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 edited by Kiera Chapman
Boasting live music from local talent, vibrant interiors and bespoke concoctions, The Tipsy Bird & Brewers Yard is a triple threat when it comes to bars in Belfast. Grab a seat in the funky space, where you can enjoy live entertainment, all while quaffing tropical bevvies.
On the hunt for live jazz music in Belfast? The John Hewitt Bar should be your first port of call. Located on Donegall Street, this traditional boozer offers one of the warmest welcomes in town, with a stellar lineup of gin, whiskey and ales to keep your well hydrated throughout the night.
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.
When it comes to live music events in Belfast, Ulster Sports Club is coming out trumps. Along with quirky bands, regular listings and DJs on the decks, the High Street hangout will keep you entertained with pool tables and cosy candlelit corners.
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Part pub, part coffee shop and part restaurant, Town Square is a truly unique live music venue in Belfast. Offering some of the coolest vibes in town along with a gorgeous heated outdoor terrace, this modern haunt is packed-out on the weekend, when musicians and DJs play 'til close.
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.
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.
Found atop the Bullitt Hotel, Babel is a gorgeous rooftop bar in Belfast with regular live music events. In the summer months, guests are able to dance under the stars to a lineup of live DJs, with more chilled out acoustic sets during the daytime.
For an all-singing, all-dancing night out in Belfast, look no further than the Cabaret Supper Club. Hosting some of Ireland's finest burlesque, comedy and live music acts, this late night bar is the perfect place for a quirky night out or special occasion meal.
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.
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.
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.
Inspired by the vibrance of Latin America, Liquor XXX promises a night of dancing and debauchery. Sip on rum-based cocktails or punchy margaritas while enjoying a roster of live DJs spinning tunes 'til 2am on the weekends.
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.
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.
Part pub, part chicken restaurant, The Dirty Onion and Yardbird is a stellar spot for a chilled out weekend in the Northern Irish capital. Promising live music every night of the week as well as free entry, this fun watering hole is sure to have you toe-tapping in no time at all.
