Preparations for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast include an accessibility hub, a city-centre pedestrian zone, and enhanced public transport links for the week-long celebration of Irish traditional music, song and dance from August 2 to 9.

Organisers anticipate more than 800,000 visitors, and a series of measures aim to ensure the event is inclusive. An Accessibility Hub will operate daily from 11am to 7pm at CastleCourt Shopping Centre on Royal Avenue, managed by the arts and disability organisation Open Arts with volunteers. It is described as a calm, quiet space with sensory supports such as ear defenders and fidget tools, water bowls for assistance dogs, and accessible wayfinding information.

Councillor Ruth Brooks, chair of Belfast City Council's Disability Working Group, said accessibility was a top priority. Measures include Blue Badge parking at Dunbar Street and Smithfield, dedicated accessible viewing at the Gig Rig stage at City Hall, and a free accessible shuttle bus looping the city centre. Access guides are available on the Fleadh website.

Open Arts chief executive Eileen Branagh stated the hub would offer visual resources, printed accessible information and trained volunteers to support visitors. Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire is available from ShopMobility behind CastleCourt.

Businesses in the city centre have been issued guidance ahead of the event. A pedestrian zone will close the area to general traffic from 6am on August 2 until 7am on August 10. Deliveries inside the zone must be made between 4am and 8am daily, with access passes required and available from an accreditation hub at 21 Duncrue Street. Commercial waste collections will be rearranged.

Translink is running increased capacity on Ulsterbus, Metro and Glider services, with a revised enhanced timetable for NI Railways. Additional late-night trains will run from Belfast to Derry on August 2 and from August 6 to 9. A dedicated bus will leave Foyle Street in Derry at 1.30pm on August 9, returning at midnight.

Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson confirmed the extra services after making representations to Translink. Day-return bus specials from towns and cities across Northern Ireland can be booked online.

Three Park and Ride sites will operate at the Eikon Exhibition Centre near the M1, Giant's Park near the M2 and Belfast Harbour near the M3. Parking costs £10 per day and includes a free shuttle bus. Blue Badge parking is available close to shuttle pick-up points. The public is advised to plan ahead, leave extra time and avoid driving into the city centre.