Belfast is gearing up to welcome visitors for Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this summer, with a broad choice of places to stay across the city.

Around 800,000 people are expected to attend the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture as Belfast hosts the Fleadh for the first time from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August, before the event returns again in 2027.

With festival-goers travelling from across Ireland and overseas to enjoy performances, competitions and the atmosphere, the city's accommodation and hospitality sectors are preparing to roll out a warm welcome. Over 3,600 options are now listed for booking on the official site: fleadhcheoil.ie/accommodation.

The listings cover everything from budget to luxury hotels for extended city breaks, to self-catering and student accommodation suited to families and groups, alongside B&Bs and guest houses for those wanting to explore neighbourhoods beyond the sessions.

Belfast City Council and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann have also confirmed details of official Fleadh campsites to suit different camping styles and travel needs. Camper vans and caravans will be accommodated at Titanic Quarter, while traditional tent pitches will be available at Ormeau Park in south Belfast and Falls Park in the west of the city.

All three sites will offer space and convenient access to the city centre programme, plus toilets, showers and parking. Each location will also feature food vendors, bar facilities, on-site support staff and 24-hour security.

Booking for the three official campsites opens on Monday 1 June from 12 noon at fleadhcheoil.ie/camping. Demand is expected to be high and capacity is limited, so early booking on Monday 1 June is advised. Information on booking requirements, facilities, services, exclusions and pricing is available now at fleadhcheoil.ie/camping. Package options including car parking are offered at Ormeau and Falls Park; if parking is needed, it must be added at the point of booking. Councillor Natasha Brennan, Chair of the council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "However you check into Belfast this summer, we've got you covered. Whether you're coming for the full event, dropping in for a few days or making a summer break of it, there's an option for you.

"As a city, we're uniquely placed to offer a real mix of accommodation options to suit every budget, requirement and type of traveller, including those focused solely on the music and those seeking a unique experience which takes in everything else our UNESCO City of Music has to offer.

"Because Belfast is so compact and easy to navigate, every visitor will be close to the action, wherever they choose to stay, with easy access via public transport or on foot to all our venues and events."

Rachael McGuickin, Deputy Chief Executive of Visit Belfast, said: "We are looking forward with great excitement to welcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Belfast this August, anticipating an unprecedented influx of visitors.

"Together with our tourism and hospitality partners, Belfast is gearing up to showcase an incredible array of experiences and cultural activities that not only highlight the city, but extend to our vibrant neighbourhoods and surrounding city region.

"With a wide selection of hotels and accommodation options available, this event offers a significant opportunity for our city to shine and to fully embrace the excitement and the energy that the Fleadh and this influx of international guests will generate."

Áine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism Northern Ireland, said: "Belfast offers visitors an exceptionally wide range of accommodation choices, reflecting the scale and vibrancy of the city as an international visitor destination.

"Visitors are invited to explore the extensive selection of hotels, guest accommodation, B&Bs, student accommodation and self-catering properties across Belfast and the wider region - all within easy reach of the Fleadh celebrations.

"There are accommodation options to suit a variety of budgets and group sizes, but we would encourage those planning to attend to book soon to secure their preferred accommodation, as this is a unique opportunity to experience world-class traditional music, vibrant culture and the renowned warmth of our hospitality."

The city's accommodation plans form part of wider preparations for the eight-day programme of competitions, concerts, céilís, street performances and cultural events. Traffic and transport details will be confirmed in June, and attendees are urged to follow official travel guidance. More information, including key events and activities, is available at fleadhcheoil.ie.