Visitors heading to Belfast for this summer's Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann are being urged to plan ahead and use a comprehensive Park and Ride network throughout the eight-day festival.

With more than 800,000 people expected between Sunday 2 and Sunday 9 August, three Park and Ride locations will serve the main routes into the city, easing congestion and providing rapid links to events.

Operated by Belfast City Council, the official sites are at Eikon Exhibition Centre (near the M1), Giant's Park (close to the M2) and Belfast Harbour (off the M3). Real-time roadside signage will guide drivers as they approach.

Each site offers secure parking just outside the city centre, with the final leg completed by dedicated shuttle buses into the city's main transport hubs, a short walk from the pedestrianised event zone.

Eikon Exhibition Centre and Belfast Harbour will provide single-day and multi-day options, while Giant's Park will operate as a day-parking facility only. Parking costs £10 per vehicle, per day, plus a 10p convenience fee for online bookings.

Spaces can be reserved in advance via the RingGo website or app. Create or access a RingGo account before travelling and your vehicle registration will be scanned on arrival. Full booking guidance is available at fleadhcheoil.ie/travel. You can also pay on the day at contactless payment machines, with spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. A free, fully accessible shuttle bus service, operated by Translink, will run to and from all three sites throughout the event. Services from Eikon Exhibition Centre will drop off at Grand Central Station, while shuttles from Giant's Park and Belfast Harbour will arrive at Laganside Bus Station.

Buses will start early each day to support commuters and festival-goers, increasing in frequency from every 15 minutes to every 10 minutes at peak times. First departures are at 7.30am daily across all sites, except on Sunday 2 August at Eikon Exhibition Centre, where services begin at 10am.

On arrival in the city centre, visitors can choose from more than 200 Fleadh events, or use Belfast's public transport network to explore the wider fringe programme across local venues and neighbourhoods.

All three Park and Ride sites will have 24-hour security, and designated Blue Badge parking will be available close to shuttle stops. Return shuttles will operate until 2am on Sunday 2 August, until 12am from Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 August, and until 2am from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 August.

The Park and Ride scheme is part of a broader transport plan developed by the council and its partners to ensure a safe, welcoming experience for everyone. Residents, businesses, city centre workers and visitors are encouraged to plan journeys in advance and allow extra time.

For the latest information on Park and Ride, shuttle arrangements and wider public transport options, visit the Fleadh Cheoil website. Details of planned city centre road closures and support for businesses and residents are available on the Belfast City Council website.