The all-Ireland competition returns to Co. Westmeath
Image via Facebook (@Mullingar Fleadh 2023)Half a million people are expected to visit Mullingar for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which kicks-off today.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will officially launch the annual trad music festival at 12.30 this afternoon.
The eight-day event has diaspora theme, with musicians travelling from as far afield as Argentina and Japan.
Vice-Chair of the organising committee, Willie Penrose explains the international themel:
"We have people from Singapore, a céilí band coming from Melbourne, dancers from Argentina, right across north and south America, Canada, every place, and of course, our next door neighbours in England."
He continues by saying the Fleadh has benefits for those right across the midlands:
"You're talking about 500,000 people over the space of eight to nine days will visit Mullingar. That brings an economic benefit of up to 50 and 55 million. There's not a bed to be got and accommodation demands are spread right across the midlands."
