Record numbers use public transport during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

More than 1.7 million passenger journeys were made across the Translink bus and rail network during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with over 620,000 additional journeys compared with the equivalent period last year.

The record numbers underline the scale of the public transport operation delivered across Belfast and Northern Ireland to support the world's biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, helping hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to and from events throughout the week.

Throughout the eight-day festival, Translink operated enhanced bus and rail services across its network to meet unprecedented demand as visitors from across Northern Ireland, Ireland and beyond travelled to Belfast to take part in the historic event.

Speaking about the scale & impact of the transport operation, Gerard Carlin, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: 

"Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has been a phenomenal success and we’ve been delighted to play our part in making it such a brilliant occasion for the city and Northern Ireland as a whole, welcoming visitors from all across the world. 

“Firstly, I’d like to thank our customers for choosing public transport and for their patience and support, especially during those busiest times. 

“I'd also like to thank our employees, volunteers and partners whose professionalism, dedication and hard work helped deliver a transport operation on an unprecedented scale.

“There’s a vast amount of work that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ to ensure safe and effective bus and train operations and I’d like to pay tribute to all my colleagues for their professionalism as they worked tirelessly and played such an integral role in this outstanding event. 

"Delivering transport for an event of this scale required extensive planning, significant capacity enhancements and hundreds of additional bus and rail services. While there were periods of exceptionally high demand, our teams remained focused on adapting to changing travel patterns and doing everything possible to help customers reach their destinations.

“Our stations including Belfast Grand Central, Lanyon Place and Laganside, played a major part in this operation as welcoming gateways into the city centre – the craic was terrific with many impromptu musical performances across our network to the delight of passengers and staff. 

“With more than 1.7 million journeys made during the week, public transport played a vital role in connecting people with the Fleadh while helping support increased city centre footfall and significant economic activity across Belfast.

"The success of the week demonstrates the important role public transport plays in supporting major events and showcasing Belfast as a destination capable of hosting world-class occasions.

“Planning is already underway for its welcome return next year and we will use the experience of the past week to help shape our 2027 transport plan when Translink will once again be ready to make it an event everyone can be proud of,” said Gerard. 

ENDS