More than 1.7 million journeys were made across the Translink bus and rail network during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, in a record week for public transport use.
The Department for Infrastructure said the journeys took place between 2 and 9 August, covering the full eight-day festival. The total was more than 620,000 higher than during the same period last year.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins praised Translink for delivering public transport services during the event. The department said the services helped visitors and local people travel to and from events across the city.
Extensive planning behind festival transport
The scale of the Fleadh required planning and coordination over many months, involving a range of organisations. Transport services were delivered alongside traffic-management arrangements and road-network operations, which the minister said played an important part in supporting the event.
For passengers using public transport during major events, the figures highlight the volume of travel that the bus and rail network handled during the festival period. The Department for Infrastructure described the recorded level of use as a demonstration of public transport’s ability to move large numbers of people safely and efficiently.
Walking and cycling also recorded
Minister Kimmins also welcomed the number of people who chose to walk, use wheeled transport or cycle during the week. She said the record public-transport figures showed how effective public transport could be in supporting a vibrant city centre and helping people access events and other city-centre activities.
The Department for Infrastructure published the figures on 12 August 2026. Its statement did not provide a separate breakdown for Armagh, individual Translink routes or individual stations. It also did not set out further service changes or next steps for passengers.
All media queries relating to the announcement were directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office.
