The first Guinness brewery opened in Dublin in 1759, mainly brewing ale before jumping on the porter beer trend (including stout) in the 1970s. By 1838 they had become the biggest brewery in all of Ireland, which it has remained ever since.
However, it was only in 1959 that Guinness Draught was first brought to the masses, to celebrate the brewery's 200th anniversary. Yes, we’re talking about your favourite black, slightly tangy pint with notes of roasted coffee and malt, not to mention that thick, creamy head.
Though it has its roots in Dublin, Guinness is just as loved across Northern Ireland, including, of course, Belfast. But, let’s be honest, not every pint is made equal. So if you’re looking for the best pint of Guinness in Belfast, we’ve rounded up the top spots you need to check out, from iconic, traditional pubs with live music to those with warm hospitality and plenty of craic.
Best Places In Belfast For Guinness
The Crown Liquor Saloon
From Nicholson’s comes The Crown Liquor Saloon, the epitome of an old school pub, dating back over 150 years. Grade A-listed, this boozer has been lovingly restored by The National Trust, featuring ornately carved wooden interiors, from the ceiling to the booths – matched with stained glass windows, mosaic floors a red granite-topped bar.
The whole place is almost church-like, with people coming in droves to worship at the altar of the Guinness gods (i.e. grabbing a pint of the good stuff). From the polished brass taps to the frothy, creamy pints, Guinness truly flows through The Crown Liquor Saloon's veins.
Get ready for ornate interiors and creamy, rich pints at The Crown Liquor Saloon.
Duke of York
Found down a cobbled alleyway in the Cathedral Quarter is one of Belfast’s most iconic pubs. Locals and tourists alike stream to Duke of York every day – not just for its traditional, memorabilia-filled interiors which are sure to charm over pretty much anyone, but also for its bloody good pints of Guinness.
If the weather’s warm, there’s a smattering of outdoor tables under a canopy of colourful umbrellas, nestled next to pretty potted plants and vintage signs, where you can sip your dark black brew.
This is one of our very favourite pubs in the city.
Kelly’s Cellars
One of the oldest pubs in the city, Kelly’s Cellars dates back to 14th March 1720 (very exact, we know). You’ll find this famous spot in the city centre, at 30 Bank Street, and it had a bit of a revamp back in 2004, but still retains much of its original features. Think low, vaulted ceilings, no-frills wooden tables and stools, and vintage knick-knacks hanging crookedly from the walls – absolutely perfect in every way, if you ask us.
This is highly regarded as one of the best places for Guinness in Belfast, selling kegs after kegs of the stuff by the day. So if you're looking for a warm Belfast welcome and plenty of craic to pair with your pint of the black stuff, you know where to go.
Filled with charm and the sounds of live music, Kelly's Cellars is a hit with both locals and tourists.
Maddens
Another one of our favourite trad pubs, Maddens on Berry Street in the city centre is a haven for Guinness enthusiasts. Inside, the boozer is warm and cosy, with warm red walls decorated with retro posters and instruments, which set the scene beautifully for this joint’s famous music nights.
The staff here of course know how to patiently pour a good Guinness, offering a creamy yet dry delight in a pint glass. In fact, the Guinness is so good here, that it's consistently been voted one of the best by locals over the years.
Let's be honest - it's not surprising that around 10 million pints of Guinness are sold every day across the world.
Bittles Bar
You’ll spot Bittles Bar in the city centre, within the iconic landmark that is the Flat Iron Building. It’s certainly a unique pub, not just for its shape but its unique interiors too. Red and white striped walls showcase retro paintings and, of course, plenty of Guinness memorabilia.
Grab a table in one of the cosy nooks and let your troubles float away as you enjoy a perfectly poured pint at this locally loved drinking den.
You'll feel right at home at this Guinness-loving boozer.
Fountain Lane
A Belfast institution since 1901 (though damaged in WWII and rebuilt in 1955), Fountain Lane has perfected the art of the humble pub, providing passers-by with a cosy, casual space to enjoy a couple of pints. After a recent revamp in 2019, it’s now home to leather booths, panelled walls and low lighting – not to mention some of the city’s very best Guinness.
Come for the live sports, stay for the perfectly poured pints.
The Errigle Inn
Famed not just across Belfast but Ireland as a whole, The Errigle Inn first opened its door in December 1935 (although there has been a pub on this site since the 1800s) and is steeped in history. Growing substantially throughout the years, it's developed into a multi-faceted, five-room pub that's as traditional as can be - and home to some of the best Guinness in the city, which you'll certainly find in high supply here.
In Tom McGurran’s Bar, which was created in tribute to TJ McGurran, the table tops are made from South African railway sleepers (which were of 300-year-old Australian Eucalyptus), as well as display cabinets showcasing vintage knick-knacks. As for the Oak Lounge, it features Art Deco glasswork and eye-catching furniture, making for a cool yet cosy space for a spot of imbibing. Fancy some music? The pub was the first in Belfast to get an Entertainment License, so you’ll find artists regularly performing here throughout the week.
You can't go wrong with a trip to The Errigle Inn in Belfast.
Lavery’s
Having kept the people of Belfast well-watered for over 100 years, Lavery’s is the city’s oldest family-owned pub. This place is a cherished drinking institution rich in authentic Irish hospitality, as well as an impressive 24 pool tables where you can practice your backspin, all while watching the latest sports fixtures on the huge pull-down projector, of course.
But that's not all you'll find here, as you can also pair your Guinness pints with live comedy nights and a range of delicious bites like frickles, salt 'n' pepper squid or cauliflower wings.
From pool tables and live sports to tasty food and top beers, you can easily lose a few hours at Lavery's.
Discover more of the best pubs in Belfast with our guide.
