Travel advice ahead of King's visit to Northern Ireland

King Charles will visit Hillsborough and Belfast

Preparations underway outside St Anne's Cathedral
Author: Chloe StjohnPublished 13th Sep 2022

Large crowds are expected today as King Charles makes his first visit to Northern Ireland as monarch.

He'll be joined by Queen Consort Camilla as they meet Stormont leaders at Hillsborough Castle this afternoon, where floral tributes have been piling up since the Queen's death.

The Royals will then head to a special church service at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast, where new Prime Minister Liz Truss will be amongst the congregation.

With large crowds expected to attend, people are being warned to expect traffic disruption in both locations.

Those hoping to be amongst the crowds are being given the following advice:

Hillsborough

Translink says for anyone who wants to be in Royal Hillsborough during the visit, shuttle bus services will be available from 7.00am - 10.30am (subject to change) departing from both Lisburn Train Station and the Eikon Centre.

General public shuttle bus services to/from Royal Hillsborough will then resume again from 4.00pm – 8.00pm (subject to change).

The public is reminded that there is no parking permitted in Royal Hillsborough.

Belfast City Centre

Belfast City Council says the Royals will pass through Wellington Place, Donegall Sq North, Chichester St & Victoria St.

Members of the public are welcome along the route.

The service at St Anne’s Cathedral is for invited guests only, but it will be broadcast on a big screen in City Hall grounds from 3pm.

The council is advising people to plan ahead if travelling to & from the city centre, and to leave extra time for your journey.

Preparations are being made in Belfast City Centre

There will be diversions in place & both Donegall St & Writers’ Sq will be closed.

Meanwhile, Translink says “Due to the visit of His Majesty the King & Queen Consort there will also be traffic diversions in Belfast City Centre impacting Translink services in the area.”

“Customers should expect some delays and leave extra time for their journeys.”

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Preparations are being made in Belfast City Centre