Mulholland welcomes Ballycastle’s Ulster Fleadh success as town prepares to welcome thousands in 2027

Alliance North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland

Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland has welcomed the announcement that Ballycastle will host the 2027 Ulster Fleadh, describing it as a landmark achievement that will deliver lasting cultural and economic benefits for the town and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens.

The prestigious week-long festival is one of the largest celebrations of traditional Irish music, song, dance and language in the province and is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors, providing a significant boost for local businesses, accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants and the tourism sector.

The announcement marks a major success for Ballycastle-based traditional Irish music and culture organisation Baile an Chaistil CCÉ, whose members, volunteers and supporters have worked over many years to promote traditional music locally and secure the right to host the event.

A major boost for Ballycastle

Welcoming the news, Ms Mulholland praised everyone involved in bringing the Ulster Fleadh to Ballycastle.

“This is fantastic news for Ballycastle and a tremendous achievement for everyone involved in Baile an Chaistil CCÉ,” she said.

“Bringing the Ulster Fleadh to the town is a testament to the hard work, enthusiasm and passion of those involved, who have all worked tirelessly to promote traditional music and culture.”

She paid particular tribute to the committee members and volunteers whose dedication helped make the successful bid possible.

“I want to pay particular tribute to the committee members and volunteers whose time, effort and commitment have made this possible,” she said.

“Their dedication over many years has helped build and strengthen traditional music in the area and has now been recognised with the opportunity to host this prestigious event.”

Showcasing Ballycastle to the province

Ms Mulholland also highlighted the role played by local representatives and organisers during the assessment process, having joined the delegation that welcomed Ulster Fleadh representatives to Ballycastle during their site visit ahead of the selection vote.

“I was delighted to be part of the local delegation that welcomed representatives from the Ulster Fleadh team to Ballycastle during their site visit ahead of the vote,” she said.

“It was a valuable opportunity to showcase everything our town and wider area have to offer, and it was clear just how passionate local people are about making this event a success.”

Ballycastle’s selection as host represents a significant milestone for the town and surrounding area, with thousands of musicians, singers, dancers and visitors expected to descend on the north Antrim coast for a week celebrating Irish traditional culture.

Celebrating music, culture and community

The Ulster Fleadh is renowned for showcasing the very best of traditional Irish music, song, dance and language through competitions across all age groups, alongside a packed programme of concerts, céilís, informal music sessions, street entertainment and family-friendly activities.

Beyond its cultural significance, the event is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, with visitors supporting hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafés, retailers and tourism businesses throughout Ballycastle and the wider Causeway Coast area.

Ms Mulholland said the event presents an outstanding opportunity to place Ballycastle firmly in the regional spotlight.

“Hosting such a significant event will deliver major cultural and economic benefits for Ballycastle and beyond,” she said.

“Thousands of visitors will come to enjoy the music, culture and hospitality our town has to offer, providing a welcome boost for local businesses, accommodation providers and the tourism sector.

“The Ulster Fleadh will be a wonderful opportunity to promote Ballycastle on a regional stage and celebrate the rich musical heritage that exists within our community. I look forward to working with organisers and local stakeholders to help make next year’s event a great success.”

Looking ahead to 2027

Hosting the Ulster Fleadh is regarded as a major achievement for Baile an Chaistil CCÉ, the local organising committee and the many volunteers and community groups whose efforts secured the prestigious event for Ballycastle.

Further details, including the festival dates, competition entries and the full programme of events for the 2027 Ulster Fleadh, are expected to be announced next year as preparations gather pace for what promises to be one of the biggest cultural celebrations ever hosted in the town.