Organisers said they are turning the space into ‘one of the city’s biggest festival destinations’
A car park in the heart of Belfast City Centre is preparing to be transformed for the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in August.
North Street Car Park, which falls in the pedestrian zone, will swap cars for craic as a pop-up ‘Fleadh hub’ will host guests from August 2-9.
Fleadh Cheoil is the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, hosted in Belfast for the very first time – competitors from all over the world will showcase the very best of traditional music, song, dance and language in All-Ireland competitions.
Over 800,000 people are expected to enjoy the eight-day event, which will also include street performances, pub sessions and stage concerts.
Earlier this year, a 14-day occasional outdoor entertainment licence was granted for the car park from within a marquee located on the site.
The license was applied for by Kelvin Collins, the director of popular pubs Ben Madigan’s Bar & Kitchen in North Belfast and Seatons of Sailortown.
According to social media, preparations have already begun for ‘The Fleadh at North St.’, with the marquee tent being cleaned and ready to set up for the Session Garden on site.
A social media post read: “For eight unforgettable days during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Belfast 2026, we’re transforming North Street Car Park into one of the city’s biggest festival destinations.
“Whether you’re dropping in for a pint between sessions, meeting friends for food, or spending the whole evening with us, North Street is where Belfast comes together.”
The Fleadh at North St. will host live traditional music every day, serve Heineken and Beamish at the bar, and offer local street food and artisan coffee during the eight-day celebrations.
According to the Fleadh guide, it will be open from 3 pm until late.
It said: “Belfast’s pop-up Fleadh hub — live music, bars, street food, sessions and festival craic at North Street Car Park, 2–9 August 2026.
“Featuring the Session garden where musicians are welcome at any time, and the Heineken Marquee, with live music daily during the Fleadh from 3pm till late”.
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