It’s Day 1 of the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast today – and the city is ready for the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture to begin!  
 
If you’re travelling into Belfast city centre today from elsewhere in the city, leave the car at home and take public transport, walk or cycle to enjoy all that the Fleadh has on offer. Road closures are now in place across a large section of the city centre, along with no parking or stopping restrictions around the pedestrianised event zone – making public transport and active travel the best way to arrive.  
 
For visitors driving from outside the city, make use of the three official Park and Ride sites at EIkon Exhibition Centre, Giant’s Park and Belfast Harbour. Parking costs £10 per day, with free shuttle buses running in and out of Belfast city centre every 10-15 minutes, arriving at either Grand Central Station or Laganside Bus Centre.  
 
Payment on arrival can be made using contactless machines, with all spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, or pay in advance using the RingGo app. Sites codes are available on fleadhcheoil.ie/ParkandRide  
 
Visitors are urged not to park in lay-bys or in residential areas, or to drive into the city centre by car, but instead use the Park and Ride sites provided. 
 
Last shuttle buses back to the Park and Rides are at 2am tonight. For those wanting to park overnight, use the Eikon or Belfast Harbour sites – Giant's Park is day parking only. 

Fleadh campsites at Titanic Quarter and Ormeau Park will also open today, with campers encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport to reach the city centre. 

You don’t want to miss the official opening of Fleadh 2026 on the main Gig Rig outdoor stage this afternoon from 12 noon.  

Belfast City Hall will provide the impressive backdrop for a free line-up of lively entertainment and stirring performances, setting the tone for a week of multi-generational shared celebration across the city. No tickets are required for the opening event and there’s no need to book. 

Come and enjoy a collaborative performance with host branch, Ards CCÉ, along with the South Asian Dance Academy, Belfast Bands Forum, and an array of Highland pipers. Over 130 children from primary and secondary schools across North Down and Belfast will also perform as part of a schools’ choir project.

Today’s acts at the Gig Rig also include the Hothouse Flowers and Blackwater Céilí Band, while legendary accordion virtuoso Sharon Shannon and her Big Band, will take to the stage at around 8pm. 

Also happening today:

  • Croithíní – A Movers and Shakers Workshop and Damsha d’Anann party, Castle Place Session space, 10am, 12.15pm and 2pm (free)
  • Mexican Dance at Saltwater Square 12 noon (free)
  • Beat Carnival at FLAXX social space, 2pm-4pm 
  • Sets Céilí with the Beartla Ó Flatharta Céilí Band at the Europa Hotel, 3pm (£15)
  • Opening of official Food and Drink Village at Belfast Cathedral – from 11am to 6pm

Families can enjoy: 

  • Super Sunday Session South at The Commons, 467A Ormeau Road 10.30am-1pm (free) music, creativity, conversation and connection 
  • Electric Reels young people’s folk / trad band at the tent at 2 Royal Avenue 12 noon-1pm (free)
  • Children’s daily Trad Seisiúns at the tent outside 2 Royal Avenue with Glengormley School of Traditional Music – young players are invited to drop-in to this lively and welcoming space with their instrument (free, all week, 3pm-5pm)

Elsewhere in the city:

  • Road to the Fleadh musical trails into the city from north and south Belfast – starting from Waterworks and The Commons, Ormeau Road – from 1pm and arriving into the city centre 
  • North Belfast Heritage Tour, Clifton House, 10.30am and 2pm, £8 /£6 concession
  • Step into The Hidden Dance Hall: A Belfast Speakeasy Session, Dance Addiction Studios, 1A Parkgate Avenue, east Belfast (free, 5pm-11pm) - join a beginner-friendly dance taster and enjoy live acoustic blues music.

Some large stores are also opening at 11am today as part of a Sunday trading pilot in the city, and Belfast is abuzz with many other options too, including additional entertainment at Custom House Square, the Maritime Mile, ICC Belfast and other locations. 

Everyone attending the Fleadh is encouraged to:

  • check the weather forecast and dress appropriately
  • leave extra time for your journey
  • pick up a Fleadh what’s on guide map from volunteers, transport hubs and venues to familiarise yourself with toilets, first aid, information points and dedicated hubs for families, accessibility and the Irish language 
  • follow event signage and steward directions 
  • be respectful of other visitors – the Fleadh is an event for everyone
  • look out for Fleadh volunteers in their yellow T-shirts and hats who can help with questions and directions if you're not sure about anything.

For all the latest on the Fleadh across the week, including what’s on info and event updates, follow Fleadh Cheoil on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

For all the latest public transport information, visit translink.co.uk/fleadh and use the Journey Planner app.  

If you’re posting on social media, use the hashtag #FleadhBelfast2026