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Celebrate Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture, as it comes to Belfast for the first time. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, located just 20 minutes from Belfast on the main A1 route from Dublin, is the perfect stop on the road to the Fleadh. Visitors can explore the magnificent royal residence, wander through 100 acres of stunning gardens and enjoy a vibrant programme of free live traditional music in the Castle Café.
The live music programme takes place from 12:00pm to 2:30pm on selected dates throughout August. On Saturday 1 August, visitors can enjoy performances by Teresa Clarke (fiddle) and Gráinne Meyer (harp). On Sunday 2 August, Deirdre Galway (guitar) and Jason O'Rourke (concertina) take to the stage. The music continues on Saturday 8 August with Cormac "Buzz" Ó Briain (uilleann pipes and whistles) and Deirdre Galway (guitar), before concluding on Sunday 9 August with Blended Whiskey, performing a lively mix of bluegrass, traditional Irish and country music.
Families can make a day of it by exploring the magnificent gardens and taking on the Beano Hijinx Trail. Even better, kids go free in the gardens until 31 August, making Hillsborough Castle and Gardens the perfect stop on the road to the Fleadh.