People travelling from Armagh to Belfast for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 are being urged to put road safety first after festival organisers backed the Department for Infrastructure’s ‘Share the Road to Zero’ campaign.
Belfast will host the Fleadh for the first time, with more than 800,000 visitors expected to travel to the city. The festival runs from 2 to 9 August, and road closures and traffic restrictions will be introduced across parts of Belfast city centre during the event.
Travel advice for visitors
Visitors are being encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra time and use public transport where possible. The Department for Infrastructure said public transport would have an important role in helping visitors and participants move around the city and access festival venues.
Belfast’s compact, walkable city centre and public transport network will support travel between venues. Clear signage, volunteer assistance and up-to-date travel information will be available throughout the week, while three dedicated Park and Ride sites will support people travelling to the event.
Further travel information is available through the festival website at fleadhcheoil.ie/travel.
Campaign backing
The Share the Road to Zero initiative aims to reduce road deaths by encouraging everyone who uses the roads to take more responsibility and care. The Department for Infrastructure said more than 95% of road deaths were due to human error.
“We can all make a difference and help save lives by taking more care when using the roads.”
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the scale of the festival meant visitors would be travelling to Belfast from across the island and that safe journeys would be essential.
“We want everyone to travel safely.”
Breandán Mac Giolla Uír of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann said the organisers wanted visitors to arrive and return home safely while enjoying the festival.
“We are expecting thousands of visitors to Belfast to enjoy Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 and we want everyone to get here safely, get home safely, and have a wonderful time.”
The Northern Ireland Football League, Ulster GAA, PSNI, Belfast Giants, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Sustrans NI, local councils and other organisations have also backed the campaign.
Individuals and organisations can pledge support online through sharetheroadtozero.com.
