For an unprecedented 3rd year the Fleadh Uladh makes a welcome return to the picturesque town of Castlewellan in the Co Down. Once again this years Fleadh will be hosted by Newcastle Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and they are looking forward to the challenge of insuring that this great cultural event is even more successful than the last, with a week long program of entertainment including concerts, workshops, gig rig and street entertainment, marching band parade, in door and outdoor Ceilis, competitions, singing and music sessions it all promises to be the highlight of the summer. This major celebration of Irish culture will welcome visitors from all over the 32 counties and from America, Canada, Australia, Britain and Europe. THOUSANDS of traditional music enthusiasts will flock to Castlewellan for a wonderful week of ceol, caint agus craic.

Throughout the festival musical sessions will be breaking out spontaneously in select pubs and on the streets as performers gather for the competitions .One of the main events at the Fleadh is, of course, the various competitions and these will take place in Saint Malachy’s High School an excellent venue boasting state of the art facilities.A multitude of competitions will be held for under 18s and adults including uilleann pipes, concertinas, flutes, tin whistles, melodeons,bodhráns – as well as solo singers, lilters and ceili, flute and accordion marching bands.

For over 30 years Newcastle Comhaltas have nurtured traditional music talent with around 250 children and adults being tutored every week and now based in the Dún E /Lodgecultural centre in Castlewellan which includes a custom-built performance area. Jimmy Cowan chairman of Newcastle/Castlewellan CCÉ said “I wish to extend a very warm Co Down welcome to all visitors and musicians wishing to join in what will undoubtedly be the high point for music and festivities this July, we are very proud that we have been entrusted with hosting this event” Chairman of Fleadh Uladh, Brendan Scullion was looking forward to the return of the festival. He said, “Last years Ulster fleadh was a great success and with the help of the hard working committee and the great generosity of the local business and our sponsors’ we hope to make this one an even bigger celebration of Irish music and culture ”

Why Castlewellan? Well it has long been regarded as an ideal location for any fleadh, the layout of the town and its forest park makes for a very attractive venue. The town has many session friendly pubs, good quality eating establishments and great support from the local business for this type of event. The Forest Park covers some 450 hectares and lies north of the foothills of the Mourne Mountains.it boasts a lake , nearly one mile in length a castle and The Peace Maze officially the largest permanent hedge maze in the world all of which are easily reached by the planned walks.The park also has excellent camping and caravan facilitys as well as the Bluelough mountain and Water sports Centre the only one of its type within Ireland, offering canoeing, mountain biking, equipment hire, kayaking, rock climbing, guiding or coasteering to name but a few. And if you are interested in the finding out more about the history of Co Down you can follow The St Patrick’s Trail.

This year will be the last year for a while that the Ulster Fleadh will be held in Castlewellan and the local Comhaltas branch is pulling out al the stops to make the most memorable, some of the highlights include a major night pageant culminating in a spectacular fire works show and open air concert.Fleadh Uladh is organised by Newcastle Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, queries regarding tickets and events should be directed to them via telephone number, details will also be posted on the above website www.fleadhuladh.com
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