St. Patrick's Day in Belfast: Your Guide to Travel & Traffic

Get ready for a bustling St. Patrick's Day in Belfast city centre this Tuesday, March 17th! With a fantastic line-up of events planned to celebrate the day, residents and visitors are advised to plan their journeys carefully and allow extra time if travelling in and around the city.

The festivities kick off with the SPAR Craic 10K race, setting off from City Hall at 9 am and finishing at Ormeau Park. Road closures and diversions will be in effect along the race route from approximately 8 am to 11 am. This route includes areas of the city centre, Falls Road, Grosvenor Road, and Ormeau Road. Drivers should anticipate delays during these times.

Later in the day, the Council's St. Patrick's Day Parade will bring its colourful spectacle to the city. Starting from City Hall at 1:30 pm, the parade will follow a circular path through Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place, and Donegall Place, before returning to City Hall. Rolling road diversions will be in place from 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm in and around West Donegall Square, College Square East & Wellington Place, High Street (inner), Castle Place, Royal Avenue & Donegall Place, Victoria Street, Bridge Street, Chichester Street, Ann Street, Upper Arthur Street, Skipper Street, and Seymour Street. Please note that some of these streets will be partially closed or adjacent to the parade route.

For those heading to the St. Patrick's Music Festival in the Cathedral Quarter, additional road closures will be in effect from 12:30 pm until 6 pm. These closures include:

• Donegall Street (between Talbot Street and Academy Street)

• Exchange Street West (between Talbot Street and Academy Street)

• Academy Street (at Great Patrick Street)

• Curtis Street (at York Street junction)

• Donegall Street (from York Street junction to Academy Street junction)

Please be aware of these closures if you're navigating the Cathedral Quarter.

Translink services will operate on a holiday timetable throughout Tuesday, March 17th. However, bus services may experience diversions while the parade is in progress. For the most up-to-date information, please check the display screens at bus stops or visit translink.co.uk.

With so much happening, planning your travel in advance is key to an enjoyable St. Patrick's Day. Full details of all planned events, road closures, and traffic arrangements are available to help you navigate the celebrations smoothly. Have a fantastic St. Patrick's Day!