More than 1.7 million journeys were made on Translink bus and rail services during the eight days of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Belfast, according to final figures released by the Department for Infrastructure.
The total covers travel across the Translink network from August 2 to August 9. It was more than 620,000 journeys higher than the equivalent period a year earlier, reflecting the movement of visitors and local passengers during one of the largest events hosted in the city centre.
The figures extend an earlier update from the opening days of the festival, when more than 160,000 additional journeys had already been recorded over three days. At that stage, use was running more than 40% above the corresponding period in 2025.
The transport operation included scheduled bus and rail services, Glider routes, an accessible city-centre loop bus and additional late-night services. Dedicated park-and-ride facilities also operated from the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Giant's Park and Belfast Harbour.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited Laganside bus centre during the festival with Translink chief executive Gerard Carlin and met drivers, control-centre teams and other staff involved in the operation.
Temporary traffic arrangements and the pedestrianisation of parts of the city centre formed part of the wider event plan. The Department for Infrastructure said planning and coordination across several organisations had taken place over many months.
The increase provides a substantial live test of how Belfast's transport network can handle concentrated demand over several consecutive days. Public transport carried people to and from performances while walking, wheeling and cycling were promoted for shorter journeys.
The totals count journeys rather than individual passengers, so a return trip is recorded as two journeys. Even with that distinction, the year-on-year comparison shows a pronounced increase in network use while the festival was taking place.