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Music Events

Explore Northern Ireland’s Unique Music Scene

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.

Experience Belfast’s Iconic Live Music Venues

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.

Discover Belfast’s Alternative Music Hubs & Emerging Talent

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.

Experience Authentic Traditional Irish Music in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter

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’.

Explore Northern Ireland’s Music Trails, Jazz Spots & Live Jams

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.

Enjoy Intimate Live Music Experiences 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.

Discover Authentic Traditional Music in Northern Ireland’s Countryside

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.

Experience Live Music and Craic in Derry-Londonderry’s Favourite Pubs

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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Atlantic Sessions

Portrush & Portstewart

Address

Various Locations, Portrush & Portstewart, County Antrim, BT56 8JE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 0650

music@atlanticsessions.com

Type

Type:

Live Music

A feast of musical talent, showcasing over 40 artists throughout four days at various venues, including bars, coffee shops, hotels and town halls across Portrush and Portstewart. Most gigs are admission free, in addition to the headline ticketed…

Dates

From:

13 Nov 2025to16 Nov 2025

More Info
Waterfront Hall

Belfast

Address

2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3WH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9033 4455

customerservicesbwuh@waterfront.co.uk

Type

Type:

Event Venue

Belfast Waterfront is an award-winning, purpose-built conference, arts and entertainment centre offering a variety of facilities. The venue offers a varied events programme, ranging from classical music, opera and ballet to comedy and rock music.

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City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Various venues across the city, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6RG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7137 7577

jazz@derrystrabane.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Celebrate 25years of Derry Jazz Fest from 30th April - 4th May 2026!

Dates

From:

30 Apr 2026to4 May 2026

More Info
Northern Ireland Music Prize

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
02890310845

info@ohyeahbelfast.com

Price
Price £22.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Ceremony

The NI Music Prize is an annual award curated by the Oh Yeah Music Centre aimed at recognising the great wealth of music from Northern Ireland.

Dates

From:
12 Nov 2025Open 20:00 -

Price
Price £22.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Belfast International Arts Festival

Belfast

Address

Various locations, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1FF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 6609

enquiries@belfastinternationalartsfestival.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Northern Ireland's largest contemporary arts festival promises a compelling programme of drama and dance, topical talks with the authors behind the latest literary releases, classical music, toe-tapping folk and roots, independent film and…

Dates

From:

14 Oct 2025to9 Nov 2025Open 09:00 - 22:00

More Info
Sound of Belfast Festival

Belfast

Address

Oh Yeah Music Centre, 15-21 Gordon Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LG

Telephone
02890310845

soundofbelfast@ohyeahbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Welcome to Sound of Belfast, your annual Festival that truly captures the heart and soul of this vibrant city. With an impressive line-up of events spread across venues throughout Belfast, this festival is a testament to the city's thriving and…

Dates

From:

6 Nov 2025to16 Nov 2025

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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 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Ulster Orchestra: The Snowman Family Concert

Belfast

Address

Waterfront Hall, 2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3WH

Telephone
028 9033 4455

Info@ulsterorchestra.com

Type

Type:

Concert

This festive season, the Ulster Orchestra invites you to a truly enchanting experience for all ages! For the first time ever, we're performing live to not one, but two magical films on the big screen, a treat for both children and adults alike.

Dates

From:
6 Dec 2025Open 14:00 -

More Info
PaperxClips

Belfast

Address

162 North Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1QS

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.

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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
Ulster Orchestra: Sugar-Plum Swing

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
028 9033 4455

Info@ulsterorchestra.com

Type

Type:

Concert

Christmas is often the time for a trip to the ballet, and this concert will take you there; albeit with a bit of a twist!

Dates

From:
5 Dec 2025Open 19:45 - 21:45

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.

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Ulster Orchestra: The Magic of Christmas

Belfast

Address

2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3WH

Telephone
028 7126 4455

Info@ulsterorchestra.com

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

This wonderful concert is now a firm fixture in our festive programme and is the perfect night out for all ages. Let It Snow so we can enjoy the magic of a Winter Wonderland and who knows, we might even have a White Christmas! Also performed on…

Dates

From:
21 Dec 2025Open 19:45 -

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Fiddler's Green International Festival

Rostrevor

Address

Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3AY

Telephone
+44 (0) 77 5252 8904

info@fiddlersgreenfestival.co.uk

Type

Type:

Festival

A wonderful festival of music, arts and culture held annually in July in Rostrevor, County Down.

Dates

From:

15 July 2026to19 July 2026

More Info
Ulster Orchestra: Messiah

Belfast

Address

2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3WH

Telephone
02890334455

Info@ulsterorchestra.com

Type

Type:

Concert

One of the best oratorios ever written, the glorious experience of hearing Handel's Messiah never fails to create impact. Performed by the Orchestra, guest soloists and Belfast Philharmonic Choir, if you haven't yet included it in your festive…

Dates

From:
13 Dec 2025Open 19:30 -

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
591 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
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.

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Ulster Orchestra: Handel's Messiah (Derry~Londonderry)

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Millennium Forum, 3 Newmarket Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6EB

Telephone
028 7126 4455

Info@ulsterorchestra.com

Type

Type:

Christmas Events

One of the best oratorios ever written, the glorious experience of hearing Handel's Messiah never fails to create impact. Performed by the Orchestra, guest soloists and Codetta, if you haven't yet included it in your festive programme, then now is…

Dates

From:
12 Dec 2025Open 19:30 -

More Info