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Music Events

Music lies at the heart of Northern Ireland and its people. We have, of course, our own traditional style but we have also taken in others, listened and given it back through the likes of world-beaters such as Van Morrison, Snow Patrol, The Undertones and Ash. Everything these great musicians gave to the world started here and today you will find them and the next generation of Northern Ireland’s performers in every town and village across the land, as well as plenty of visiting bands and performers.

Legends begin at the Limelight and Empire Music Hall, Belfast

Much of Northern Ireland’s musical activity is centred around Belfast. When you’re in town, check out what’s happening at the Limelight. This place is split into four different venues so music lovers can pick an atmosphere to match their musical tastes. Former performers have included Two Door Cinema Club, The Strokes as well as Marina & The Diamonds.

The Empire Music Hall is famous for its nurturing of local bands like Snow Patrol and Ash and the gigs of Death in Vegas and Lambchop have gone down in local music folklore. This small venue likes hosting huge talent and you can expect to hear just about every genre under its iconic roof.

Urban edge at Black Box and Oh Yeah Music Centre

The Black Box is unlike anything else you can expect to see in the city. This urban and edgy venue encourages artistic freedom and is certainly a must for those who want to experience the alternative side of Belfast's live music scene.

At the Oh Yeah Music Centre they focus on developing the hottest music talent straight from the streets of Northern Ireland. This no-fuss, friendly and fresh powerhouse of music is as good as it gets and the future of rock is in safe hands here.

Jigs and reels at Fibber Magee and The Dirty Onion

In Belfast’s trendy Cathedral Quarter, you’ll find The Dirty Onion. Housed in one of the city's oldest buildings, sit in here and experience the best in traditional Irish music with the locals. The extensive beer and whiskey menu on offer is the perfect accompaniment to the lively sounds of traditional and bluegrass at this authentic yet modern bar. If you’re after more of the same get over to The Sunflower and catch some gypsy swing, trad or bluegrass.

Tap your feet in Fibber Magees with free folk and traditional music seven nights a week. Nestled in the corner of Blackstaff Square, this hidden gem is steeped in Irish culture. Enjoy traditional tunes featuring fiddles, pipes and bodhráns by the open fire every night of the week. Trad lovers might also want to check out the Traditional Music Trail, which offers guided traditional music tours featuring performances, stories and local ‘refreshments’.

Timeless jazz and blues and trails with Van Morrison

Speaking of trails, The Van Morrison Trail is a must for anyone who’s heard his music. Find out where he played his new game “down in the hollow” with his Brown Eyed Girl and walk the “fields all wet with rain” on this two-hour tour.

If you’re after more class acts, then step into 1930's New York, sip an exclusive cocktail and unwind to the sounds of Belfast's finest jazz musicians at Bert's Jazz Bar.

For those who want to join in on a jam, stop by Macken’s Bar in Newcastle a few miles south of Belfast. Even if you’re a wee bit shy you should see what’s on in the lively beer garden where you're sure to see a traditional Irish band playing the classics.

Airs and arias in Armagh

In Armagh, the Armagh City Hotel hosts quite the variety of musical events for both guests and visitors alike. Its smaller scale offers a more intimate and up-close experience. From country to classical, expect to find something that lives up to your live musical expectations and doesn't break the bank.

Songs and stories

We promise you’ll hear great things when the singing and storytelling starts at the cosy thatched Crosskeys Inn in Toomebridge. This is a unique experience of Northern Irish countryside life not to be missed.

You’ll find more of the real traditional deal when you step off the old cobbled streets of Omagh in Tyrone and into a world of folk in Seán Óg's. This lively thatched cottage turned bar is a great and gritty place to hear the sounds of Northern Ireland.

There’s no cawing either at The Crowe's Nest Bistro Bar and Nightclub in Enniskillen. Local and upcoming talent feature on the stage of this warm and welcoming live music space on various nights of the week and there are regular trad music nights too.

Tune in to Derry-Londonderry

Up in Derry-Londonderry you can let loose and have some craic at the local legend that is the Gweedore Bar. Whilst you can certainly expect to enjoy the likes of pop and rock, the highlight of this venue are the crowds you will be listening with. A long standing favourite of locals and tourists alike, this venue combines contemporary music with traditional pub culture to create something truly spectacular.

Right next-door you’ll find Peadar O'Donnell's. Always busy and always buzzing this place gives guests the chance to soak up an authentic side of live music in Northern Ireland. Expect impromptu performances, in between the pints of Guinness, from both musicians and the crowd.

There is craic there in the Derry-Londonderry air and in fact it’s in every corner of the land.

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City of Derry International Choir Festival

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Holywell Trust Building, 10-14 Bishop Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Derry~Londonderry, BT48 6PW

info@derrychoirfest.com

Type

Type:

Festival

The City of Derry International Choir Festival returns in October 2025 with a tidal wave of magical choral music!

Dates

From:

22 Oct 2025to26 Oct 2025

More Info
Ardhowen Theatre

Enniskillen

Address

97 Dublin Road, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 6FZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 5440

ardhowen@fermanaghomagh.com

Type

Type:

Theatre / Cinema

Situated in a panoramic lake view setting this 290 seat theatre is designed to stage the most ambitious musical and theatrical productions.

More Info
A Christmas Sing-Along with Northern Ireland Opera

Belfast

Address

The Hub, Custom House, Custom House Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3AS

Telephone
028 9032 7007

info@niopera.com

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

A Christmas Sing-Along with the Northern Ireland Opera Chorus

Dates

From:
7 Dec 2024Open 11:00 - 12:00

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
The Black Box

Belfast

Address

18 - 22 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 4400

admin@blackboxbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

A home for live music, theatre, literature, comedy, film, visual art, live art, circus, cabaret and all points in between.

More Info
Scott's Jazz Club

Belfast

Address

Ballyhackamore Club, 1a Sandown Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT5 6GT

info@scottsjazzclub.com

Type

Type:

Jazz / Folk Club

Scott's Jazz Club is a purpose designed Jazz Club Theatre with amazing sound and lighting. Every major European City has a jazz club where the cream of the crop of local musicians perform regularly in an intimate setting. Scott's Jazz Club is that…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
PaperxClips, Belfast

Belfast

Address

Springfield Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 7AE

info@paperxclips.com

Type

Type:

Event Venue

Paperxclips is a trans-owned and operated LGBTQIA+ bookshop, coffeeshop, pay-what-you-can barber shop, and community space. Keep an eye on our social media account for upcoming events, or just pop-in Thursday to Sunday.

More Info
Here's to the Craic 'n' Ceol

Belfast

Address

The Dark Horse, 30 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LB

Telephone
07713891165

bookings@pureblarney.com

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Entertainment

Here's to the Craic 'n' Ceol, a true Belfast pub experience packed with music, song and dance.

Dates

From:
8 Dec 2024Open 17:00 - 20:00

Price
Price £25.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Christmas at the HomePlace Hearth

Bellaghy

Address

Seamus Heaney HomePlace, 45 Main Street, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, BT45 8HT

Telephone
028 7938 7444

seamusheaneyhome@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Wonderful readings, music and craic: four talented friends reunite for a return visit to the Helicon for what should prove to be one of the highlights of the winter calendar.

Dates

From:
14 Dec 2024Open 19:30 - 21:00

Price
Price £20.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Belfast TradFest

Belfast

Address

Various locations across Belfast, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 1ED

Telephone
028 9031 4981

info@belfasttradfest.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Belfast TradFest, the pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, fiery pub sessions and Ireland's fastest growing summer school of traditional music, is set to celebrate its 7th edition this July across Belfast UNESCO City of Music.

Dates

From:

27 July 2025to3 Aug 2025

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
586 reviews
The SSE Arena, Belfast

Belfast

Address

2a Queen's Quay, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9QQ

Type

Type:

Event Venue

Northern Ireland's premier entertainment venue, where world class entertainment comes alive!

More Info
A Christmas Twilight Tour with Celtic Grace

Strangford

Address

Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7BA

Telephone
02844881204

castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Price £35.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

Step back in time at Castle Ward's Christmas Twilight Tour! Enjoy a festive drinks reception, tour the Georgian-decorated mansion by twilight, and end the evening with live Celtic music and original poetry inspired by Castle Ward.

Dates

From:
7 Dec 2024Open 18:00 - 21:00

Price
Price £35.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Townhouse Venue

Castlederg

Address

23-25 Main Street, Castlederg, County Tyrone, BT81 7AT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8167 1769

info@townhouselive.com

Type

Type:

Event Venue

The Townhouse Venue is an Independent Small Live Music Venue located in the heart of Castlederg, County Tyrone. One venue, 3 stages. Showcasing established and up and coming music acts.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Ulster Hall

Belfast

Address

34 Bedford Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7FF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9033 4400

ulsterhall@belfastcity.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Music Hall

Built in 1862, the Ulster Hall has been entertaining the citizens of Belfast for more than 150 years. Fondly known as Belfast's 'home of music' the venue was completely restored in 2009.

More Info
The Out to Lunch Festival

Belfast

Address

The Black Box, 18-22 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LA

Telephone
02890246609

info@cqaf.com

Type

Type:

Festival

The Out to Lunch Festival is Belfast's Annual Winter celebration of the arts with a feast of Music, Comedy, Theatre, and Film from all over the world, all served with a tasty, hot, locally sourced lunch.

Dates

From:

4 Jan 2025to26 Jan 2025

More Info