Opportunities for businesses during Fleadh 2026

From pop-up shops to pavement cafés, explore the range of support for businesses who want to trade during the Fleadh. 

Belfast will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for the first time from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August 2026. 

With over 800,000 visitors travelling to Belfast from across Ireland and the world, the hospitality, retail and service sectors can expect increased demand before, during and after the event.

Belfast City Council is providing support to ensure that your business or organisation is prepared for this valuable opportunity. Support includes: 

Trading opportunities

Whether you’re interested in a temporary pop-up or keen to maximise capacity from existing premises, there are trading opportunities to be explored ahead of the Fleadh. Belfast City Council’s licensing team can offer advice about specific proposals. You can contact them by emailing buildingcontrollicensing@belfastcity.gov.uk. This includes queries on entertainment licensing.

Temporary street trading licences

Belfast City Council has opportunities for traders to apply for a temporary street trading licence during the Fleadh.

Food and drink vendors

A Fleadh Food Village in the grounds of Saint Anne’s Cathedral will offer food and drink traders space to showcase their produce to thousands of event attendees. Recruitment will open soon. 

Pavement cafés

Belfast City Council issues licences for pavement cafés in Belfast. A pavement café licence authorises a business supplying food or drink (in or from premises) to place furniture on a public area for use by customers. Read more about pavement café licences. 

Find further Fleadh information and support from Belfast City Council.

First published 29 April 2026