Accessibility in Belfast

Experience an inclusive, accessible Fleadh in Belfast.

We are committed to ensuring every visitor can enjoy the event. Accessible facilities and support will include toilets, Changing Places facilities, seated rest areas, quiet spaces, kerb ramps and accessible parking information.

 

Venues

Information on the main Fleadh venues in Belfast can be found here: Venues.

The AccessAble website provides a great resource on accessible venues in Belfast including hotels, visitor attractions, shops, restaurants and bars.

The main Gig Rig stage will be located on the grounds of City Hall. There will be a dedicated accessible viewing space at the main Gig Rig at City Hall. This will be unticketed and free to access during the week. There will be an extremely limited amount of free tickets available to reserve for the Opening and Closing ceremonies.

Tickets for the Accessible Viewing Area at the opening ceremony are now live!

Click here for City Centre and Key Venues Access Guide

 

Accessibility Hub

To support a welcoming and inclusive festival experience, an Accessibility Hub will be available at CastleCourt Shopping Centre.

The Accessibility Hub will offer a welcoming, accessible support point for attendees. Operated by Open Arts, a leading arts & disability organisation with support from volunteers from Volunteer Now, it will provide:

  • Event information and programme guidance
  • Accessible wayfinding and venue information
  • Communication aids and visual resources
  • Help with accessibility enquiries and requests
  • quiet space and sensory supports, such as ear defenders and fidget tools

Location: CastleCourt Shopping Centre, Unit 59 on first floor

Opening hours: 11am-7pm on each day of the event (2 to 9 August 2026)

Toilets: CastleCourt also offers accessible toilets and a Changing Place.

 

FAQs:

Do I need to register in advance for The Accessibility Hub? No, you do not need to register to use the Hub. It will be operated on a drop-in basis with staff closely monitoring capacity to make sure that the spaces remain comfortable for users.

How do I enter the hub? The Hub is located on the first floor of CastleCourt Shopping Centre. There are lifts and escalators close to the Royal Avenue and Smithfield entrances.

Is there step free access? Yes, there is step free access into the Hub itself.

Are assistance dogs allowed in the Hub? Yes, assistance dogs are allowed in the Hub and there will be water and bowls available.

Can I borrow or hire a wheelchair or mobility scooter? Contact ShopMobility, located behind CastleCourt in Smithfield Market.

Is there Blue Badge parking near the Hub? The nearest dedicated Blue Badge parking is available at Smithfield Car Park.

Is there food available near the Accessibility Hub? Yes, there is a Food Court within CastleCourt with various food traders and seating.

 

Toilets in Belfast City Centre during the Fleadh

You can find out information about changing places available throughout Belfast at www.changing-places.org/find

There will be additional temporary portable toilet provision in City hall grounds, Fountain Lane, Hill Street and Verner Street (beside St Georges Market). Each site will include a minimum of two accessible portaloos. There will also be a parent and child changing space within the City Hall grounds and Hill Street provisions.

In addition, a mobile Accessoloo changing place toilet will be located to the rear of 2 Royal Avenue. 

 

Transport

To create a safe and welcoming event zone, Belfast city centre will be pedestrianised for the Fleadh from 2 to 9 August 2026. We understand that changes to transport routes, parking and familiar routines can be challenging for some visitors.

Public transport is the recommended way to arrive. All Ulsterbus, Metro and Glider services will be operating during the event, with enhanced capacity and frequency on key services, as well as some minor alterations to bus stops and pick-up points. These will be available from translink.co.uk/fleadh and via the Translink Journey Planner app. NI Railways will operate a revised timetable with enhanced capacity, designed to meet the needs of both Fleadh visitors and regular customers.

If you’re driving, all Park and Ride sites have a designated Blue Badge parking area close to shuttle pick‑up. However, please be aware that surfaces are temporary and may not be fully paved. All shuttle buses to and from city centre will be accessible.

Most city centre car parks will remain open, including CastleCourt, Victoria Square and St Anne’s Square car park. Dunbar Link (outside Common Market) and Smithfield (to the rear of CastleCourt) car parks will be reserved solely for Blue Badge holders only during the Fleadh.

A free fully accessible city centre loop shuttle bus service will operate daily for those with accessibility requirements.

Accessible shuttle buses will operate at the Titanic Quarter and Ormeau Park campsites.

Pick-up and drop-off points will be available around the edge of the road closure area, and the public taxi rank at Donegall Square North will move to Donegall Square East. These locations will be clearly signposted.

Click here for the Arriving in Belfast Access Guide

 

Further information about accessibility in Belfast is available at visitbelfast.com