If there's one thing the Irish know? It's live music. From teeny tiny boozers spotlighting the city's top up and coming talents to packed-out rooftop parties and old-school pubs where locals sip whiskey to a backdrop of traditional folk tunes, you'd be hard pushed to find a venue not ringing out come the weekend. Stuck on where to go? Check out our guide to the best pubs and bars for live music in Belfast here.
Last updated on 9th November 2022
@ The Botanic Inn on Sat, 25th Feb 2023 @ 19:00 - 1:00
For some of the best live music in Belfast, head to The Botanic Inn. Check out Buck N Bull Southern Saturdays for a night packed full of incredible live country music, bull riding, and quirky line dancing. Plus, the first 60 tickets can nab a free shot.
Offering a slice of 1920s-style glamour, Bert's Jazz Bar is a gorgeous place to see live music in Belfast. Expect luxe red interiors, comfy leather booths and glittering lights adorning the stage. A great date night spot, there is also a French bistro menu, with dishes such as moules frites and baked camembert stealing the show.
Hidden down a quaint cobbled alley in the heart of the city, The Duke of York is a great pub for traditional live Irish music in Belfast. Head inside to find a mirrored bar which features stacks of whiskey bottles. If you're not sure where to start? The friendly staff will be more than happy to make recommendations and offer tips.
Pull up a stool and ready yourself for a night of live music, real ales and top craic at Maddens. Located on Berry Street, this friendly Irish bar can be easily identified thanks to its colourful frontage and the huge mural that covers the side of the building, which depicts a man playing his fiddle, surrounded by Guinness - a fitting tribute for this charming spot.
Fibber Magee's is one of Belfast's best pubs for live Irish folk music. Open seven days a week, with fiddles, pipes and the bodhráns aplenty, this charming spot is popular with locals and tourists alike. And for when those hunger pangs strike? There's a hearty menu of traditional stews, pies and ploughman's platters.
Despite its caged in front door (a relic from The Troubles), Sunflower Public House is a warm and welcoming boozer. In the summer months, you'll find the beer garden packed out with locals and students digging into steaming slices of pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven. Inside though, it's all about the music, with candlelit gigs most nights of the week.
One of the most buzzing live music venues in Belfast, Union Street Bar is bursting with cocktails, cabaret and top-quality craic. This LGBTQ+ friendly haunt has previously played host to drag icons including Tina Legs Tantrum and Trudy Scrumptious, with a roster of events that includes karaoke nights and RuPaul's Drag Race-themed quizzes.
The Spaniard is a popular choice when it comes to music in the Cathedral Quarter. Specialising in live entertainment, tapas and good company, a night here is a memorable affair. Spread over two levels, the ground floor is a noisy and bustling, whereas upstairs is a little more intimate - perfect for a date night in Belfast.
Decked out with mannequin lamps, vintage vinyl and neon signs, Filthy McNasty's has got a reputation as one of the quirkiest live music venues in Belfast. Head here during the week to catch some of the city's top musical talents, or swing by on a Sunday to give it a go for yourself at the weekly open mic night.
Looking for somewhere to see live music in the Linen Quarter? Rita's is one of our top picks. A haven for cocktail lovers, this slinky spot serves up all the classic tipples you would expect, along with seasonal one-offs and speciality gins. The weekend is when it really heats up, with live performances from Belfast's top up and coming talents.
