We got hungover finding the 5 best bars in Belfast!
Can’t stand overpriced cocktails, watered-down pints, long queues, subpar music, or just an overall bad experience at the bar? Same here. My pals and I go through crazy workweeks, and we just want to have a blast without any inconveniences.
After a lot of dull or disappointing nights in the city, we made it our mission to try every drinking spot we could. Now, we know what’s good whenever we want to destress with great beers.
Whether you’re a nightlife aficionado, bar-hopper, or live music junkie, here are a couple of top-rated bars in Belfast worth your attention.
1. The Harp Bar
Address: 35 Hill St
Phone: +44 28 9032 9923, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Tue-Thurs: 2:00pm – 1:00am
- Fri: 11:30am – 12:00am
- Sat: 11:30am – 12:00am, 12:30am – 1:00am
- Sun: 4:00pm – 12:00am, 12:30am – 1:00am
- Mon: Closed
The Harp Bar in Belfast is the place to be for independent draught beers, extensive whiskeys, and light snacks. This stylish pub is located in Cathedral Quarter, so we believe it’s highly accessible for nightlife enthusiasts.
It’s also decorated in plush red velvet fabrics with Victorian furnishings and warm lighting, making us appreciate its antique and cosy vibe.
We love the live music venue on its 2 floors as well. For one, it hosts homegrown talent from the likes of Van Morrison. If you don’t know him, he’s a legendary Northern Irish singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice.
But while many commend the fun music, keep in mind that this bar isn’t exactly best for dancing. The tables and chairs are pretty close to each other, and you can enjoy the bands only while sitting.
Note that its opening times differ almost every day too! It’s best to check before visiting for a seamless experience.
Had a Great Time
“Love this place, atmosphere,live music and a great time.”
-Ms. Kate Mcdwyer, Google Review
A Favourite
“Called in for drinks, it’s a favourite when visiting Belfast, the service is always warm and friendly, the drinks chilled, the atmosphere is what you make it, highly recommended.”
-Mr. Gavin Leighton, Google Review
2. The Dirty Onion
Address: 3 Hill St
Phone: +44 28 9024 3712, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Sun: 12:00pm – 1:00am
The Dirty Onion is a traditional-looking pub in Belfast with a modern vibe. It’s also known for its Jameson barrel sculpture (inspired by Jameson Irish Whiskey) in its spacious beer garden—great for fresh air, we say.
For us, this is a convenient drinking place, given that it’s open 7 days a week. It also showcases contemporary live bands and acoustic acts with free entry.
We love the themed events too! The best ones for us are the Halloween Pooch Special (where they award the best-dressed dog) and Carnival of Light & Sound (with circus performances).
However, seating for big groups here can be limited during peak hours. It’s best to arrive before dinner to secure enough seats, especially on weekends.
Fabulous Bar
“A fabulous bar and restaurant. Really tasty chicken and ribs, with delicious slaw! Huge portions too. We booked ahead and were glad we did as it was busy even our of season.”
-Ms. Liz Carroll, Google Review
Good Live Music and Beer
“Good live music. Couple of gluten free beer options too.”
-Mr. Nick Boucher, Google Review
3. The Duke of York
Address: 7-11 Commercial Ct
Phone: +44 28 9024 1062, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon, Fri-Sat: 11:30am – 12:00am, 12:30am – 1:00am
- Tue-Thu: 11:30am – 12:00am, 12:30am – 1:00am
- Sun: 1:00pm – 9:00pm, 12:30am – 1:00am
The Duke of York is a classic Belfast pub down a narrow, cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area. This place is popular for its quirky street signage and the memorabilia that cover its ceiling and walls.
Right off the bat, we found it interesting that this traditional bar is a nice contrast to the modern, fashionable establishments surrounding it. In our opinion, this makes it a great backdrop for taking photos outside.
And if you’re coming from a busy workweek, it’s got a mirrored whiskey bar and live music that we think can brighten any mood.
Plus, we love that its outdoor area offers lots of benches! You can enjoy a breezy night as you look at the street art and decor. Alternatively, many enjoy people-watching here too.
Nevertheless, we noticed that there are spots where it’s harder to hear the live band clearly. We suggest asking for assistance upon arrival, so you can get seated in the best area.
Good Atmosphere
“Great pub with a good atmosphere – loads of memorabilia”
-Mr. Tony Denton, Google Review
Great Spot for a Pint
“Super friendly and such a great spot for a pint!! A must come if you’re visiting Belfast.”
-Ms. Kiran Bhola, Google Review
4. The Garrick
Address: 29 Chichester St
Phone: +44 28 9032 1984, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Sat: 11:30am – 1:00am
- Sun: 12:00pm – 12:00am
If bar-hopping in Belfast is your thing, The Garrick offers not 1 or 2, but 3 bars! It’s known to be well-maintained, panelled, and tiled as it was during the 1870s.
We love that this one’s for the sports aficionados too! The bar televises live sports now and then. It’s best to check its schedule online and bring your enthusiastic crew to cheer with.
As for the grub, we appreciate that it offers many menus to keep things organised. It’s got an All Day, Sunday, Daily Specials, Christmas, Meal Deal, and Buffet menu. That’s why for us, this pub is a must-visit no matter the season.
There are different entertainment options as well. We reckon many bar fans would enjoy the singing, DJ, and traditional sessions here.
On top of that, it’s handy for us that guests can host their own private party or meeting upstairs. There’s a Buffet and Sample Set menu for it.
But due to its numerous events, this spot can get pretty noisy and crowded. Service can be slow too. If you prefer a more ‘chill’ experience, we recommend checking its event schedule online beforehand or considering other options.
Solid Destination
“The Garrick is one of Belfast’s classic pubs. It is centralled located. It offers the vibe that one would expect in a pub of this vintage. The bartender was efficient and pulled a perfect Guinness for us. We saddled up to the bar and were served immediately. Fellow patrons engaged with us and were friendly and slightly drunk. The Garrick is most certainly a solid destination for a pint.”
-Mr. Tom L, Google Review
Best Irish Coffee
“Great pub. Best Irish coffee in the country. Massive range of beers”
-Mr. Ryan Tinsley, Google Review
5. The Thirsty Goat
Address: 21 Social, 1 Hill St
Phone: +44 28 9024 1415, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Mon-Thu, Sun: 12:00pm – 1:00am
- Fri-Sat: 12:00pm – 2:00am
The Thirsty Goat is a bar in Belfast that oozes a cool and relaxed vibe. We love that it features Irish cooking too! We bet tourists would love the Boxtys (Irish potato pancakes), stews, and in-house baking for a taste of the country’s traditional cuisine.
We’re also stoked with the big selection of beers, ales, and spirits. There are different flavours, from floral and spicy to citrusy and bubblegum—whichever floats your boat.
It has a beer garden where they hold live music acts too! This pub celebrates local talent from Belfast and the surrounding areas. This includes trad sessions on a lazy afternoon or singing sessions with the live band in the beer garden.
In addition, we find it convenient that visitors can book seats weeks (or even months!) in advance. This means less stress for everybody, especially during holidays.
The only drawback for us is that sometimes, the live music (or the band) might not suit the serene atmosphere this place is known for.
Of course, this depends on the available act that day. You can also reach the staff in advance to ask who’s playing that night.
Very Welcoming
“Fabulous pub in the Cathedral Quarter. Very welcoming and hospitable. Hostess found me a seat & table (eating solo), only one available was by the door, and then within a few minutes came back and offered me a table in a better location. Simple menu with a good offer, inc some Irish staples. Guinness was excellent too.”
-Mr. Mike Harries, Google Review
Great All Around
“Great place! Amazing drinks and really friendly staff. Live music with an all round great atmosphere!”
-Ms. Aleksandra Wojtala, Google Review