BBC Gaeilge is stepping into summer with a mix of new voices and new music content on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle.
Ceol Cois Cuain
In the 10-part series Ceol Cois Cuain, starting on Tuesday 30 June, Musicians Tuán Ó Ruanaidh and Seán Óg Mac Corraidh explore different aspects of Irish traditional music in Belfast. As the city gets set to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Tuán and Seán tap into the pulse of Irish traditional music today and how it has benefited tourism in the city.
Joining them in this ten-part series is a cast of Belfast musicians including composer Úna Monaghan, to talk about the Belfast Harp Festival of 1792; flautists, Marcas Ó Murchú and Davey Maguire; All Ireland Fleadh Champions Ciarán Doolin, who holds a gold medal for whistling; and Róise Ní Mhurchú who holds gold medals for lilting and traditional singing in Irish. Tuán and Seán will also meet the next generation of young traditional players who are preparing to compete in the Antrim, Ulster and All-Ireland Fleadhs. Ceol Cois Cuain starts Tuesday 30 June at 7.30pm.
Blas
On Thursday 2 July from 7.30pm, Caoimhe ‘Chats’ Ní Chathail and Stephen McCauley are at Stendhal Festival for a live outside broadcast of Blas. They are joined by singer songwriter Eve Belle and others to get the party started. A host of programmes will broadcast live on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle throughout the festival weekend.
Blas continues in its regular slot on Mondays and Thursdays at 7.30pm with a mix of sport and music. And Caoimhe ‘Ceol’ Ní Chathail keeps listeners up to date with the best of traditional, roots and folk music in Blas Ceoil on Thursdays at 8pm.
Caschlár
On BBC Radio Foyle’s Caschlár, Brian Mullen will be joined by South African gospel singer and songwriter Nono Madolo, for a new Music is Black segment throughout July. The BBC’s Music is Black season of programming, reflects and celebrates some of the key genres, personalities, scenes and music that have defined the last 125 years of Black music in the UK. The Music is Black segment on Caschlár starts Monday 6 July at 8pm on BBC Sounds.
Fuaim Fúinn
In Fuaim Fúinn, Ciarán Ó Meachair trawls through what would have been his record collection if the whole lot hadn’t been stolen from his south Devon flat in the late 1990s. The series features the sounds that have shaped, stirred, shocked and salved Ciarán. From music he has written or performed, to songs introduced to him by teachers, mentors, family and friends. Fuaim Fúinn starts Wednesday 1 July at 7.30pm.
Live at the Fleadh – Ebb and Flow
In August, Caoimhe ‘Ceol’ Ní Chathail and Neil Martin host a special bilingual concert from the Ulster Hall, celebrating Irish musical traditions. The Ulster Orchestra are joined by musicians including Gráinne Holland, Úna Monaghan, Duke Special and Dónal O’Connor to mark the occasion.
Listen live on Wednesday 5 August 2026 at 7pm on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Sounds.
Ceol sa Chroí
Ceol sa Chroí also returns for another series this August. Over four episodes, Caoimhe ‘Chats’ Ní Chathail meets a host of contemporary Irish musicians. It starts on Thursday 6 August at 7.30pm.
*Transmission times are subject to change*
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.bbc.co.uk ’
