Public transport reminder and checklist of 'what to know before you go' to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Visitors and people travelling to/from work or using other city centre services during the Fleadh are advised to use public transport, dedicated Fleadh Park & Ride sites, or walk or cycle where possible for travel into and around Belfast city centre.

Ulsterbus, Metro and Glider services will all be operating with enhanced capacity and there will be alterations to some bus stops / pick-up points.

NI Railways will operate a revised timetable with enhanced capacity and additional late night bus and rail services will be in place to meet anticipated demand.

Visit www.translink.co.uk/fleadh , download the Translink JourneyPlanner app and follow Translink socials to keep up to date with public transport updates.

Three dedicated Belfast City Council Park & Ride sites are also available during the event - for more details visit fleadhcheoil.ie/travel .

Meanwhile, Belfast City Council has published the following checklist of what to know before you go to the event:

Traffic and travel

Road closures in Belfast city centre will start at 5am on Sunday 2 August and run until 7am on Monday 10 August. There may be some other limited closures around these times due to event set-up and take-down.

Phased closures will also in place around City Hall and will be used, if required, during the event’s busiest times (expected to be both weekends).

Visitors and event-goers are urged to follow travel advice throughout the week – plan your journey, allow extra time for travel, keep the car out of the city centre and use public transport and Park and Ride sites where possible.

Public transport services will continue to operate around the perimeter of the pedestrianised event zone, helping residents, visitors and commuters move around. Use the Translink website and Journey Planner app for all the latest info.

Shuttle bus services from three official Park and Ride sites begin at 7.30am on Sunday 2 August (Giant’s Park and Belfast Harbour), with the first bus from Eikon Exhibition Centre leaving at 10am. Buses will run at 10-15 minutes intervals in and out of the city centre.

Venues and events

City Hall and the Gig Rig will be at the heart of the festival atmosphere, with free live music from early morning until late in the evening.

Hothouse Flowers have also been added to the bill for Sunday’s opening event, which kicks off at 12pm and finishes with a closing headline set from Sharon Shannon and her Big Band, beginning at 8pm. Everyone is welcome for a packed day of music and memories.

Many of the headline concerts, competitions, award ceremonies and special events will also take place right across Belfast's venue network, including the Ulster Hall, the Waterfront Hall, Assembly Buildings, University of Ulster and City Hall itself.

Dedicated festival hubs will help visitors make the most of their experience, with family programming based at 2 Royal Avenue and Castle Place, accessibility services and support available at a dedicated hub inside CastleCourt, and Irish language programming centred at The MAC.

Outside the city centre, venues like The Commons, the Duncairn, An Chultúrlann and Banana Block will host fringe events, bringing the Fleadh right to local doorsteps too.

Head to fleadhcheoil.ie to see what’s on, but don’t forget to embrace the spontaneity of the Fleadh too, with pop-up sessions, impromptu performances and colour on every corner.

Accommodation and camping

Official Fleadh campsites open on Sunday 2 August, at Titanic Quarter (camper vans and caravans) and Ormeau Park (tents-only). Bookers have received their welcome information packs in advance for a smooth arrival.

For the latest availability and other options for visitors, go to fleadhcheoil.ie/accommodation

Campers are advised to follow the guidelines for each site, be respectful of local neighbours during their visit and not park in residential areas.

Residents living close to Ormeau Park campsite can find info and advice on the council website – belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh

Facilities and maps

On arrival, pick up your free What’s on guide for the Fleadh, which includes a city centre map. They are available from all Fleadh venues, the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, City Hall and main transport hubs.

Use it to plan your day, and follow Fleadh Cheoil on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for all the latest event and travel info throughout the event.

Larger maps for visitors keen to explore the city neighbourhoods are also available from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.

Toilets, bins, first aid stations, lost property and information points are all clearly marked across the pedestrianised event zone.

Look out too for 1,300 volunteers, ready to support with directions, competitions sign-ins and crowd management – easy to spot in their bright yellow T-shirts.

Visitor checklist

Organisers are urging all event-goers to enjoy the event, but be respectful and mindful of other visitors.

Useful items to pack include suncream (and an umbrella!), extra layers and comfortable shoes – be ready for four seasons in one day, and to rack up the steps where you can.

Portable power banks and a reusable water bottle will help you stay connected and hydrated and, while most services are contactless, some loose change may be helpful for smaller street stalls.

Free child safety wristbands will also be available from volunteers and stewards, to help quickly reunite any families that become separated given the high crowd levels.