Information

Music Performance Requirements:
"Rialacha Fleadhanna Cheoil 2026" (The Official Competitions Rulebook - page 10) provides a detailed description of performance requirements for each competition and age group.

Dance Performance Requirements:
Competitors may only perform 4-Hand or 8-Hand Céilí Dances from Ár Rincí Céilí (Revision September 2014) and subsequent updates in the Céilí dancing handbook issued by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha.
For detailed dance performance requirements, entries, categories, substitutions, etc please refer the Fleadh Competitions Rulebook ("Rialacha Fleadhanna Cheoil 2026") page 14 (céilí dancing) or page 16 (set dancing).

Qualifying and Non-Qualifying Competitions:
Winners of First and Second prizes shall qualify to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (All-Ireland) in the same year.
The following three competitions will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, however, winners will not be qualified for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (All-Ireland):
  • 54 - Tír na nÓg (U-12 age group only)
  • 55 - An t-Aistear - The Journey (All ages over 12)
  • 56 - Recitation (Any age)
Tír na nÓg and An t-Aistear were created for musicians who want feedback on their playing from a qualified adjudicator; for those who find competition too stressful but want to be part of the festivities, or for beginners who are not quite ready for the qualifying competition. This is a low pressure, very positive event. Musicians or singers who choose to participate in Tír na nÓg or An t-Aistear cannot also compete in regular qualifying competitions on the same instrument. Entrants should plan to play two tunes in contrasting tempo or sing two songs: one lively, one slow. If the entrant performs only one piece, feedback will be given on that piece. Recitation gives entrants the opportunity to demonstrate this classic Irish art.

Media Permits:
The possibility of taking an audio or video recording of a competitor's performance requires the acquisition of a media permit (free of charge). Media Permits are given at registration and are valid for one competitor in one competition. Media permits will be heavily policed by competition stewards.

Schedule:
  Friday, May 8th
  • Registration desk opens 3:00pm
  • Duets and Trios 6:00pm
  Saturday, May 9th
  • Registration desk opens 7:00am
  • Solo Competitions start at 9:00am
  • Band Competitions start at 6:00pm
  Sunday, May 10th
  • Registration desk opens 8:00pm
  • Sean Nós Competitions start at 9:00pm
  • Set and Céilí Dance Competitions start at 10:00pm

Competition Application

 • Solo, Non-Qualifying Competitions: $20/each ($150 Maximum Fee excluding Registration Fee, late fees, Non CCÉ Member Fee and Céilí, Marching and Grúpa Cheoil Fees)
 • Duet and Trios: $15 per competitor
 • Céilí Bands, Marching Bands, Grúpaí Ceoil: $100/each
 • 4-Hand Dance Competitions: $50/each
 • 8-Hand Dance Competitions: $100/each
 • A $30 Registration fee will be charged per family. Includes distribution of adjudication sheets (results) and 2 Fleadh Programs. This is charged online as part of your entry.
 • Please ensure that all spelling and capitalization is correct as names will appear in the program as submitted.
 • Incorrectly selected Age Groups will be grounds for instant disqualification on competition day.
 • Please complete all your family's entries in one instance. If you break your family's entries into two (or more) instances, you will be charged for Registration fees every time.
 • Incomplete (unpaid) entries are not registered. If you are unable to complete the entry process fully in one session, please re-start the process from the beginning.
 • Spectators (family members and guests 10 years and over) must purchase a Spectator Wristband ($10/person at the door). Admits entry to ALL competitions including the Band competitions on Saturday night. Wristbands must be purchased at the registration desk – cash or check preferred.

 • Late registration (from 4/24 to May 1st): $50 penalty fee.

 • Onsite entries: $100 penalty fee.