It's a huge day for Belfast as the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann officially gets underway! Today, August 2nd, marks Day 1 of the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, and our city is buzzing with excitement.
With road closures and parking restrictions in the city centre, the best way to immerse yourself in the Fleadh fun is by walking, cycling, or using public transport. For those travelling from further afield or needing to drive, remember the three official Park and Ride sites located at Eikon Exhibition Centre, Giant’s Park, and Belfast Harbour. Parking costs £10 per day, with free shuttle buses running every 10-15 minutes to either Grand Central Station or Laganside Bus Centre. Payment can be made on arrival using contactless machines or in advance via the RingGo app (site codes available on fleadhcheoil.ie/ParkandRide). Please help our neighbours by avoiding parking in residential areas. Last shuttle buses back to the Park and Rides are at 2 am tonight, and if you require overnight parking, use the Eikon or Belfast Harbour sites (Giant's Park is day parking only). Fleadh campsites at Titanic Quarter and Ormeau Park also open today, and campers are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport to reach the city centre.
Don't miss the grand official opening of Fleadh 2026 on the main Gig Rig outdoor stage at Belfast City Hall, starting this afternoon from 12 noon! This free event promises lively entertainment and stirring performances against the impressive backdrop of City Hall. No tickets or booking are required – just turn up and enjoy! You’ll be treated to a fantastic collaborative performance featuring our host branch, Ards CCÉ, alongside the South Asian Dance Academy, Belfast Bands Forum, and an array of Highland pipers. Plus, over 130 primary and secondary school children from across North Down and Belfast will perform as part of a special schools’ choir project. Later today at the Gig Rig, catch the Hothouse Flowers and Blackwater Céilí Band, with the legendary accordion virtuoso Sharon Shannon and her Big Band taking the stage around 8 pm.
Throughout the day, the city is vibrant with many other events:
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Croithíní – A Movers and Shakers Workshop and Damsha d’Anann party: Castle Place Session space, 10 am, 12.15 pm, and 2 pm (free)
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Mexican Dance: Saltwater Square, 12 noon (free)
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Beat Carnival: FLAXX social space, 2 pm-4 pm
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Sets Céilí with the Beartla Ó Flatharta Céilí Band: Europa Hotel, 3 pm (£15)
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The official Food and Drink Village opens at Belfast Cathedral from 11 am to 6 pm.
Families have plenty to enjoy too:
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Super Sunday Session South: The Commons, 467A Ormeau Road, 10.30 am-1 pm (free) – featuring music, creativity, conversation, and connection.
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Electric Reels young people’s folk/trad band at the tent at 2 Royal Avenue, 12 noon-1 pm (free).
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Daily Children’s Trad Seisiúns at the tent outside 2 Royal Avenue with Glengormley School of Traditional Music. Young players are invited to drop-in with their instruments (free, all week, 3 pm-5 pm).
For our North Belfast residents, make sure to look out for the Road to the Fleadh musical trails which will bring music into the city from both north and south Belfast – starting from our very own Waterworks (and The Commons, Ormeau Road) from 1 pm, arriving into the city centre! For a deeper dive into local history, consider the North Belfast Heritage Tour at Clifton House, with tours at 10.30 am and 2 pm (£8 / £6 concession). And for something a little different, just a short trip to east Belfast will find you at "The Hidden Dance Hall: A Belfast Speakeasy Session" at Dance Addiction Studios, 1A Parkgate Avenue (5 pm-11 pm – free), offering a beginner-friendly dance taster and live acoustic blues music.
As part of a Sunday trading pilot, some large stores are also opening at 11 am today, and there's additional entertainment at Custom House Square, the Maritime Mile, ICC Belfast, and other locations across the city. Belfast is truly alive with options!
To make your Fleadh experience as enjoyable as possible, we encourage everyone to:
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Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
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Allow extra time for your journey.
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Pick up a Fleadh 'what’s on' guide map from volunteers, transport hubs, and venues – it’ll help you familiarise yourself with toilets, first aid, information points, and dedicated hubs for families, accessibility, and the Irish language.
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Follow all event signage and steward directions.
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Be respectful of other visitors – the Fleadh is an event for everyone to enjoy.
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Look out for our friendly Fleadh volunteers in their yellow T-shirts and hats who are there to help with any questions and directions.
For all the latest updates throughout the week, including event changes and what’s on information, be sure to follow Fleadh Cheoil on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. When sharing your own Fleadh moments on social media, remember to use the hashtag #FleadhBelfast2026. For public transport information, visit translink.co.uk/fleadh or use the Journey Planner app. Let's make this an unforgettable Fleadh for Belfast!