Belfast is best known for its enthralling history, prominent landmarks, lively local community, and classic Irish booze. Today the city is beaming with prosperity, hospitality, and an incredibly bustling nightlife – and they’re all found at some of the best pubs in Belfast. Here, you’ll find any sort of bar to chill, and so in the spirit of helping you plan your next pub crawl, let’s take a closer look at some of the Belfast’s best pubs.
1. The Dirty Onion
Don’t let the name fool you: for anyone wanting to experience authentic pubs in Belfast, The Dirty Onion is a popular choice. A classic old building that has stood tall since 1680 is home to one of the best pubs in Belfast, and it’ll take your breath away with the beautiful beer garden and cosy rustic ambience.
The pub is a great hangout place, complete with Irish whiskey and live entertainment. Not just that, the attached restaurant Yardbird serves mouth-watering rotisserie chicken that’ll satiates any hunger pangs. So if the combination of booze and chicken with live music excites you, this place is definitely worth checking out.
3 Hill Street, BT1 2LA. Open 12-11pm every day.
2. White’s Tavern
One of the oldest taverns in Belfast, White’s Tavern, was established in way back in 1630. Then years later in 1868, The Oyster Room was born. Today, White’s Tavern & The Oyster Rooms is one of the best pubs in Belfast, offering authentic local Irish whiskeys and brewed beers to its guests.
The place wears its history proudly even after refurnishing – it’s got to be something about the low ceiling, dim lighting, and rustic dark furnishing. The quaint atmosphere makes it the best spot to enjoy your night and socialise with beers and live music.
2-4 Winecellar Entry, BT1 1QN. Open 12-11pm, every day.
3. Duke of York
Located along a narrow alleyway in a Half Bap, the Duke of York is a stellar pub in Belfast, with a few siblings scattered around town. In fact, the Duke chain has branches in no fewer than seven locations around Belfast, with the Duke of York being one of the top-rated, and a go-to for anyone looking for an intimate cosy spot to hang out.
The interior is decorated with authentic street signage and old historical photos, and live music and a stunning variety of liquors will make your visit a memorable one.
7-11 Commercial Court, BT1 2NB. Open 11:30am-11pm (Mon to Wed), 12pm-1am (Thu to Sat), 12-9pm (Sun).
4. Kelly’s Cellars
Kelly’s Cellars should definitely make your list if you love to visit authentic Irish pubs. Built in 1720, the pub hasn’t changed much, since the old features have been retained today, complemented with rustic furnishing and laid-back interiors.
The stunning old-fashioned vibe that charms the visitors, the food, and the varied collection of liquor make for an incredible experience. Locals come for the great music and classic Irish stew, but its comforting ambience, great food, craic, and excellent liquor selection will be enough to seduce anyone.
30-32 Bank Street, BT1 1HL. Open 11:30-1am every day except Sundays (when it opens 1pm-12am).
5. Harp Bar
Bombed during the Troubles, the Harp Bar has a rich history behind it. One of the best pubs in Belfast, this place is known for its unique Victorian-style interior covered in dark-hued red velvet. A prominent drinking spot in the Cathedral Quarter, the pub serves delicious food and extremely great craic to its visitors.
35 Hill Street, BT1 2NB. Open 5-11:30pm (Tue), 5pm-1:30am (Wed & Thu), 2pm-1:30am (Fri & Sat), 4-12:30am (Sun). Closed Mondays.
6. Sunflower Public House
A relative newbie given that it started operating in 2012, Sunflower Public House is situated on the corner of Kent Street and Union Street. Some of the best pubs in Belfast are known for their delicious food and good music; this place happens to be a great addition to the list. With a stunning beer garden, the Sunflower Public House is known for its simplicity – meanwhile, the security cage around the front door has been kept to pay homage to Belfast’s history.
The place offers an extensive selection of authentic Irish beers that are locally brewed, standing proudly on its twin core values: good beer and good music. Sounds right up our street!
65 Union Street, BT1 2JG. Open 12pm-12am (Mon to Wed), 12pm-1am (Thu to Sat), 1pm-12am (Sun).
7. The Crown Liquor Saloon
Situated on Great Victoria Street, The Crown Liquor Saloon is considered one of the best pubs in Belfast, with stunning vintage interiors contributing to a classic Victorian-style ambiance. Now owned by the National Trust, The Crown Liquor Saloon is known as an extraordinary example of a traditional Victorian gin place.
Covered in multi-hued tiles and stained glass windows, this place calls for explorers to enjoy their time via a relaxed atmosphere, a seasonally-changing drinks menu, and delicious British dishes that perfectly suit every appetite.
46 Great Victoria Street, BT2 7BA. Open 11:30am-11:30pm (Mon to Thu), 11:30-12:30am (Fri & Sat), and 12:30-11:30pm (Sun).