The scale of Belfast’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann can be seen in the footfall figures.
Belfast One’s six city-centre cameras recorded 900,020 pedestrian movements between Sunday 2 August and Thursday 6 August. During the same five days in 2025, the figure was 537,921.
That represents an additional 362,099 movements and a 67% increase. Thursday alone produced footfall of 227,170, while the total was estimated to have passed one million before the final weekend concluded. Source: Belfast City Council
The atmosphere was visible as well as measurable. One Belfast retailer summed it up perfectly:
“People were literally dancing in the streets, young and old alike.”
These figures represent recorded footfall rather than one million separate visitors. Nevertheless, the comparison with last year demonstrates the exceptional scale of the week.
Not every business benefited equally
Large events do not distribute spending evenly.
Food vendors, pubs, hotels and businesses close to the main activity may have experienced exceptional demand. Other retailers may have seen little improvement, particularly if regular customers avoided the city because of congestion or changed travel arrangements.
Both things can be true. An individual business can have a disappointing week while the event still delivers a substantial overall economic benefit.
The money does not stop at Belfast’s boundary
The Department for the Economy’s pre-event forecast was an economic impact of approximately £53 million, based on more than 700,000 visitors. A final figure will require a proper post-event evaluation. Source: Department for the Economy
However, the benefit should not be measured only through Belfast tills.
Food vendors, performers, production companies and temporary staff will take earnings back to communities across Northern Ireland. Some of that money may subsequently be spent on wages, stock, fuel, household bills and local services in smaller towns and villages.
Not every pound will remain in Northern Ireland, but part of this new visitor spending can continue circulating long after the stages and stalls have disappeared.
Féile an Phobail’s contribution matters too
The Fleadh also coincided with Féile an Phobail, which ran from 25 July to 9 August and expected more than 120,000 visitors across over 500 events.
Based largely in West Belfast, Féile supports performers, venues, hospitality businesses, event suppliers, food traders and workers. The income and activity it generates for Belfast and communities beyond the city should not be underestimated, unappreciated or taken for granted. Visit Féile an Phobail
Belfast gets another opportunity in 2027
The Fleadh has already been confirmed to return to Belfast in 2027, when it will celebrate its 75th milestone year.
Belfast now has an opportunity to learn from 2026 and make next year’s event even bigger and better. That means encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore more of Northern Ireland and bring more new money into this part of the world. Read the 2027 announcement
The Fleadh provided the stage, but its economic and tourism dividend—and that of Féile an Phobail—can reach far beyond Belfast.
