Accessibility a Top Priority for Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast This August

Accessibility will be a major priority when Fleadh Cheoil arrives in Belfast from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August 2026.

Support will include an Accessibility Hub, accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities, Blue Badge parking, quiet spaces, accessible shuttle buses, viewing areas, captioning and sign language interpretation.

Visitors can find full accessibility information on the official Fleadh Cheoil Belfast website.

Belfast City Council and its partners are working to ensure that visitors of all abilities receive a warm welcome during Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast this August.

The week-long festival is expected to attract more than 800,000 visitors to the city. It is recognised as the world’s largest annual festival and competition celebrating Irish traditional music, song and dance.

A wide range of accessible facilities and support services will be available throughout the event.

These will include:

• Additional accessible toilets
• Changing Places facilities
• Sign language interpretation at selected events
• Captioning at selected events
• Seated rest areas
• Quiet spaces
• Temporary kerb ramps
• A free accessible shuttle bus
• Dedicated accessible parking
• Accessible viewing areas
• Sensory supports and visitor information

Accessibility at Fleadh Cheoil Belfast

Chair of Belfast City Council’s Disability Working Group, Councillor Ruth Brooks, said accessibility is central to the city’s preparations.

She said:

“We’re on the world stage this summer thanks to the Fleadh and making sure that everyone can access the fantastic experiences Belfast has to offer is top of our priority list.”

Preparations include an Accessibility Hub at CastleCourt Shopping Centre, delivered in partnership with Open Arts.

There will also be Blue Badge parking, a free accessible city-centre shuttle bus and a dedicated viewing area at the Gig Rig stage at Belfast City Hall.

Visitors can check the latest arrangements through the official Fleadh accessibility information page.

Councillor Brooks added:

“Back in February, in partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland, Visit Belfast and Titanic Belfast, we provided a free ‘Embrace the Inclusive Spirit’ practical workshop for Belfast tourism and hospitality businesses.”

The workshop helped businesses improve their services by learning directly from the experiences of disabled travellers.

Accessibility Training for Belfast Businesses

Free training and videos have also been provided to help businesses communicate confidently with visitors who may have additional accessibility requirements.

The training covers supporting:

• People who are D/deaf or have hearing loss
• Sign language users
• Blind or partially sighted visitors
• Autistic people
• People with learning disabilities
• Wheelchair and mobility scooter users
• People with non-visible disabilities

Businesses were also offered vouchers worth up to £500 to improve visitor accessibility.

The funding could be used for staff training, sensory packs, improved websites, updated signage and other practical changes.

Councillor Brooks said Belfast City Council was pleased to work with organisations including Open Arts and Volunteer Now to provide accessible support throughout the Fleadh.

Fleadh Accessibility Hub at CastleCourt

A drop-in Accessibility Hub will operate at CastleCourt Shopping Centre, 63 Royal Avenue, Belfast.

The Hub will be located in Unit 59 on the first floor.

It will open daily from Sunday 2 August until Sunday 9 August, between 11am and 7pm.

Visitors do not need to register in advance, as the Hub will operate on a drop-in basis.

Open Arts, a leading arts and disability organisation, will run the Hub with support from Volunteer Now.

CastleCourt also provides:

• Accessible toilets
• Lifts and escalators
• A Changing Places facility
• Step-free access to the Hub

Full details are available in the official Accessibility Hub guide.

A Calm and Quiet Space for Visitors

Eileen Branagh, Chief Executive Officer of Open Arts, said the Hub would offer a welcoming and calm environment.

She explained:

“We’re looking forward to providing a central, welcoming, calm and quiet space for anyone who needs to pop in for a break from all the excitement of the Fleadh.”

The Hub will be particularly useful for disabled, neurodivergent and D/deaf visitors.

Sensory supports will include ear defenders and fidget tools.

Assistance dogs will also be welcome, and water bowls will be available.

Accessible Information and Visitor Support

The Accessibility Hub will serve as an information point for Fleadh events, venues and services.

Staff and volunteers will help visitors with:

• Accessibility questions
• Event information
• Venue information
• Wayfinding
• Transport advice
• Signposting to relevant support
• Printed accessible information

Open Arts will also provide communication and interpretation aids where possible.

These will include visual resources, clear signage and sensory supports.

A range of Access Guides has been developed in consultation with disabled people. These can be found on the Fleadh Cheoil accessibility page.

Eileen Branagh added:

“The Hub is our way of making sure the Fleadh is open and accessible to everyone.”

Trained Volunteer Now volunteers will be present throughout the week. Open Arts will brief them on inclusive approaches and how to support visitors appropriately.

Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter Hire

Visitors who need to hire a wheelchair or mobility scooter can contact ShopMobility Belfast.

Its Smithfield Market location is situated behind CastleCourt Shopping Centre.

Visitors can check individual locations through the ShopMobility Belfast locations page.

Information about available equipment can be found on its wheelchair and mobility scooter rentals page.

An online hire form is also available.

Visitors should contact ShopMobility before travelling to confirm availability, opening hours, membership requirements and collection arrangements.

Accessible Fleadh Shuttle Buses

Accessible shuttle buses will operate from the main Fleadh Park and Ride locations.

These include:

• Eikon Exhibition Centre, near the M1
• Giant’s Park, near the M2
• Belfast Harbour, near the M3

Shuttle services will also operate between the campsites at Falls Park and Ormeau Park, Titanic Quarter and Belfast city centre.

Each Park and Ride site will have a designated Blue Badge parking area close to the shuttle pick-up point.

Full information about Park and Ride services, road closures and travel arrangements is available in the Belfast City Council Fleadh travel guide.

Visitors using public transport should also check the Translink Fleadh travel page before setting off.

Blue Badge Parking in Belfast

Blue Badge holders will be able to use designated parking at:

• Dunbar Link, outside Common Market in the Cathedral Quarter
• Smithfield car park, behind CastleCourt

Drivers should check the latest arrangements before travelling, as temporary traffic restrictions will operate across Belfast city centre.

Several city-centre roads will be closed during the event, and a pedestrian zone will be introduced.

Check the official Belfast City Council travel and road-closure information for the latest updates.

Changing Places and Accessible Toilets

Several permanent Changing Places facilities are available across Belfast.

Locations include:

• Belfast Zoo
• CastleCourt Shopping Centre
• Belfast City Hall
• Crescent Arts Centre
• Lanyon Place Train Station
• Ulster Museum
• Victoria Square

Visitors can search for facilities, check opening details and plan a route using the Changing Places toilet finder.

Additional temporary toilet facilities will also be installed during the Fleadh.

Portable toilets will be located at:

• Belfast City Hall grounds
• Fountain Lane
• Hill Street
• Verner Street, beside St George’s Market

Each location will have at least two accessible portable toilets.

Parent and child changing areas will also be available at Belfast City Hall grounds and Hill Street.

A mobile Accessoloo Changing Places toilet will be positioned behind 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast city centre.

Accessible Viewing at the Gig Rig

A limited number of free tickets have been released for the accessible viewing area during the Fleadh opening and closing ceremonies.

Both ceremonies will take place at the Gig Rig stage in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.

Information about the opening event can be found on the Fleadh Cheoil Opening Ceremony page.

Visitors should check the official Fleadh Cheoil website for ticket availability and booking information.

During the remainder of Fleadh week, the dedicated accessible viewing area at the Gig Rig will be unticketed and free to use.

Visitors should arrive early, as space may be limited during popular performances.

Accessible Belfast Venues and Attractions

The AccessAble Belfast guide provides detailed accessibility information for venues across the city.

Its guides cover:

• Hotels
• Visitor attractions
• Shops
• Restaurants
• Bars
• Entertainment venues
• Public buildings

Visitors can also use the Visit Belfast Accessible Belfast guide to plan accommodation, transport and activities.

Additional travel information is available through the Visit Belfast accessible transport guide.

Plan Ahead for Fleadh Cheoil Belfast

Anyone travelling to Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast should review the official access guides, transport information and event details before setting off.

Visitors who require specialist facilities should confirm availability directly with the relevant venue or service provider.

The Accessibility Hub at CastleCourt will also provide support, advice and a quiet place to rest throughout the festival.

Useful official resources include:

• Fleadh Cheoil Belfast accessibility guide
• Fleadh frequently asked questions
• Belfast City Council Fleadh information
• Fleadh travel and road closures
• Translink Fleadh travel information
• Changing Places toilet finder
• AccessAble Belfast guide
• Visit Belfast accessibility guide
• ShopMobility Belfast

Find Out More

For event listings, accessibility guides, transport information and visitor updates, visit the official Fleadh Cheoil Belfast website.

Further visitor information is available from:

• Belfast City Council
• Visit Belfast
• Discover Northern Ireland

You can also explore more local events and visitor guides on Northern Ireland Online.

Plan your visit in advance, review the official accessibility information and share this guide with anyone attending Fleadh Cheoil Belfast who may benefit from additional support.