Public Health Agency advice for those attending Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026

Sláinte mhaith and have an amazing Fleadh.

We hope everyone enjoys the celebrations and takes care of one another during the week.

Below is some public health advice for participants and visitors you may find useful.

Practise good hygiene during the festival 

Good hand hygiene is your best defence against festival-ruining illnesses like upset stomachs or respiratory illnesses. 

• Prioritise soap and water: always use running water and soap when available. If you must use hand sanitizer, carry a high-quality alcohol-based gel, but be aware that it will not protect against gastroenteritis bugs like norovirus.
• Time your washes: wash your hands every time after using the toilet, before preparing or eating food, and after touching any animals.
• Prepare for limited facilities: since toilet blocks can be crowded and may run out of supplies, pack your own biodegradable wet wipes, a personal bottle of soap, and hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face: minimise the chances of transferring germs by avoiding direct contact with your mouth, nose, or any open cuts.
• Cough etiquette: always carry tissues, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, bin the tissue immediately, and wash or sanitise your hands.

www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/hand-washing-and-hand-hygiene

Carbon monoxide – pack a portable alarm

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a major, yet often overlooked, safety hazard at music festivals and camping events. 

Often called the "silent killer" because it is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, it can build up rapidly in enclosed spaces like tents and awnings, leading to severe illness or death.

• Bring a portable CO alarm when staying in holiday rentals, caravans, tents or motorhomes with gas, oil or solid fuel appliances.
• Never use barbecues or fuel burning devices indoors or in enclosed spaces.
• Make sure rooms are well ventilated.

www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/carbon-monoxide-dangers-if-camping-caravanning-or-boating

Alcohol advice 

Attending festivals should be memorable for the right reasons, it’s important to celebrate safely. We need to remember that alcohol is a powerful drug which can have a significant impact on our health and on those around us. It’s important to know your limits and look out for the people around you to stay safe. 

Follow our safer drinking tips:

• Set a sensible drink limit. 
• Eat before you drink.
• Raise a glass, not a gallon.
• Take frequent breaks from alcohol and stay hydrated. 
• Never leave a friend alone. 
• Arrange transport home.

For help and support, visit: www.drugsandalcoholni.info 

Stay Hydrated

Festivals can be exhausting, and with all the walking and dancing, it’s easy to get dehydrated. 

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and if you’re drinking alcohol, alternate between alcoholic drinks and water or zero percent alcohol drinks to stay hydrated and help avoid hangovers! 
• Carry a reusable water bottle to refill at water stations and keep it handy at all times. 
• Hydration is key to maintaining your energy levels and overall wellbeing, so make it a priority to sip water regularly.

Drugs advice 

Mixing any drugs, which includes any combination of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, illicit drugs or alcohol can be dangerous.

It’s safest not to use any drugs at all. But if you still choose to use them, reduce your risk of harm:

• Dose low and go slow 
• Stick to one drug
• Never use alone 

If you or someone you’re with has taken something and start to feel unwell don’t wait, get help. Find a medic or call 999 in an emergency. 

Your safety matters!  

For help and support, visit: www.drugsandalcoholni.info

Sexual health – be prepared 

Protecting sexual health during festivals means prioritising consent, packing protection, and knowing where to access confidential support. With casual hook-ups common, taking these proactive steps ensures you enjoy your time at the festival safely and responsibly.

• Consent – always trust your instinct and be empowered to say ‘No’ to anything or any situation you are uncomfortable with.
• Contraception – there are lots of different types of contraceptives available to help prevent unplanned pregnancy, what works best will depend on what matters to you. 
• Protection – if you are sexually active, it is important to help protect yourself. Only condoms protect against STIs.
• Testing – get to know about STIs and get tested if you have been at risk.

The PHA website www.sexualhealthni.info provides reliable, trusted and confidential information on all aspects of sexual health. 

Meningitis – know what to look out for

Meningococcal infection doesn’t spread very easily. The bacteria can generally only be passed to others after a long period of close contact, for example living with someone in shared accommodation or through prolonged kissing.  

Early symptoms of the disease may include:

• fever, cold hands and feet;
• vomiting and diarrhoea;
• drowsiness, difficult to wake up;
• irritability and/ or confusion;
• dislike of bright lights;
• severe headache;
• pale, blotchy skin with or without a rash;
• convulsions/ seizures;
• stiff neck.

In addition, check if your eligible for either MenACWY or MenB vaccines through the national immunisation programme. There are other types of meningitis that there are no vaccines against, so it is important to still watch out for the signs and symptoms.

www.pha.site/meningitis-nidirect

Care in the sun

Spending time outdoors enjoying the music and atmosphere is part of what makes festivals special. But we need to remember to protect our skin from sun damage. 

Remember – UV rays are invisible but powerful. Even if there’s a breeze, your skin still needs protection when the UV index is 3 or more. Follow our helpful tips below: 

• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen (and reapply every 2 hours!).
• Cover up with suitable clothing.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
• Seek shade during peak UV hours (11am – 3pm).
• Babies under six months should stay out of direct sunlight. 
• Stay hydrated. 

Protect your skin and enjoy sunshine safely! ☀️

Visit www.careinthesun.org to find out more.

Welcome here breastfeeding – Breastfeeding support during the Fleadh Festival

If you’re visiting Belfast for the Fleadh Festival breastfeeding mums can of course breastfeed their baby anywhere they wish to. In addition to this, across the city, many venues are part of the Public Health Agency’s Breastfeeding Welcome Here Scheme, offering safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces for breastfeeding mothers.

Businesses in this scheme have made a commitment to:

• accept breastfeeding in all areas of their premises that are open to the public;
• ensure mothers are not asked to move or stop breastfeeding;
• provide a supportive environment, with staff who are aware of and committed to the scheme;
• display the official Breastfeeding Welcome Here window sticker and membership certificate. 

To help you plan your visit, you can use the interactive map below to find breastfeeding-friendly locations near you at www.breastfedbabies.org 

Or look out of the Breastfeeding Welcome Here window sticker.