Businesses in Belfast are being urged to prepare for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is expected to draw over 800,000 people to the city from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August 2026. A central pedestrian event zone will be in place, with Belfast city centre closed to general vehicle traffic from 6am on Sunday 2 August until 7am on Monday 10 August, alongside phased closures around City Hall during major activities.

A business readiness checklist advises firms to confirm whether their premises fall within the pedestrian zone, review delivery, servicing and parking plans, apply for required access passes, share travel advice with staff and customers, and use free Fleadh-friendly promotional materials. For general support, email fleadhcheoil26@belfastcity.gov.uk or visit belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh.

All deliveries and waste collections within the pedestrian zone will require access passes. The Traffic Management Company will oversee accreditation. Deliveries inside the zone will run daily from 4am–8am and must be completed by 9am. Same-day accreditation and storage (refrigerated and general) will be available at the Accreditation and Logistics Hub, 21 Duncrue Street, BT3 9AQ. Passes must be collected in advance and displayed on authorised vehicles. For advice, contact fleadhALH@trafficmanagementcompany.com or call 07501 386203. Belfast City Council commercial waste collections in the pedestrianised area will change during the event; businesses using other providers should contact them directly and arrange access passes where needed. To minimise disruption, people are strongly encouraged not to drive into the city centre. Walking, cycling and public transport will be the easiest options, and journeys should be planned with extra time allowed. Translink will operate Ulsterbus, Metro and Glider services as normal with increased capacity and minor stop changes, while NI Railways will run a revised, enhanced timetable. Full details: translink.co.uk/fleadh.

Three dedicated Park and Ride sites will operate for those travelling to work in the city centre: Eikon Exhibition Centre, Sprucefield (near M1); Giant’s Park (near M2); and Belfast Harbour (near M3). Parking costs £10 per day and includes a free bus trip to and from transport stations. Information and booking: fleadhcheoil.ie/ParkandRide.

Most car parks outside the pedestrian zone will remain open. Blue Badge parking will be provided at Dunbar Street and Smithfield/Winetavern Street. Businesses using private parking should confirm arrangements with their provider; displacement parking may be available for spaces inside the pedestrian area. Enquiries: kristenh@trafficmanagementcompany.com.

Some Belfast Bikes docking stations within the event zone will be closed (Castle Place; Royal Avenue/Castlecourt; Cotton Court/Waring Street). Minute bundle discounts will be available during the Fleadh. More: belfastbikes.co.uk.

Businesses inside the yellow and purple boundaries on the event map will face changes to deliveries, parking and staff access. Planning ahead will help maintain operations. Maps also highlight train and bus stations, pick-up and drop-off points, Glider services, Park and Ride sites, car parks, coach zones, food and drink areas, medical and accessibility hubs, volunteer and media hubs.

A practical guide for hospitality and tourism, including posters, bunting and other assets to welcome visitors and promote offers, can be downloaded at belfastcity.gov.uk/fleadh.