Top 10 Beer Gardens in Belfast

Cutters is the go-to summer spot in Belfast when the sun comes out. On the banks of the River Lagan, you can enjoy delicious food, cocktails and barbecues throughout the summer months while enjoying beautiful views over the River Lagan. If Northern Ireland’s famous forecasts aren’t behaving there are retractable awnings and blinds that allow al fresco dining all year round.

The Duke of York is a traditional Belfast bar crammed with original mirrors and memorabilia, boasting cold beer, great Guinness and the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Ireland. Yet when the sun is shining, outside is where you’ll find most of Belfast standing along a fairy light lit Commercial Court.

Enter through an unassuming door on Franklin Street, ugo up 5 floors in an old service elevator and discover The Perch Rooftop Bar, unlike any other bar in the city. The Perch has a beautiful large centre bar, surrounded by original window features, brick clad walls and adorned with birdcages and artwork. Sip on cocktails and sangria in the height of summer and hot cider, winter warmers and blankets in the winter.

This old bonding warehouse has been transformed into one of Belfast’s coolest bars. With its unmissable wooden facade, outdoor bar and live music seven nights a week, The Dirty Onion is a great spot to enjoy a chilled pint on a summer evening in the Cathedral Quarter.

With mouth-watering cocktails, craft beers and their very own Bullitt brew, the super stylish Bullitt Bar is where it’s all happening. Grab a drink and relax in the cosy courtyard right in the heart of Belfast city centre.

The Parlour Bar is popular with students and just a short walk from Queen’s University. From a cosy interior with squishy chairs and a lived in feel, step out the back to find the beer garden. Topiary lined with heat lamps and quaint garden features, relax with a cocktail and a pizza prepared fresh in the clay oven.

Kelly’s Cellars is one of Belfast’s oldest traditional Irish pubs, in the heart of the city. Built in 1720, the bar has changed very little in 200 years and still has most of its original features. Though not strictly a beer garden, the front of Kelly’s Cellars transforms in good weather with picnic benches, beer barrels and bar stools to perch on plus and live, traditional music in the “garden sessions”.

The National boasts an indoor-outdoor feel with live plants growing from the rafters and a very tempting cocktail menu put together with local produce. Outside the large beer garden hosts tables and a bar amongst large planters made from sleepers. The beer garden comes alive in summer with regular barbecues and events and you’ll find live there every Friday and Saturday night.

The Jailhouse offers a fantastic range of traditional food, local drinks and entertainment alongside the heritage of Joys Entry. Among the historical buildings in the entry, there’s a cosy outdoor seating area that is often decked out for different seasons and usually filled with a buzzing atmosphere.

Serving local and international craft beers, the Sunflower is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The pub is instantly recognisable by the 1980s security cage on the front door, and is known for its gypsy, folk and trad live music. The beer garden has a laid back vibe and an outdoor kitchen serving wood-fired pizza – the perfect accompaniment with a pint.