Historic Courtyards & Traditional Gardens
Duke of York
No list of Belfast beer gardens would be complete without the Duke of York. Nestled in Commercial Court, one of the most photographed cobbled alleyways in the city, this legendary bar spills outside in spectacular fashion. On a warm evening, the atmosphere outside here is utterly unique. Inside, the Duke is crammed with original mirrors, memorabilia and the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Ireland, with live music from Thursday to Sunday. But in summer, it's the alleyway that steals the show.
White's Tavern, Garden & BeerHall
Belfast's oldest tavern, holding the city's first-ever licence, granted in 1630 is White's Tavern. It is is tucked down Winecellar Entry, just off High Street. After a major refurbishment in 2019 and the addition of White's Garden in 2020, it now offers a lovely outdoor space where you can enjoy small plates, fresh cocktails and live sport on the big screens. Rich in history, warm in welcome, and with a garden that really comes into its own on a good day.
Dirty Onion & Yardbird
Belfast's oldest building, dating back to 1780, is also home to one of its best outdoor spaces. Real Irish music and craic seven nights a week, makes this one of the most characterful outdoor drinking spots in the city. On a warm evening, with music drifting out into the beer garden and courtyard, the atmosphere is like nowhere else.
Henry's & The Jailhouse
Step off the bustle of the city centre and into Joy's Entry, one of Belfast's original 17th-century lanes, to find Henry's and its adjoining sister bar, The Jailhouse. The atmospheric outdoor setting in Joy's Entry, with its exposed brickwork and period features, makes for a wonderful spot to enjoy a pint of local beer or a glass of Irish whiskey surrounded by a little piece of Belfast history.
The Morning Star
Tucked down Pottinger's Entry, one of Belfast's atmospheric Victorian alleyways, The Morning Star is one of the city's most historic and picturesque pubs. A multi-award winner, including RAI Best Gastro Pub, and a genuine Belfast gem with outdoor seating to make the most of on a fine day.
The Deer's Head & Bell's Brewery
Belfast's original brewpub, founded in 1885, The Deer's Head is a beautifully restored traditional saloon with a fully operational craft brewery, Bell's Brewery, on full display inside. You can watch the entire brewing process from your seat, smell the malt being mashed and the hops going in on brew days, and then drink the results fresh from the tank. Live music runs seven nights a week (including ukulele jams, trad sessions and local DJs), and the outdoor space makes it a great warm-weather stop in the city centre.
Fountain Lane
Feeding and watering Belfast since 1901, Fountain Lane is a historic city centre pub with a proud sense of place. Today it's known for great local pub grub served from noon until 9pm daily, a full range of local draught and craft beers, an extensive Irish whiskey selection and live music from Thursday to Sunday. A warm, welcoming outdoor space makes it a sociable stop in the heart of the city.
The Points Bar
A traditional Irish pub right on the Dublin Road, The Points is a warm, inviting spot with a focus on whiskeys, ales and live traditional music seven nights a week - including Irish dancers every Friday and Saturday evening. Complimentary bodhran lessons run every Tuesday, Irish language lessons every Monday, and you can even pour your own pint of Guinness if you fancy a go.
Big Beer Gardens & Outdoor Bars
The National
Home to Belfast's biggest beer garden, The National is set within a stunning listed Victorian building on High Street and offers a contemporary twist on its beautiful historic bones. Cocktails are excellent, and the space has enough room that you can always find your spot.
Lavery's
Belfast's oldest family-owned pub, established in 1918, Lavery's is a Belfast institution with outdoor spaces to match its legendary status. You'll find a street-level beer garden, two roof gardens and four bars spread across the building - plus Northern Ireland's largest pool room.
Union Street Bar & Restaurant
Housed in a beautifully converted 19th-century shoe factory, Union Street Bar offers not one but two outdoor spaces. With entertainment seven nights a week, from karaoke and live music to drag shows, Union Street is one of Belfast's most vibrant and inclusive venues.
Belfast Empire
One of Belfast's most beloved live music and entertainment venues, the Empire is set in a spectacular Victorian-era church and has been a fixture of the city's nightlife since 1987. Its outdoor space is a private walled beer garden, complete with heaters for cooler evenings and a widescreen TV so you never have to miss the big match. With a full programme of evening entertainment including live music, blues nights, comedy from the Empire Laughs Back Comedy Club, it's a great spot in one of Belfast's most characterful areas.
Amelia Hall
A lively bar, wood-fired pizzeria and beer terrace in the heart of the Linen Quarter, Amelia Hall has become one of Belfast's favourite warm-weather destinations. The outdoor beer terrace is relaxed and sociable, perfect for long summer sessions with artisan pizza and craft drinks.
Parlour Bar
The ultimate student haunt in the Queen's Quarter, The Parlour Bar is beloved for its fantastic entertainment, brilliant wood-fired oven pizzas and a lively atmosphere that draws a diverse crowd. The outdoor space is a popular spot for a pint in the sunshine near Queen's University.
Further Afield
The Bowery
South Belfast's premier neighbourhood bar and gastropub, The Bowery is a stylish, welcoming spot on the Lisburn Road with a fully heated and covered outside terrace. Cocktails, an extensive wine list and a solid draught beer selection complete the picture.
The Crafty Vintner Tasting Room
Belfast's premier wine café and bar, the Crafty Vintner is a neighbourhood gem with a fully heated and covered outside terrace. The standout feature is the Enomatic wine machine system, a wonderful way to explore new favourites.
Cutters Wharf
Cutters Wharf sits on the banks of the River Lagan with stunning views of the water and a brilliant outdoor space that's one of the most scenic in the city. Whether you're watching live sports, catching a band or simply nursing a cold pint while the Lagan drifts past, the outdoor setting here is hard to beat on a fine day.
Errigle Inn
A South Belfast institution set on the Ormeau Road, the Errigle Inn is one of the most impressive pub complexes in the city. Five bars, an off-licence, roof gardens and a beer garden and over 20 different beers on tap, ranging from Guinness and Heineken to craft beers from local breweries including Hilden and Whitewater.
Bullhouse East
Belfast's very first permanent brewery taproom, Bullhouse East is a community-focused craft beer destination right next to CS Lewis Square in East Belfast. Twenty rotating taps pour the freshest local and international craft beer you're unlikely to find elsewhere in Northern Ireland. The outdoor beer garden is heated and comes with a wood-fired pizza oven, with pizzas available from 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.
Horatio Todd's
Horatio Todd's is a comfortable, welcoming gastropub in the heart of Ballyhackamore. Named after a well-known local pharmacist, it's a pub with real character. The beer garden is one of East Belfast's best, complete with a retractable roof, and offers first-class drinks, snacks and service when the sun comes out.
