Fleadh Belfast Day 1: Skip the Jam and Join the Session

Belfast Welcomes the Fleadh

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has officially arrived in Belfast for the first time.

The festival runs from Sunday 2 August until Sunday 9 August 2026. It will bring traditional music, dancing, competitions and live performances to venues across the city.

Organisers expect Belfast city centre to be particularly busy throughout the festival. Visitors are being encouraged to plan their journeys and leave additional travel time.

Fleadh Belfast Day 1 Travel Advice

People travelling from elsewhere in Belfast should leave the car at home where possible.

Public transport, walking and cycling are expected to offer the easiest routes into the event area.

Road closures, pedestrian zones and stopping restrictions are now operating across a large part of Belfast city centre. Some Metro departure points and normal bus routes have also changed during the Fleadh.

Visitors should check their route before travelling.

Useful travel links:

• Official Fleadh Belfast travel information
• Translink Fleadh travel information
• Translink service changes
• Belfast City Council travel arrangements

Where Are the Fleadh Park and Ride Sites?

Three official Park and Ride locations are available for people driving from outside Belfast:

• Eikon Exhibition Centre, Sprucefield, close to the M1
• Giant’s Park, close to the M2
• Belfast Harbour, close to the M3

Parking costs £10 per vehicle each day. Free shuttle buses operate between the sites and Belfast’s main transport stations.

Shuttles run approximately every 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic and demand.

Passengers will arrive at Belfast Grand Central Station or Laganside Bus Centre. Both are within walking distance of the main Fleadh event zone.

Paying for Park and Ride

Drivers can pay using contactless payment facilities when they arrive. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parking can also be booked in advance through the official Park and Ride service:

Book Fleadh Park and Ride

Visitors should avoid parking in residential streets or roadside lay-bys near the city centre.

Last Park and Ride Buses Tonight

The final shuttle buses back to the three Park and Ride sites will operate until 2am tonight, Sunday 2 August.

People leaving a vehicle overnight should use:

• Eikon Exhibition Centre
• Belfast Harbour

Giant’s Park is intended for day parking only.

Fleadh Campsites Open in Belfast

Festival campsites also open today in the Titanic Quarter and Ormeau Park areas.

Campers are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport when travelling between their campsite and the city centre.

Accessible shuttle services are available between designated campsites, Park and Ride sites and the main event area. Blue Badge parking is also available close to shuttle collection points at each Park and Ride location.

Official Fleadh Opening at Belfast City Hall

The official opening of Fleadh Belfast 2026 begins at 12 noon today on the main Gig Rig stage outside Belfast City Hall.

No tickets are required, and visitors do not need to book.

The free opening celebration will include a collaborative performance featuring:

• Host branch Ards CCÉ
• South Asian Dance Academy
• Belfast Bands Forum
• Highland pipers
• A schools’ choir involving more than 130 pupils

The opening performance will bring together musicians, dancers and schoolchildren from Belfast and North Down.

Sharon Shannon Headlines Day 1

The Gig Rig programme continues throughout the afternoon and evening.

Performers scheduled for Fleadh Belfast Day 1 include:

• Hothouse Flowers
• Blackwater Céilí Band
• Sharon Shannon and her Big Band

Sharon Shannon is expected to begin her headline performance at around 8pm.

The Gig Rig is the Fleadh’s main outdoor stage. It is located beside Belfast City Hall, with free performances taking place throughout the festival.

View the official Fleadh programme

What’s On at Fleadh Belfast Today?

Free Workshops, Music and Dancing

Several free events are taking place across Belfast today:

• Croithíní – A Movers and Shakers Workshop and Damhsa d’Anam party
  Castle Place Session Space at 10am, 12.15pm and 2pm.
• Mexican Dance
  Saltwater Square at 12 noon.
• Beat Carnival
  FLAXX social space from 2pm until 4pm.
• Food and Drink Village
  Belfast Cathedral from 11am until 6pm.

Ticketed Céilí

A Sets Céilí featuring the Beartla Ó Flatharta Céilí Band takes place at the Europa Hotel at 3pm.

Tickets cost £15.

Visitors should check the official programme before travelling because availability and event times may change.

Family Events at the Fleadh

Families can enjoy several free events during Fleadh Belfast Day 1.

Super Sunday Session South

The Super Sunday Session South takes place at The Commons, 467A Ormeau Road, from 10.30am until 1pm.

The programme includes music, creativity, conversation and community activities.

Electric Reels

Young folk and traditional musicians Electric Reels perform at the tent outside 2 Royal Avenue from 12 noon until 1pm.

Admission is free.

Children’s Trad Sessions

Children’s traditional music sessions take place outside 2 Royal Avenue from 3pm until 5pm.

Young musicians can bring their instruments and join Glengormley School of Traditional Music in a welcoming drop-in session.

The sessions will continue throughout Fleadh week.

More Events Across Belfast

Road to the Fleadh Musical Trails

Musical trails will travel towards the city centre from north and south Belfast.

The routes begin at:

• Waterworks in north Belfast
• The Commons on Ormeau Road

The trails start at approximately 1pm.

North Belfast Heritage Tour

Clifton House is hosting North Belfast Heritage Tours at 10.30am and 2pm.

Tickets cost £8, with concession tickets available for £6.

The Hidden Dance Hall

The Hidden Dance Hall: A Belfast Speakeasy Session takes place at Dance Addiction Studios, 1A Parkgate Avenue in east Belfast.

The free event runs from 5pm until 11pm. It includes a beginner-friendly dance taster and live acoustic blues music.

Sunday Trading Pilot Begins

Some larger Belfast stores will open from 11am today as part of a Sunday trading pilot.

Visitors can also find entertainment and activities at:

• Custom House Square
• The Maritime Mile
• ICC Belfast
• St George’s Market
• Venues throughout the Cathedral Quarter

St George’s Market is open from 10am until 3pm today, with music, dancing, crafts and street food available during the Fleadh.

Important Advice for Fleadh Visitors

Everyone attending the festival should:

• Check the weather before leaving
• Wear suitable clothing and footwear
• Leave extra time for the journey
• Follow event signs and steward instructions
• Use official Park and Ride locations
• Avoid restricted roads and residential parking
• Identify first-aid and information points
• Remain considerate of residents and other visitors

Volunteers wearing yellow Fleadh T-shirts and hats will be available to provide information and directions.

Visitors can collect the official Fleadh map and What’s On guide from transport hubs, event venues and volunteers.

The map identifies toilets, first-aid facilities, information points and dedicated family, accessibility and Irish-language hubs.

Check Transport Times Before Travelling Home

Additional late-night train services are operating from Belfast Grand Central Station on Sunday 2 August.

Further late services are planned from Thursday 6 August until Sunday 9 August.

Travellers should check their final bus or train before entering the event zone.

Check your journey with Translink

View Fleadh service changes

Enjoy Fleadh Belfast Responsibly

Fleadh Belfast Day 1 marks the beginning of eight days of live traditional music, cultural events and family entertainment.

Use public transport or the official Park and Ride network, plan your return journey and allow extra travel time.

Explore the official programme, choose your events and enjoy the first day of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast.