5th August 2026
Belfast city centre footfall almost doubled on the opening Sunday of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with Belfast One Business Improvement District (BID) reporting a 95% year-on-year increase to 176,462 people on Sunday 2 August.
The figures, recorded by Belfast One BID cameras which track footfall for their district, one square mile around Belfast City Hall, show the uplift for the first of two trial days for extended trading hours, with many retailers opening from 11am.
Monday’s (3 August) footfall figures also showed an increase of 75% on the same day last year to 165,077, with a 126.3% increase on last week’s (w/c 27 July) footfall figures.
CEO Martina Connolly commented: “These figures are fantastic to see and are a real reflection of the excitement surrounding this year’s event. It’s been wonderful to be part of the opening days and to see so many people enjoying our city centre and the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere we strive so hard to deliver.
“We’re looking forward to what the rest of the week brings and to welcoming even more visitors and residents to Belfast for this world-class event.”
