In Belfast, there is always a venue or bar with a fantastic lineup of traditional music sessions any day of the week. Enjoy a night out with your friends and immerse yourself in Irish culture. Also, discover when the next Belfast TradFest festival is taking place and learn about the art of traditional music through talks, workshops and live shows.
Céilí at the Castle
For two hours you’ll be served a delicious traditional meal, a complimentary drink, soak in performances of popular Irish traditional folk tunes and songs, have a chance to try your hand at the bodhrán, or Irish drum, and even become an expert at pouring your own Guinness – all while meeting new friends at this iconic Belfast location.
Belfast City of Song
This 90 minute singing/walking tour will journey through Belfast’s past with two of Belfast’s leading folk-singers Maurice Leyden and Jane Cassidy to tell the story of Belfast as it grew from a small town to an industrial city. The tour will end in a beautiful old historic pub with a bowl of Soup/Stew and will open the floor for participants to engage in a sing song!
The Belfast Gaeltacht Experience
Our Gaeltacht Experience is perfect for groups of 25 or more as we give you a taste of life in the Gaeltacht Quarter of Belfast. We provide a 3 course meal with live music throughout, a brief talk on the history of An Chultúrlann and the Gaeltacht Quarter, an Irish Language taster session, followed by a lively Céilí with our Bean an Tí, Máire Uí Bhruadar.
Contact oifigfailte@culturlann.ie for more information.
Whites Tavern & Garden
Whites Tavern & Garden is located on Winecellar Entry, which was named after the many wine and spirit merchants located there. Whites Tavern always has a full weekend line up of Irish traditional sessions, singers and bands.
The Duke of York
Nestled along a narrow, cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area, The Duke offers a traditional Belfast welcome of craic, music and humour in contrast to the modern, fashionable establishments currently blowing into the surrounding streets. The Duke of York always has a fantastic lineup of live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Dirty Onion
A former spirit warehouse, The Dirty Onion is said to be Belfast’s oldest building, with low ceilings supported by exposed wooden beams and original brick walls throughout. The Dirty Onion offer entertainment 7 nights a week, with a strong focus on contemporary live bands and acoustic acts… Oh, and it is also free entry every night! Find out more here.
The Deer's Head
For music enthusiasts, enjoy live music sessions in the bar every week from the best local talent. There is traditional music every Saturday at The Deer’s Head! Enjoy live music sessions in the bar every week from the best local talents, from ukulele jams to trad sessions.
Upstairs, you’ll find The Deer’s Head Music Hall; a 200-capacity venue showcasing everything from local blues artists to popular touring bands from the UK, Ireland and beyond.
The Errigle Inn
The Errigle Inn is known as one of Ireland’s most famous traditional pubs with a great reputation for excellent food, music and atmosphere. Weekly The Errigle Inn host ‘Traditional Tuesdays’ at 10pm!’
Live Traditional Music Sessions every Tuesday night, Trad is Back! Free Entry.
The John Hewitt Bar
The John Hewitt has become a popular venue for quality, live music with a close relationship with the arts in Belfast. The bar being very much traditional in style lent itself well to traditional music sessions, and from there its name was established as a venue for various styles of good, live music.
The John Hewitt Afternoon Session on a Saturday has been playing since the bar opened their doors in 1999. A session that you wouldn’t want to miss, full of the finest Traditional Irish music.
The John Hewitt Bar bring you LIVE Entertainment, at Least 6 Nights per Week. Admission FREE.
Granny Annies Kitchen
Oozing rustic charm, ‘home’ to traditional and modern live music, and just five minutes’ walk from Belfast City Hall; Granny Annies Kitchen is the perfect venue for your gastro dining experience. Menus include some of Granny’s favourites.
Belfast Traditional Music Trail
The Belfast Traditional Music Trail is a unique way to experience Irish music. With two professional musicians as your guides, walk through cobbled alleyways, past famous landmarks and on to private bars in some of the city’s oldest buildings. At each of the three stops you will be treated to a performance of traditional tunes, songs and stories, all of which make up your own personal ‘session’. Enjoy a local beer, cider, whiskey or Guinness while learning about the instruments, language, customs and history that make up Ireland’s vibrant musical tradition.
The Points Bar
The Points is a traditional Irish pub situated in the heart of Dublin Road Belfast with Traditional Live Music 7 Nights A Week plus The Points Irish dancers every Friday & Saturday evenings. Complimentary Bodhran lessons every Tuesday 7.30pm – 9.30pm.
Looking for something different?
Despite our traditional roots Belfast has plenty of places to enjoy world music and discover something new. Lose yourself in a tropical party at Revolución de Cuba with live samba music and salsa dancing; or be transported to 1930s New York at Bert’s Jazz Bar or Scott's Jazz Club.
