Donovan in recent weeks.

He added that the festival will be a massive boost to Lismore and the wider West Waterford region from both an economic and tourism perspective.

“I have no doubt that this year’s events will be a resounding success" Minister Cummins said.

“With traditional music, singing, storytelling, set dancing, céilí dancing and sean-nós competitions as well as various workshops and session trails, there really will be something for everyone this year and it will be a festival for all the family.

“The Munster Fleadh is a fantastic celebration of our traditions and culture and it’s wonderful to have the event hosted in Waterford for the first time since 2012. I look forward to visiting Lismore to see the incredible talent that will be on display throughout the course of the week’s events, and I would like to wish the very best of luck to all involved.”