Crown Liquor Saloon
There is nowhere quite like the Crown. Dating back to 1826 and now owned by the National Trust, this is one of the great bars of the world. A breathtaking Victorian gin palace of polychromatic tiles, burnished gold ceilings, mosaic floors, ornate carved woodwork, etched glass and painted fairies, pineapples and fleurs-de-lis wherever you look. The famous granite-topped bar divides into a series of private snugs, each with its own bell for ordering. Revered for its real ales, classic pub food and its extraordinary interior, the Crown is as much a piece of Belfast's soul as it is a pub.
Duke of York
Tucked down a narrow cobbled alleyway in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, the Duke of York is everything a great Belfast pub should be - warm, welcoming and full of character. The bar is crammed with original mirrors and memorabilia, pours a legendary pint of Guinness and boasts the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Ireland. Live music runs from Thursday to Sunday, and the outdoor alleyway is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Dirty Onion & Yardbird
Belfast's oldest building, dating back to 1780 and once a Jameson whiskey bonded warehouse, The Dirty Onion delivers live traditional music seven nights a week, from proper trad sessions and open singing workshops to free bodhran lessons every Tuesday. On a warm evening, with music drifting out into the beer garden and courtyard, the atmosphere is like nowhere else in the city.
The Second Fiddle
The Second Fiddle is one of Belfast's finest traditional music venues. Sitting in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, directly across from the five-star Merchant Hotel, it hosts some of the city's best trad and folk musicians four nights a week, Thursday to Sunday, alongside weekly bodhran lessons, Irish language classes and local art exhibitions. An intimate, beautiful pub that takes Irish culture seriously. Dog friendly, and with a large outdoor beer garden too.
White's Tavern, Garden & BeerHall
Belfast's oldest tavern holds Belfast's first-ever licence, granted in 1630 on Winecellar Entry. The narrow alleyway just off High Street that takes its name from the wine and spirit merchants who once made it their home. Refurbished in 2019 with the addition of a garden and beer hall, it's a wonderful blend of deep history and fresh energy. Small plates, craft cocktails, live sport and live music make it one of the most versatile pubs in the city.
The Garrick Bar
Established in 1870 on the site of a former marble and stone yard, with rumours of liquor being sold under the counter as far back as 1840, the Garrick is one of those pubs that locals describe simply as iconic. A bustling city centre bar with real warmth, it serves food daily from noon and is famous for its traditional music sessions, impressive whiskey selection, and its Irish Coffees.
Robinsons Bar
Five venues under one roof, each with its own distinct character. The Saloon, established in 1895, is the traditional Belfast bar at Robinsons' heart with original Titanic memorabilia including the famous Philomena Doll recovered from the wreckage. Fibber Magee's delivers trad music every night of the week in a space steeped in Irish history. The Lounge is a wood-panelled, velvet-seated whiskey and cocktail bar; the Bistro serves hearty food with views over the city. Beside the Grand Opera House and close to the Ulster Hall and Waterfront, it's a brilliant choice before or after a show.
Morning Star
Down another of Belfast's historic Victorian entries, The Morning Star has been a beacon of tradition since around 1810, run by the McAlister family since 1989. Downstairs, the beautiful original mahogany counter and terrazzo floor set the scene for great local pub grub and a fine selection of craft beers, Irish whiskeys, gins and cocktails. Upstairs, The Lounge restaurant serves top-quality local produce with real care, a master butcher handmakes the burgers and sausages daily. A multi-award winner, including RAI Best Gastro Pub, and a genuinely special Belfast pub.
Lavery's
Belfast's oldest family-owned pub, established in 1918 and still in the Lavery family's hands over a century later. Four bars, two roof gardens, a street-level beer garden and Northern Ireland's largest pool room make it one of the most expansive pub experiences in the city. The Back Bar is the bohemian beating heart of the place with free live music most nights, a genuine mix of locals and visitors, and an atmosphere that's impossible to manufacture.
Henry's & The Jailhouse
Step off the city centre streets and into Joy's Entry, one of Belfast's original 17th-century alleyways, to find Henry's and The Jailhouse. Named after Belfast-born United Irishman Henry Joy McCracken, this pair of adjoining bars has been serving the city for over 100 years. Lovingly restored in 2018 with a respect for its heritage, it's a warm, characterful spot for local beers, Irish whiskeys, live music and good food - right in the heart of the city.
Fountain Lane
Feeding and watering Belfast since 1901, Fountain Lane is a proud city centre institution whose name dates to the 1840s, when two fountains on Fountain Street distributed water from Mundy's Well to the local community. A full menu of pub grub is served daily from noon, local craft beers and Irish whiskeys flow throughout, and live music runs from Thursday to Sunday.
The Points Bar
A traditional Irish pub on the Dublin Road, The Points is built around the things that matter: good whiskeys, real ales and live music every single night of the week. Irish dancers perform every Friday and Saturday evening, bodhran lessons run every Tuesday, and Irish language classes take place every Monday. You can even have a go at pouring your own pint of Guinness!
Northern Whig
Occupying a grand listed building at the gateway to the Cathedral Quarter, the award-winning Northern Whig is one of Belfast's most handsome and versatile bars. The vast, high-ceilinged interior blends open-plan lounge space with intimate corners. Contemporary food is served Monday to Saturday from noon and Sunday from 1pm, and the cocktail menu has long been one of the most talked-about in Belfast. Live entertainment from Friday to Sunday completes a very strong offer.
