Belfast City Council has released detailed proposals to manage traffic and transport during the upcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is expected to attract an estimated 800,000 people this August.

The city will host the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture for the first time from 2–9 August. To accommodate the scale of the event, the council has confirmed that all roads and streets in Belfast city centre will be either fully or partially closed to vehicle traffic for the duration of the Fleadh to ensure pedestrian safety and support the open-air festival atmosphere.

The proposed road closures are scheduled to be in effect from 6am on Sunday 2 August until 5am on Monday 10 August. Statutory consultation on these measures opens today, Monday 16 March, and will run until Monday 6 April.

The area surrounding City Hall will host the main 'Gig Rig' stage and will feature phased closures to assist the increased flow of public transport. Limited closures may also occur between 30 July and 1 August for infrastructure setup, and from 10–12 August for its removal.

Councillor Natasha Brennan, Chair of the council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "In terms of events, they don't come much bigger than this—Fleadh Cheoil is on track to be the largest event we've ever staged in our city." "It is vital that all our residents, businesses and visitors are aware of how they may be individually impacted by the Fleadh and are able to plan their journey, and daily activities, in advance, especially in and around the city centre."

To support visitors staying overnight, temporary campsites have been confirmed for Ormeau Park and Falls Park (tents), as well as the Titanic Quarter (motorhomes and caravans). Translink will operate a daily shuttle service into the city centre, supported by several Park and Ride sites located on key arterial routes.

Addressing the needs of city centre traders, Councillor Brennan added: "Delivery windows will also be incorporated into road closures to ensure venues can get what they need, when they need it, and we'll have a dedicated accreditation and logistics hub, available 24/7, to support those businesses inside the city centre event zone."

Plans are also in place to ensure emergency services and essential care providers maintain swift access at all times.

The event, co-hosted with Comhaltas and Ards CCÉ, will feature headline acts including Sharon Shannon, Goitse, and the Blackwater Céilí Band. Organisers recently announced that the Fleadh will also return to Belfast in August 2027.

Full details of the proposed closures are available at belfastcity.gov.uk/roadclosures. Businesses in the hospitality sector are also invited to an information event at City Hall on Monday 23 March, with registration available at belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh.