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Modest boost for Belfast hotels during All Ireland Fleadh

John CampbellEconomics and business editor, BBC News NI
PA Media A woman and four girls are Irish dancing. The woman is in the centre with two girls on each side of her. They're wearing green dresses and black dance shoes. All are propelled off the ground.PA Media
Irish dancers took to the streets of Belfast during the Fleadh

The All Ireland Fleadh gave the Belfast hotel market a modest boost during August, initial survey data suggests.

The official figures show in the period January to August average room occupancy reached 77%, up 6 percentage points from 71% during the same period in 2025.

Across Northern Ireland as a whole, official estimates show almost 470,000 beds were sold in August 2026, up 5% from the 447,000 in August 2025.

The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann ran from 2 to 9 August - it was the first time the event had been held in Belfast.

People visiting Belfast for the Fleadh were not just staying in hotels.

Self catering and student accommodation was used as well as a dedicated campsite.

PA Media A large crowd of people watch a performer on a stage outside Belfast City Hall. A screen above the stage shows the performer. Trees are at the front of the grounds. Tall, grey stone buildings are in the background.PA Media
Large crowds gathered to watch performers at Belfast City Hall throughout the Fleadh

The festival exceeded the organisers' expectations, with 1.6 million visits to the city recorded over eight days of celebrations.

More than 176,000 people were in the city centre on the day of the opening ceremony - an increase of 95% on the same day last year.

There were more than 200 events planned across the city, with live music sessions, dance classes and family fun days featuring in the programme.

The Fleadh's main outdoor stage was located outside Belfast City Hall and offered free live performances each day.

The biggest change for residents and visitors was the creation of a large pedestrianised zone in the city centre over the course of the festival to allow for performances and activities to take place.