Kimmins announces additional late-night bus and rail services for Fleadh
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced additional late-night bus and rail services to support Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.
Minister Kimmins said:
“With over 800,000 people expected to attend the Fleadh, there will be increased demand on transport services. These additional late-night services will help people travel safely and conveniently while supporting Belfast’s wider traffic management arrangements.
“The Fleadh is one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe and it is a real honour for Belfast to be chosen to host it this year and next. Public transport has an important role to play as visitors and participants move around the city and enjoy everything the festival has to offer.
“Providing late-night travel options will support the success of the event, improve connectivity and contribute to Belfast's night-time economy.”
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, welcomed the announcement on behalf of Belfast City Council, who are hosting the event, alongside Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Ards CCÉ.
She said:
“This is great news for everyone from local residents to tourists who want to make the most of the Fleadh experience and enjoy everything our city has to offer into the night.
“This will also be a welcome boost to our local restaurants, music venues and wider evening economy. Beidh deis ag lucht freastala ár gcomharsanachtaí a fheiceáil agus fearadh na fáilte rompu istigh. Bíonn an siúlach scéalach!
“Public transport is a key part of our traffic and travel plans for this huge event, and this enhanced late-night service supports our wider call to ‘move with the rhythm of the Fleadh’ by leaving the car at home and walking, cycling or taking the bus or train, where possible.”
Notes to editors:
- Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced additional late-night bus and rail services to support Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. The Minister is pictured with Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly.
- Additional late-night bus and rail services will operate on Sunday 2 August and from Thursday 6 August to Sunday 9 August. The services will complement the wider transport and traffic management plans being put in place for the event. More information will be available on the Translink website at: www.translink.co.uk/fleadh
- Visitors are encouraged to plan their journey in advance, allow extra time and use public transport where possible, particularly as road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place across parts of Belfast city centre during the festival.
Belfast’s compact, walkable city centre and public transport network will support access across Fleadh venues, with clear signage, volunteer support and up-to-date travel information available throughout the week.
Access to the city will also be supported through three dedicated Park and Ride sites for visitors travelling to attend the event. More information here: Getting to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast - All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office.
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