A UNITY referendum is clearly some distance away, and it is very hard to predict the mood across Ireland if constitutional change is the eventual outcome, but it is possible that, in Belfast over the last few days, we have witnessed a sense of what the future might hold.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 was an amazing success across the board, attracted massive numbers out on to the streets in a fully inclusive celebration, and may well have been the single greatest week in the city’s long and difficult history.

Many of the musicians, singers and dancers were from a nationalist background, but the appearance of Lambeg drummers received noticeably loud applause and one of the big successes was the show involving marching bands in front of thousands of spectators at Titanic Slipways.

It was obvious that the crowds who brought the centre of the city to a standstill were broadly based, included both the committed and the curious, from all religions and none, and had travelled from across Ireland and beyond.

Thank you for the music, and the joy you’ve given - The Irish News view

Noel Doran: This may have been the greatest week in Belfast’s history

The final figures were still being calculated yesterday, but all the indications were that the original estimate of some 800,000 enthusiasts was going to be significantly exceeded, with official data........

© The Irish News