As Belfast prepares to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, transport providers have announced additional late-night services and a three-site park-and-ride network to accommodate the expected crowd of more than 800,000 people. The festival runs from 2 to 9 August.

Extra buses and trains will operate on Sunday 2 August and from Thursday 6 August through Sunday 9 August, complementing the general traffic management plan. The services aim to reduce congestion and support the city's night-time economy.

The park-and-ride sites are located at Eikon Exhibition Centre near the M1, Giant's Park close to the M2, and Belfast Harbour off the M3. Parking costs £10 per day and can be booked online via the RingGo app, with contactless payment also available on site. Giant's Park offers day-parking only, while the other two sites have single and multi-day options.

Free Translink shuttle buses will run from all three sites. Shuttles from Eikon Exhibition Centre will drop passengers at Grand Central Station, while those from Giant's Park and Belfast Harbour go to Laganside Bus Station. First departures are at 7.30am each day, except from Eikon Exhibition Centre on Sunday 2 August when services start at 10am. Buses will run every 15 minutes, increasing to every 10 minutes at peak times.

Return shuttles will operate until 2am on the first and last festival weekends, and until midnight from Monday to Wednesday evenings. All sites will have 24-hour security and designated Blue Badge parking near shuttle stops.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the late-night options would help visitors travel safely and conveniently, while supporting Belfast's wider traffic arrangements. She described the Fleadh as one of Europe's largest cultural festivals and said it was an honour for the city to host it.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, welcomed the measures, noting the boost they would give to local restaurants and music venues. She urged everyone to plan ahead, leave cars at home where possible, and use public transport, walking or cycling.

Road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place in parts of the city centre during the festival. Visitors are advised to check the Fleadh Cheoil website for travel guidance and Belfast City Council's site for details on traffic management.