Westmeath gears up for Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford

By Shane King

With memories of Mullingar’s remarkable Fleadh in 2022 and 2023 still fresh, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has now set up camp in Wexford, returning to the sunny south-east for a week-long celebration of Irish music, song and dance. Officially opened by President Michael D Higgins on Sunday, the 2025 Fleadh is already in full swing, and festivities run through to Monday August 11.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘a fleadh for all’, which embodies the festival’s spirit of inclusivity and diversity. It’s a celebration that warmly welcomes everyone, from seasoned attendees to first-time visitors.

The fleadh will host a significant international audience and feature a diverse lineup of 15,000 musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers from various communities across Ireland, all brought together by their love of traditional Irish music, dance and culture. With an exciting and varied programme that caters to all tastes, there’s something for everyone at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025.

A large Westmeath contingent will be heading to the model county for a feast of Irish culture over the next few days and here is what you can expect to see this weekend.

Competitions

The competitions are at the heart of every Fleadh Cheoil and Westmeath will be represented by 24 teams and individuals competing in music, singing and dancing. The competitors qualified following their success at the Leinster Fleadh in Drogheda in July.

The competitions begin at 10am on Friday and will run throughout the weekend, drawing competitors from across the globe. Westmeath will be proudly represented by a wealth of talent, all aiming to bring All-Ireland medals back to the Lake County.

Full schedules and venue details are available on fleadhcheoil.ie, so family, friends and supporters can follow each performer’s journey and lend their encouragement throughout what promises to be a thrilling weekend of competition.

Gig Rig

The Gig Rig is a central part of the fleadh and is home to the best free entertainment at the week-long festival. There is a stellar line-up this year with big names such as the Blackwater céili band, Beoga, The Rising and the Piper’s Cross céilí band all gracing the stage, but the performances by Westmeath’s own are sure to draw special attention from the crowds in Wexford.

Mullingar folk group Some One’s Sons will bring their trademark energy to the Friday night slot at 10.40pm, playing well loved ballads to what’s sure to be a large crowd. Leona McKenna, who co-ordinated the Gig Rig during the Mullingar fleadh in 2023, returns to the stage this year with her musical friends for a lively set of tunes on Saturday at 6.20pm.

Also flying the Westmeath flag are the Wrafter Family Band, performing at 5.40pm on Saturday on the Ardán na Sláine Gig Rig. With the release of their debut original track and multiple gigs around Wexford, it promises to be a busy weekend for the multi-talented family.

Jam Session Tent

Back by popular demand is the Jam Session Tent, an alcohol-free space for teens to gather, play music and meet fellow young musicians in a relaxed setting. Sponsored by Wexford Home Preserves, the tent features informal sessions led by stars of the trad scene including Keelan McGrath, Ademar O’Connor, and Damien Mullane.

Sean-nós dancer and teacher from Moate CCÉ, Sharleen Doyle, will be on hand daily from Thursday to Saturday at 3.30pm to teach steps for set dancing. Her workshops will lead into outdoor céilithe featuring local band Rise the Dust along with the 2024 All-Ireland senior céilí band champions the Beartla Ó Flathartha Céilí Band and the Core Céilí Band.

Traffic plan and parking

For those travelling from Westmeath, An Garda Síochána recommends following the yellow traffic route via the M50 and M11 through Oilgate Village to Wexford. Signage will lead visitors to the designated yellow car park, where a park and ride service will take attendees to the town centre.

Full competition timetables and performance schedules are available at fleadhcheoil.ie.

Stay tuned to the Westmeath Examiner over the coming days for extensive coverage online and in print of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 in Wexford.