Music & Nightlife

Discover the Best of Northern Ireland’s Music and Nightlife Scene

There is more entertainment in Northern Ireland than you could shake a proverbial stick at. A night out in Northern Ireland is a night out to remember so why not try several? Whether it's classy cocktails or some pints with friends, a gig or a bop on a dancefloor every city, county, town and village has something to offer every night owl. Around here we get busy after dark so let’s go and have some craic. 

Belfast Nightlife Guide: Best Bars, Live Music, and Entertainment

Let’s kick it all off in the capital. Belfast comes alive at night and if you’re sipping cocktails from the fifth floor Perch or the boho Treehouse at AM:PM then you’re sure to see it starting to sparkle. After you’ve treated yourself with some early evening drinks why not get down into the Cathedral Quarter and check out some traditional Irish music in the funky Dirty Onion or some toe-tappin’ bluegrass in the rootsy Sunflower. This part of town is also home to some of the city’s finest restaurants like The Muddler’s Club and the buzz about the place is infectious. 

If you’re chasing down some comedy then try the weekly stand-up night at The Pavilion Bar on Belfast’s Ormeau Road or get yourself a ticket for Wednesday night at Queen’s Comedy Club. Theatre buffs should watch for what’s on at The Lyric or The Mac while fans of cinema will love the quirky Queen’s Film Theatre near the University. Speaking of queens, don’t forget to grab a pint at The Crown Liquor Saloon in town before seeing a musical at The Grand Opera House or catching a glimpse of Northern Ireland’s next big thing at a gig at the Empire Music Hall. You can get the lowdown on the latest from the city's avant-garde at the Black Box and at the Boombox, you’ll find a quirky gay club that attracts huge audiences and pop culture headliners. 

If that’s whet your appetite, dress up and fly along to The Foundry for their Thursdaze night. Club-goers with the most eccentric and edgy outfits get in free. Or get chatting to the well-heeled party-goers at Alibi and see what their story is - boom, boom. 

Scenic Dining and Evening Entertainment in Northern Ireland’s Coastal and Countryside Escapes

Enjoy sitting out in the garden at Daft Eddy’s on Sketrick Island in Strangford Lough before an evening meal at Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum. Alternatively, you could head over towards Craigavon and enjoy dinner at the five-star Newforge House. 

Traditional Irish Pubs, Live Music, and Scenic Escapes in Northern Ireland 

There’s a world of folk and trad under the cosy thatched roofs of Seán Óg's in Omagh and The Crosskeys Inn in Toomebridge. From here you can travel to the roof of Ireland if you journey through the mists of the Sperrin Mountains to Ireland’s highest pub, The Ponderosa. Live music awaits those who make it to the summit and if you’re hungry they’ll give you a right good feed. 

Chill Out with Cocktails and Seaside Views in Portrush

Closer to the sea, get your night in the resort town of Portrush off to a gentle start with a cocktail at the Ramore Wine Bar.

Discover Live Trad, Iconic Bars, and Theatre in Derry-Londonderry 

Speaking of legendary, let’s move on to Derry-Londonderry where you’ll find a glut of great places for trad and tasty beverages and of course a bit of a laugh. Pay a visit to the famous Peadar O’Donnell’s - a lively bar which hosts conventional and contemporary music each and every night. Fans of the stage should keep an eye out for what’s happening at The Waterside and there’s plenty on in The Playhouse too. The Coppins Bar in the City Hotel is the spot for those colourful cocktails.

It doesn’t really matter where you go in this part of the world. In Northern Ireland it only matters that you’re up for a bit of craic and a bit of banter. Come and join us for the fun, there’s a pint on the go for you.