Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann arrives in Belfast this weekend, running from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August. Organisers expect more than 800,000 people to attend across the week.

A large portion of the city centre will be pedestrianised to create a festival zone. Road closures and diversions come into effect from 5am on Sunday 2 August and remain in place until 7am on Monday 10 August. No parking or waiting will be allowed within the area, and motorists are advised to avoid driving through the city centre.

Belfast City Council and Translink are urging visitors and commuters to use public transport. All Metro, Glider, Ulsterbus and train services will operate with additional capacity and frequency. Temporary changes to some bus stops around City Hall will be signposted, with details available on the Translink website and Journey Planner app.

Additional late-night bus and rail services will run on Sunday 2 August and from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 August. Special day return buses from towns across Northern Ireland are available to pre-book online, subject to demand.

Three official Park and Ride sites will be set up at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Sprucefield (near the M1), Giant’s Park (near the M2) and Belfast Harbour Estate (near the M3). Shuttle buses will run every 10 minutes at peak times, and spaces can be booked in advance or paid for on the day with contactless machines. Overnight parking is available at two of the sites, while Giant’s Park offers daytime parking only.

Walking and cycling are also encouraged. Most venues are within easy reach on foot, and Belfast Bikes will remain in operation, with a 20 per cent discount on 100-minute bundles. Secure cycle parking is available at CastleCourt and at on-street docks.

Accessible parking for Blue Badge holders will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at Dunbar Street and Winetavern Street. All Park and Ride shuttle buses have low floors, and a free city centre loop service will operate for those with mobility issues.

Taxis will have dedicated pick-up and drop-off points at six locations around the pedestrianised zone. Coach services will operate from Linenhall Street and three dedicated parking sites.