Senator Labhras Ó Murchú, director general of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Éireann (CCE), has said that he is deliberating holding next year’s Fleadh Cheoil in Northern Ireland.

If that were to happen, it would be the first time in the 59-year history of CCE that the event would take place north of the border.

"I know there is a prevailing view that cultural traditions belong to all the people," O Murchu told the BBC.

"While we might have a different emphasis, certainly I think we would celebrate each other's differences when it comes to culture and I think the Fleadh Cheoil is an ideal platform for that."

An estimated 200,000 people attended this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Tullamore, and the music festival, which took place from August 16-23, gave a huge boost to the local economy.