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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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City of Derry International Choir Festival 2025

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
Eats & Beats Festival

Newcastle

Address

Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 33 0137 4046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Festival

The Eats & Beats Festival offers the best in local and world food, where visitors can enjoy delicious fare at the homegrown and world food villages. With unique and locally produced food and drink outlets and free music performances on offer…

Dates

From:

6 Sept 2025to7 Sept 2025

Price
Free

More Info
Belfast International Tattoo

Belfast

Address

SSE Arena, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9QQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7368 115 021

info@belfasttattoo.com

Type

Type:

Culture & Heritage

Join us at the SSE Arena, Belfast, for a spectacular showcase of music, precision, and tradition as we bring together world-class performers from across the globe. The Belfast International Tattoo 2025 promises an unforgettable celebration of…

Dates

From:

5 Sept 2025to6 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
CHSq

Belfast

Address

Custom House Square, 1 Ulster Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3ES

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9032 7007

info@customhousesquare.com

Type

Type:

Festival

CHSq returns to the historic surroundings of Belfast's iconic Custom House for 2025, bringing a series of headline shows by international musical artists throughout August.

Dates

From:

7 Aug 2025to6 Sept 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.

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.

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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…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Scarva Band Concerts

Scarva

Address

8 Main Street, Scarva, County Down, BT63 6LS

Telephone
028 3752 9644

info@visitarmagh.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Live Music

Scarva Bandstand concerts will take place at the Bandstand, Scarva each Sunday from 3-4pm starting Sunday 6 April and running weekly until Sunday 28 September. There will be no concert on Easter Sunday, 20 April. Admission is free, and limited…

Dates

From:

6 Apr 2025to28 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

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
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 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
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
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
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
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.

More Info
The Vox Set presents Duke Special

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Temple, Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+442870848728

mussendentemple@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Price £35.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Concert

Join one of Northern Ireland's most well-known musicians at one of its most iconic landmarks for the final episode of The Vox Set's third series.

Dates

From:
6 Sept 2025Open 19:00 - 20:15

Price
Price £35.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking