Belfast Castle to host markets over an eight month period

Councillors at Belfast City Council this week approved an application from Artisan Markets NI to hold a number of markets at the castle over the period April to November 2026.

The decision, made at the monthly meeting of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee at City Hall, will go for ratification at the full council next month, where it is expected it will pass.

Belfast City Council has exclusive rights to hold markets in Belfast. Anyone wishing to operate a market or car boot sale within Belfast must apply to the council for permission to do so.

The income generated for the council from the licence on the Belfast Castle arrangement will be £1,250.

Around eight markets are scheduled, each involving around 40 stalls for shopping, crafts and food.

The proposal is to run markets on eight dates, from 11am until 4pm. The dates are April 19, June 21, July 19, August 2, 8 and 9 (to coincide with the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann), September 13 and November 28. There will be a selection of around 36 stalls at each market.

A committee report on the application states: “The organisers have been successfully running artisan craft markets in various locations since 2014 and currently operate regular markets in Portballintrae, Greyabbey, Killyleagh and Greenisland.

“As makers themselves, they are passionate about promoting and encouraging appreciation of the wide variety, originality and incredibly high quality of goods created by artists, creators and producers in Northern Ireland.”