Belfast city centre recorded an estimated 1.65 million visits during the eight days of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, according to figures released after the festival ended. The total is a footfall count rather than a measure of unique visitors, so one person entering the monitored area more than once can be counted on each occasion.
Belfast One Business Improvement District collected the figures through city-centre footfall cameras. Saturday was reported as the busiest day, with 289,560 visits recorded. The event had been expected to attract at least 800,000 visits before it opened, making the final recorded movement through the centre substantially higher than the planning estimate.
The first Belfast staging concluded in the early hours of Monday after a closing programme outside City Hall. Organisers estimated that at least 4,000 people remained in the grounds at 1am for the final speeches and music. The senior céilí band competition winners, Lissadell Céilí Band, delivered the last performance of the night.
More than 200 events formed part of the programme between August 2 and 9, alongside competitions, street sessions and performances in venues across the centre. Belfast City Council delivered the event with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, its Ards branch and a group of transport, cultural and public-service partners.
A full assessment of the economic impact has not yet been completed. The Department for the Economy previously estimated that the event could add £53m to the local economy, but ministers have said a formal evaluation will be needed before a final figure is established. That work will also examine lessons for future major events and city-centre planning.
The Fleadh is due to return to Belfast from August 1 to 8 next year. Some temporary road restrictions and event infrastructure remain in place during the clear-up, and the council has advised residents and businesses that parts of the takedown operation will continue until Wednesday.