Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (Festival of music in Ireland) has been running for over 60 years across Ireland. The goal of the Fleadh Cheoil has been to establish standards in Irish traditional music through competition. There are various stages to the competition. In Ireland there are county and provincial competitions leading to the All-Ireland Fleadh . Also it attracts overseas competitors as Britain and North America have regional stages of qualification for the All-Ireland . The Fleadh has developed as a mainly competitive event but it attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. The fleadh is an exciting week encompassing competitions ,sessions ,ceili bands, concerts ,pageants ,marching bands, drama and exhibitions all saluting the best of Irish Traditional culture.
Twice before, the All-Ireland Fleadh has been held in Ennis, in 1956 and 1977, and both were landmark events in the history of Irish traditional music. Now Ennis and Co. Clare will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann once again and through a co-operative effort involving Comhaltas branches, local authorities, business people, sporting organisations and local volunteers will work hard to ensure that The Fleadh Down In Ennis 2016 is the best Fleadh ever!