Belfast is welcoming a major influx of visitors for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with Sunday's launch helping to deliver the busiest day in the city centre so far in 2026.

Hosts Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ have welcomed new figures from Belfast One Business Improvement District showing total recorded footfall of 176,464 in the city core on Sunday 2 August — a 95% rise on the same day last year.

Sunday's opening outperformed other major city-centre draws this year, including St Patrick's Day and Belfast Pride, as well as last year's Culture Night. Crowds peaked at around 3pm, with just under 25,000 people recorded around City Hall.

Data for Monday 3 August shows a further 165,077 visits — up 75% on the same day in 2025. The figures are derived from Belfast One BID cameras monitoring footfall across the square mile surrounding City Hall.

More than 800,000 visitors had been forecast across the eight-day festival, which runs until Sunday 9 August. Today's numbers point to a strong start, with five days of music and celebration still to come, including the All-Ireland competitions from Friday to Sunday — traditionally the Fleadh's busiest period.

In response to the high footfall, organisers will close Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Donegall Square East and Donegall Square West to all traffic from 5am on Wednesday 5 August until Sunday evening, extending the pedestrianised event zone as part of Belfast City Council's phased road closures. There will be changes to some Translink pick-up and drop-off points and service diversions throughout the week. Passengers are advised to follow guidance from staff and volunteers on site, check updates on the Translink website and Journey Planner app, plan ahead, expect busy services and allow extra time for travel. With thousands of additional journeys already recorded, Translink have added capacity and increased frequency across the network and will continue to monitor demand.

The lower end of Chichester Street and Donegall Square South will remain open. Pedestrians are urged to take care, use designated crossings and follow the directions of event stewards and volunteers.

Public hire taxis that usually operate from the ranks at Donegall Square North and East can use Upper Arthur Street and rejoin Chichester Street for the next available rank.

On Day 3, residents and visitors have plenty to enjoy across the city's hospitality, food and retail scene, with local crafts, artisan and independent traders all in the spotlight.

The official Food and Drink Village in the grounds of Belfast Cathedral brings together local traders, growers and producers in a family-friendly setting. It is open daily — until 8pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 10am to 11pm Thursday through Sunday.

St George's Market is open all week, from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday, with extended hours from 10am to 10pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Smithfield Market has also extended its hours, trading until 9pm on Thursday and Friday, with extra opening on Sunday 9 August from 1pm to 6pm.

At ICC Belfast, the Craic and Craft Market offers more foodie treats, artisan producers and family entertainment, from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday and 10am to 10pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Around 100 businesses are trading along High Street, Bridge Street and Royal Avenue, offering hot food, crafts and souvenirs. New pop-up hospitality venues and independent cafés, restaurants, bars and food producers are serving Fleadh taster menus, special promotions, performance spaces for musicians and late-night snacks and drinks.

For full programme details, visit fleadhcheoil.ie and follow Fleadh Cheoil on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.