The first Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to take place in Belfast has been hailed as an “unforgettable week” for the city.
More than a million visitors are estimated to have visited the Northern Ireland capital for the world’s biggest celebration of Irish culture and music.
Music from the loyalist community and ethnic minority communities was also showcased.
Public transport provider Translink counted more than 1.7 million passenger journeys across its bus and rail network during the Fleadh – 620,000 additional journeys compared with the equivalent period last year.
The Fleadh is to return to Belfast next summer.
Speaking at the closing event at Belfast City Hall on Sunday night, Niall McClean, co-chairman of the organising committee, said the city had shone.
“We’ve brought every single community together – and everybody has absolutely loved it,” he said.
“Belfast has shone, the world has come to our doorstep, bringing the biggest numbers ever seen for a Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland described having conducted “an extremely complex and intensive policing operation” and commended the positivity of the week.
Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally, who led on the policing operation, said there has been “overwhelming positivity”.
“Our officers and staff worked tirelessly to help deliver an event unlike anything previously seen in Northern Ireland,” he said.
The professionalism shown by our officers on the ground, who assisted with the smooth running of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, is a credit to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the communities they serve.”
He described meticulous planning by police and partner agencies to support the event, including traffic and transport and ensuring the safety of those in attendance.
“It was important that Belfast continued to run as normal but with the additional event management with footfall in excess of one million arriving in the city centre,” he said.
“This was an extremely complex and intensive policing operation, which was ultimately delivered to the highest standards.
“It was clear our officers were warmly received by visitors, spectators and those involved in the events.
“Not only did they minimise any disruption to the city centre, but they certainly added to the overall feel good factor that continues to emanate following Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
“Belfast further positioned itself as a wonderful destination for visitors and further demonstrated its ability to deliver world class events.
“There was overwhelming positivity throughout Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, alongside our partner agencies played a vital role in its success.”
Translink Group chief executive Gerard Carlin hailed the Fleadh as a “phenomenal success”, adding they were “delighted to play our part in making it such a brilliant occasion for the city and Northern Ireland as a whole”.
“Delivering transport for an event of this scale required extensive planning, significant capacity enhancements and hundreds of additional bus and rail services,” he said.
“While there were periods of exceptionally high demand, our teams remained focused on adapting to changing travel patterns and doing everything possible to help customers reach their destinations.”
He added: “Our stations including Belfast Grand Central, Lanyon Place and Laganside, played a major part in this operation as welcoming gateways into the city centre – the craic was terrific with many impromptu musical performances across our network to the delight of passengers and staff.
“Planning is already under way for its welcome return next year and we will use the experience of the past week to help shape our 2027 transport plan when Translink will once again be ready to make it an event everyone can be proud of.”
