Travelling to the Fleadh
Will there be road closures?
To create a safe and welcoming event zone for Fleadh, Belfast city centre will be pedestrianised which will involve road closures and parking restrictions.
These road closures are not designed to inconvenience; they are a critical safety measure to manage crowd flows safely while maintaining access for authorised vehicles, residents, businesses, and emergency services where required.
Full information about road closures is available at belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh
How should I travel to the event and access the city centre?
Driving into the Belfast city centre is strongly discouraged. The closer people get to the city centre, the more they should transition to walking, cycling or using public transport.
Every journey made on foot, by bike, or with public transport will reduce congestion and help keep the city moving. When everyone moves with the rhythm of the Fleadh, we create a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Park and Ride is expected to be the most popular choice for people arriving by car, offering a reliable way to complete your journey with public transport and avoid queues and parking challenges.
When in the city, it will be easy to walk, cycle or continue to use public transport with both a Translink Metro and Glider service, which will run services as normal.
Where are the Park and Ride sites located?
Three dedicated Park and Ride sites will operate throughout the Fleadh in Belfast. Positioned on the main approach routes into Belfast, they offer a straightforward, low‑cost way to complete your journey into the city centre.
The three Park and Ride sites for Fleadh Belfast will be located at:
- Eikon Exhibition Centre, Sprucefield (near the M1)
- Giant’s Park (near the M2)
- Belfast Harbour (near the M3)
How much does it cost to use the Fleadh Park and Ride?
Parking at each of the Park and Ride sites costs £10 per day. Each site will be serviced by free, frequent shuttle buses running directly to Belfast’s main transport stations, which are a short walk from the city centre. Shuttle services will use bus lanes to support smoother journeys.
Car parking spaces need to be booked in advance. Bookings open on Monday 6 July 2026 from fleadhcheoil.ie/travel
Will public transport services be impacted?
All Ulsterbus, Metro and Glider services will run as normal during the event and any minor alterations to bus stops and pick-up points will be available alongside other useful travel advice to plan your journey at www.translink.co.uk/fleadh
NI Railways will operate a revised timetable with enhanced capacity designed to meet the needs of both Fleadh visitors and regular customers.
What about taxis?
Taxis are widely available across the city. Local firms such as Value Cabs and Fonacab operate throughout Belfast, and app‑based services including Uber are also available. Demand is likely to be higher during the Fleadh. Some taxi ranks will be temporarily relocated. There will be clearly marked pick-up and drop-off points around the edge of the road closure area, helping visitors travel safely and easily in and out of the city centre.
Will Blue Badge parking be available?
Park & Ride sites will offer Blue Badge parking and will be served by accessible, low-floor shuttle buses operating to and from the city centre.
Dunbar Link and Smithfield car parks will be reserved for Blue Badge holders during the Fleadh, on a first come, first served basis.
Do I need extra car insurance if I bring my vehicle to Northern Ireland?
You should always carry a valid driver’s licence and proof of vehicle insurance when you drive. Additional insurance is generally not required if travelling from The Republic of Ireland but please check with your insurer.
Remember that speed and distance traffic information is in miles per hour rather than kilometres once you cross the border. Please adjust your speed accordingly.
Further information can be found here: Driving in Northern Ireland
Is Belfast a safe city?
Belfast is one of the safest cities in Europe, and Northern Ireland has one of the lowest crime rates on the continent. Visitors consistently find the city friendly, relaxed, and easy to explore. Like any urban area, it’s sensible to follow general precautions such as keeping valuables secure and staying aware of your surroundings.Belfast offers a welcoming atmosphere, low crime levels in tourist areas, and a strong sense of community.
Belfast is also proud to be a Purple Flag accredited city, a prestigious international designation recognising places that offer a safe, vibrant, and well‑managed evening and night‑time economy. First awarded in 2019, the Purple Flag highlights how Belfast successfully balances a bustling mix of dining, entertainment, concerts, theatres, and galleries with strong public safety and wellbeing measures after dark. The accreditation, awarded by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), requires cities to meet rigorous standards across areas such as well‑lit streets, secure transport links, low crime rates, and the work of volunteer and support agencies. It also reflects the collaborative efforts of local businesses, the Council, community groups, and the three Business Improvement Districts including Belfast One, Cathedral Quarter and Linen Quarter, who fund and manage the initiative through a dedicated Purple Flag Steering Group.
The city has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades and is now known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, enjoying the food scene, or attending major events, Belfast is a safe and enjoyable destination.
Facilities
Where can I access toilets?
Toilets including accessible facilities will be available at:
- Hill Street (Talbot Street end)
- Verner Street (beside St George’s Market)
There will also be parent and child changing facilities at City Hall and Hill Street while an additional fully accessible Changing Places toilet at 2 Royal Avenue.
Will food and drink be available?
There will be a feast of culinary experiences on offer during the Fleadh. From historic pubs and quaint cafes to the main food village, there will be places and spaces for all tastes and budgets.
Located in the grounds of Belfast Cathedral, the bespoke Food Village will serve up a flavour of the city’s thriving food scene in a central convenient location. Alongside St. George’s Market, discover the perfect spaces to refuel and relax between competitions, sessions and events. There will also be a Food and Drink market at ICC Belfast throughout the week.
What are the accommodation options?
Belfast offers a great mix of places to stay. Belfast has a fantastic choice of hotels, B&B’s and registered accommodation providers including hostels, serviced accommodation and student accommodation.
All major Belfast hotels within 5-10 minutes walking distance from the city centre. The wide range of guest accommodation will cover all tastes and budgets. You’ll find a selection of big international brands offering spacious bedrooms plus bars and restaurants, gyms and spas.
There’s also an array of locally renowned hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, student accommodation, hostels and one-off, unmissable venues.
Bookings can be made directly with the properties using their websites or via third party online platforms such as booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb.
In Northern Ireland all tourist accommodation must be registered and certified by Tourism Northern Ireland (TNI).
View a list of certified accommodation options at fleadhcheoil.ie/accommodation
Can I camp at the Fleadh in Belfast?
Yes, there will be three official Fleadh campsites at the Fleadh in Belfast, each offering a safe, secure, and family-friendly camping experience with 24-hour security and easy access to the city centre.
A site at Titanic Quarter will offer camper van and caravan facilities in one of Belfast’s most iconic locations, while traditional tent camping will be available at Ormeau Park in south Belfast and Falls Park in west Belfast.
All three locations will provide visitors with space, comfort and convenient access to the city centre where the main programme of Fleadh activity will take place.
More details, including booking information, is available at fleadhcheoil.ie/camping
