Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann FAQs

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast!

Here you'll find key information to help you plan your visit and enjoy every moment of this incredible celebration of Irish traditional music, culture, and community.

What are the dates for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026?

The 2026 All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will take place in Belfast between Sunday 2 - Sunday 9 August 2026.

Where exactly is everything happening?

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Ards CCE and Belfast City Council are working through the footprint of the Belfast Fleadh in consultation with the relevant statutory authorities.  Keep an eye on where all information and updates will be published later this year.

A map detailing the Fleadh venues, key sites, park and ride facilities, bus routes etc will be shared on the official Fleadh website in due course.

How do I get tickets for Fleadh Events? 

Similarly, a full fringe programme of events will be communicated, along with ticketing/purchasing and price information in the months ahead.

How can I get to Belfast? 

Belfast really is a compact city that is easily accessible by foot, so you may wish to consider leaving the car at home.  Public transport options provide a sustainable means of travel to Belfast and helps avoid traffic congestion and parking charges.  Best of all you are positively contributing to the reduction of the Fleadh’s carbon footprint.

Travelling from all four corners of Ireland to Belfast is straightforward, with several transport options available depending on your preferences.

By Train

Belfast’s Grand Central Station is the home to the Enterprise rail service and since opening in 2024, cross border links between Dublin and Belfast have never been more plentiful.

From Dublin there is an hourly rail service operated by Translink and Irish Rail from Dublin Connolly Station to Belfast Grand Central Station.  This service runs 15 times a day Monday to Saturday.  On Sundays there are 8 services a day.  Travel times are approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.

As well as beating traffic congestion you can relax on the journey and enjoy free Wi-Fi and on-board catering.

For more details on all Translink’s services visit www.translink.co.uk or call their contact centre on (028) 9066 6630.

Connecting rail service information from other areas in Ireland to Dublin can be found at www.irishrail.ie.

By Bus / Coach

Several coach options are available between Dublin and Belfast, with connections from all major towns and cities across the island.

Bus Éireann and Translink (Northern Ireland’s public transport operator) offer cross-border services.

Dublin to Belfast: This is the most frequent route, with multiple daily departures. Travel time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Aircoach and Dublin Express also provide frequent services between Dublin and Belfast offering both city centre and airport stops.

Cork to Belfast: Approximately 5-6 hours with a transfer between coaches in Dublin.

Limerick to Belfast: Around 4 to 5 hours of travel, transfer in Dublin.

Tickets: Tickets can be booked online or at the station. Expect prices around €20–€40 depending on the company and how far in advance you book.

If travelling from the North West of Ireland, Translink run frequent services to Belfast from Enniskillen and Derry~Londonderry.

Comfort: Modern buses are generally comfortable, with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and charging ports.

By Car

Driving to Belfast is a popular choice, especially for those looking for flexibility in terms of schedule and route.

Distance: Depending on your departure city in Ireland, the distance to Belfast can range from around 90 km (56 miles) to 200 km (124 miles).

From Dublin: Around 2 hours (about 160 km / 100 miles).

From Cork: Approximately 5 hours (around 420 km / 220 miles).

From Galway: Approximately 4 hours (around 210 km / 370 miles).

There is an open border between the North and South of Ireland.  The change in jurisdiction is subtle so please remember to adjust speed when crossing, at all border points as speed limits and distances are in miles per hour, rather than kilometres per hour.

Do I need extra car insurance if I bring my vehicle to Northern Ireland?

You should always carry a valid driver’s licence and proof of vehicle insurance when you drive. Additional insurance is generally not required if travelling from The Republic of Ireland but please check with your insurer.

Further information can be found here: Driving in Northern Ireland.

Belfast is also easily accessed by sea with crossings from both Scotland and England with journey times from just 2 hours 15 minutes.

For International visitors, Belfast has two main airports and Dublin is just 90 minutes away by coach. Belfast and Dublin offer 179 direct European routes and internationally, there are 245 routes into all 3 airports offering flexible options for those travelling from overseas.

Belfast International Airport is 20 miles from the city.  Tickets for the 300-bus service into the city can be purchased from the Tourist Information desk on arrival or at the self-serve kiosk at the bus stop.  George Best Belfast City Airport is 3miles from the city centre and the 600-bus service operates from outside the terminal.

Both airports also host taxi ranks. 

How do I get around the city?

Discover Belfast on Foot 

Belfast is a wonderfully compact city, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Most of the city’s key attractions, shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks are within easy walking distance of each other. 

Walking isn’t just convenient, it is also the most sustainable way to get around. By choosing to walk, you’re helping reduce traffic, lower carbon emissions, and support a cleaner, greener Belfast.

Public transport

Belfast’s Metro service (look out for the pink buses), is a key part of the city’s transport network offering frequent and reliable service within the Greater Belfast area. These bus routes extend from the city centre outwards, connecting neighbourhood communities and destinations.  Multiple day tickets are a cost-effective way to get around, or you can just tap and go using your contactless card.

You can purchase transport passes at the Translink desk in the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, opposite City Hall and at all main bus and rail stations.

Dedicated Fleadh bus services will be in operation to provide transport between key locations and venues.  Full details will be announced closer to the time.

Belfast Bikes

The Belfast bike scheme provides Fleadh goers with a sustainable travel option.  With 50 docking stations and over 400 bikes linking up the city it is a simple and effective way to commute across the city.  Further information is available here.

Taxi

There are numerous taxi operators in Belfast and you can book them in several ways.

Book by phone – Value Cabs (028) 9080 9080 or Fonacab (028) 9033 3333.

Both taxi companies also have apps that you can use to book a taxi.  It is always a good idea to pre-book taxis, especially during peak times or when you need a specific time.  You can also use the Uber app to book a taxi.

In Belfast you can only hail a taxi with a roof sign from midnight to 6am on Friday and Saturday nights and on public holidays.  Outside of these times it is more reliable to book in advance or use an app.

Car

There are several public carparks in the city.  Further detail on festival parking, E-charging stations and park and ride operations will be made available in the coming months, along with deatails on any road closures, as expected with any major event. 

Will I need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

Irish citizens do not need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) when travelling to the North or anywhere in the UK. For residents outside of Ireland and the UK or for more information please see: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Information.

Where can I find places to stay?

Belfast has a fantastic choice of hotels, B&B’s and registered accommodation providers including serviced accommodation and self catering. 

In Northern Ireland all tourist accommodation must be registered and certified by Tourism Northern Ireland (TNI).

A list of accommodation options can be found at:

Accommodation in Northern Ireland.

Places to Stay In Belfast.

Is there an option to camp?

Yes, there will be an official campsite for caravan and camping stays at the Belfast Fleadh and this will be connected via a dedicated bus service running regularly to the city centre (under a 10 minute journey).

There will be a dedicated family zone.

This fully serviced campsite, with 24-hour security, will welcome caravans, campervans and tents, (each having its own designated area) and a separate area for car parking. Campsite personnel will always manage site access to ensure pedestrian safety. Facilities include shower blocks, toilets and fresh water.

Details to follow and also check the official Fleadh website.

Will I be able to use Euro in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling (£), the same currency in circulation in England, Scotland and Wales, whereas the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€). Euros are not legal tender in Northern Ireland.

Mastercard / Visa credit and debit cards, including contactless payments, are in general use.

Cards such as Revolut and Monzo provide the best exchange rates and fee-free withdrawals anywhere in the world (though set up charges may apply).

Many banking apps have facilities to set up a travel account allowing money to be transferred between accounts.  If using a travel account always pay in the local currency

Is it necessary to tip in restaurants?

There are no hard and fast rules for tipping in Northern Ireland. If you are happy with the service, a 10% tip is suggested, particularly in a restaurant or café with table service. A tip is not necessary if a service charge has been added to the bill by the establishment.

What happens if I require medical treatment?

Please find the latest information on health services available to visitors in Northern Ireland, including how to access medical care during your stay, what to do in a medical emergency, and important guidance for travellers to Northern Ireland.

Emergency Services

Emergency services, if needed, can be contacted by dialling 999 (you will be asked to state which emergency service is required), or non-emergencies can be reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) by calling 101.

Area Telephone Codes

To call Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland dial 048 + area code (without 0) + local number.   To call the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland, dial 00353 + area code (without 0) + local number.

Visit Belfast Welcome Centre – Tourist Information
Conveniently located in the city centre, opposite City Hall, the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre is open daily to assist with all your visitor needs. The friendly and expert staff can provide literature and maps, assist with itinerary planning across Belfast and Northern Ireland, tour and event ticket sales as well as transport information and ticket sales. Free Wi-Fi, left luggage facilities, and a gift shop promoting local produce are just a few more reasons to visit. 

There are also tourist information desks at Belfast’s Grand Central Station and Belfast International Airport (arrivals area), providing tourist information for Belfast and the rest of Northern Ireland.

Be sure to ask staff about the Belfast Visitor Pass. This 1-, 2- or 3-day transport pass extends a range of offers and discounts across attractions, tours, restaurants, cafes and shop making it excellent value for money.