54.596423 -5.929466

Description

The Dirty Onion is Belfast's oldest building, with real Irish music and craic seven nights a week.

The Dirty Onion is Belfast's oldest building. Dating back to 1780, the building was used as a bonded spirit warehouse from 1921. It was then known as 'STACK N' – a reference to its position on the north side of Waring Street – and still bears a giant red painted 'N' on its brick façade.

The distinctive external wooden structure is another original feature which, following careful restoration, frames the venue's beer garden to the front of the complex, with a new contemporary courtyard stretching out to Hill Street.

Inside, low ceilings supported by exposed wooden beams and original brick walls throughout nod to the past. As well as this, a sensitive partnership with Jameson Irish Whiskey showcases the heritage of the building further – paying homage to the tens of thousands of Jameson barrels and crates that passed through the building, which was operated by Edward Dillon Bonders (now a subsidiary of Irish Distillers and Dillon Bass) until 1991.

Live Music


A modern take on a traditional Irish pub, The Dirty Onion's novel partnership with multi-award winning cultural centre, An Droichead, delivers a varied music programme in the outlet seven nights a week. From open workshops in singing and various traditional instruments, to sessions with the highest quality traditional musicians – there is something for participators and spectators alike every night in The Dirty Onion.

Free bodhran lessons are available from An Droichead every Tuesday night at 8pm. Bodhrans provided.

Yardbird Restaurant


Upstairs in The Dirty Onion you will find Yardbird – a free range rotisserie chicken restaurant. Here the chicken is marinated overnight before being cooked before your eyes on the restaurant's speciality Brazilian rotisserie. This is served with a range of sides, a selection of craft beers and other drinks.

Yardbird does not take bookings and operates on a first come, first served basis. During busy periods a buzzer system operates, allowing customers to enjoy a drink in The Dirty Onion whilst they wait on their table.

  • 3 Hill Street
  • Belfast
  • Antrim
  • BT1 2LA

Top Reasons To Visit

  • Traditional Irish music and craic 7 nights a week
  • Yardbird's delicious chicken
  • Fantastic selection of beers and whiskeys
  • Large beer garden and outdoor bar
  • Free entry

Sunday Sessions

0.65 KM
08 Dec 2024 - 28 Jul 2025
See All Dates (35)

Come along to The Dirty Onion every Sunday for a live trad session and live folk bands!

Dirty Onion and Yardbird
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After Hours!

0.65 KM
07 Dec 2024 - 28 Sep 2025
See All Dates (43)

Lock-in sessions at The Dirty Onion! Continue the craic until 3am every Saturday!

Dirty Onion and Yardbird
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