Getting To Belfast For Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
If you're travelling to Belfast for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this August, getting here couldn't be easier. With two airports, great road and rail links, plus daily ferry services, the city is well connected to the Republic of Ireland, the UK and beyond.
Whether you're planning to visit for the whole Fleadh week, stopping by for a night or two or thinking of extending your stay to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer, a little forward planning goes a long way.
From rail routes to bus connections, air travel information to getting here by car, you'll find all you need to know about how to get to Belfast below.
By Rail
For visitors travelling up via Dublin, the train is the most straightforward way to get to Belfast. The Enterprise service connects Dublin Connolly with Belfast Grand Central Station, with multiple services running daily and a journey time of just over two hours.
Timetables and more information can be found on the Translink.co.uk website, while connecting rail service information from other areas in the Republic of Ireland can be found at irishrail.ie.
Belfast has a number of train stops located within the city itself, making rail an easy way to get around. Main stations include Belfast Grand Central Station and Lanyon Place, both of which are centrally located and close to major hotels and attractions.
If you're staying further outside the city, travelling from elsewhere or planning to explore a little more of Northern Ireland while you're here, NI Railways operates regular services which link Belfast with Derry~Londonderry, Newry, Bangor, Lisburn and other towns across the region.
Timetables for all NI Railways services can be found via Translink.co.uk.
By Bus and Coach
From Dublin, both Translink and Bus Éireann operate frequent services to Belfast city centre, with a journey time of around two hours. Long-distance coach operators including Aircoach and Expressway also serve the route.
Within Northern Ireland, the Translink Goldline network connects Belfast city with other towns and cities across the region, including Derry~Londonderry, Coleraine, Enniskillen and Newry. Timetables can be found via Translink.co.uk.
By Car
Belfast is well connected to the rest of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland by motorways and main roads. If you're travelling to Belfast by car, below is a list of main routes to the city and approximate journey times:
- From Dublin: Approx. 2 hours via the M1 / A1
- From Derry~Londonderry: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes via the A6
- From Enniskillen: Approx. 2 hours via the A4 / M1
Be aware that during the Fleadh week, traffic is expected to be busy particularly on main routes inbound to Belfast. Live VMS road signs will be visible on main roads and motorways to provide information and directions: please ensure to follow these rather than sat-navs or map apps in order to best manage congestion and avoid road closures.
Park & Ride services will be available at key locations, including Giants Park in the north of the city and Belfast Harbour Estate towards the east, with regular shuttle bus services running into the city centre. Final details will be confirmed closer to the event, with further information on car parking, EV charging stations and more to be published via fleadhcheoil.ie.
By Air
Belfast has two airports with regular services from the Republic of Ireland, the UK and wider Europe.
George Best Belfast City Airport is around 10 minutes from the city centre, with flights from London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh and other major UK hubs. The Airport Express 600 bus connects the airport with the city centre throughout the day, and taxis are available outside the terminal.
Belfast International Airport is around 30 minutes from the city, serving a wide range of UK, European and transatlantic routes. The Airport Express 300 connects directly with Belfast city centre, and car hire is available on site.
By Ferry
Daily ferry services connect Belfast and the nearby town of Larne with Scotland and northern England, making it easy to travel across the water by car or on foot.
Stena Line operates services between Belfast, Cairnryan and Liverpool Birkenhead, while P&O Ferries sails between Larne and Cairnryan. Larne also connects Northern Ireland with the Isle of Man, with year-round services operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry.
Both ports are within easy reach of Belfast city centre, with the Metro 96 bus connecting the Stena Line terminal to Belfast and a direct train service from Larne Harbour train station to Belfast Grand Central station.
Getting Around Belfast
Once you're here, Belfast is a compact city that's easy to explore and navigate. Most of the main Fleadh venues are within easy walking distance of each other, while the city also has an excellent public transport network.
The Glider rapid transit service runs east to west across the city, while Metro bus services cover the wider Belfast area. Taxis are widely available throughout the city, along with guided bus tours, the Belfast Bike hire scheme and more.
If you have mobility needs and require wheelchair or mobility scooter hire services to explore our attractions with greater ease and independence, Shopmobility helps make exploring Northern Ireland more accessible for everyone. More information can be found via the Shopmobility website.
