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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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Around the Town Festival

Carrickfergus

Address

Various Locations, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DG

positivecarrickfergus@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Around the Town music festival is back for a second year with 22 events across 9 days in Carrickfergus.

Dates

From:

1 Aug 2025to9 Aug 2025

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
Learn to Play the Irish Harp Workshop

Bushmills

Address

The Courthouse, 75 Main Street, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8QB

Telephone
+44 (0) 7400 991 270

katygrahamharp@icloud.com

Price
Price £59.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Join acclaimed harpist Katy Bustard at the historic Courthouse in Bushmills for an unforgettable afternoon steeped in music, story and tradition.
This hands-on workshop is a rare opportunity to explore the ancient art of Irish harping - no…

Dates

From:
23 Aug 2025Open 14:00 - 16:30

Price
Price £59.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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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Clandeboye Festival 2025

Bangor

Address

The Court Yard - Clandeboye Estate, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1RN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 7600

office@camerata-ireland.com

Type

Type:

Festival

Join us for the Clandeboye Festival 2025: Aspects of Summer from August 16th-23rd at the stunning Clandeboye Estate. Enjoy world-class music from Artistic Director Barry Douglas, Camerata Ireland, and top classical artists. Discover captivating…

Dates

From:

16 Aug 2025to23 Aug 2025Open 12:00 - 22:00

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Walled Garden Movie Melodies | Garden Sessions

Killeavy

Address

Slieve Gullion Forest Park, 89 Drumintee Road, Killeavy, County Armagh, BT35 8SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

info@visitmournemountains.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Live Music

An afternoon of blockbuster sounds in a beautiful setting!
Join us in the heart of the garden for Walled Garden Movie Melodies, a magical musical experience for the whole family!
Tickets released Monday 12 August 2025 at 12noon

Dates

From:
23 Aug 2025Open 14:00 - 16:00

Price
Free

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
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
590 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
Little Folk Céilí | Garden Sessions

Killeavy

Address

Slieve Gullion Forest Park, 89 Drumintee Road, Killeavy, County Armagh, BT35 8SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

info@visitmournemountains.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Live Music

Get ready to skip, spin, and smile at our Little Folk Céilí, part of this weekend’s Garden Sessions — a lively, fun-filled introduction to traditional dance and music!
Tickets released Monday 4 August 2025 at 12noon

Dates

From:
16 Aug 2025Open 14:00 - 16:00

Price
Free

More Info
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
Tiny Feet, Big Wiggles - Family Disco Fun | Garden Sessions

Killeavy

Address

Slieve Gullion Forest Park, 89 Drumintee Road, Killeavy, County Armagh, BT35 8SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

info@visitmournemountains.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Get ready to move, groove and laugh together under the open sky! The Garden Sessions turn up the fun with a Family Disco — a joyful afternoon of dancing, movement and music made for all ages!
Tickets released Monday 28 July 2025 at 12noon

Dates

From:
9 Aug 2025Open 14:00 - 16:00

Price
Free

More Info
The 15th Glenarm Festival of Voice

Glenarm

Address

Various location in Glenarm, Glenarm, County Antrim, BT44 0AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9457 1317

info@niopera.com

Type

Type:

Opera

The 15th Glenarm Festival of Voice (22–24 Aug 2025) offers world-class recitals, creative workshops, and a vocal competition celebrating emerging opera talent in scenic Glenarm, County Antrim.

Dates

From:

22 Aug 2025to24 Aug 2025

More Info
Country Music Cruise on Carlingford Lough

Greencastle

Address

Carlingford Lough Cruises, Greencastle Pier Road, Greencastle, County Down, BT3 4LR

Telephone
+44 (0) 80 0471 4665

info@carlingfordferry.com

Type

Type:

Tour

Choose your night of toe-tapping country music on Carlingford Lough! Jive, relax, and enjoy the scenic views as we cruise along the beautiful Carlingford Lough. Sit back and take in the stunning sunset or hit the dance floor for some lively jiving…

Dates

From:
16 Aug 2025Open 20:20 - 22:20

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Mourne Chamber Music Festival

Newcastle

Address

Newcastle Community Cinema, St Mary's Hall, Main Street, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AD

Telephone
+44 (0) 754 830 424

mourne.cmf@outlook.com

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Live Music

Mourne Chamber Music Festival welcomes a group of young professional musicians from Northern Ireland and further afield to perform chamber music in the beautiful setting of Newcastle Community Cinema. This year’s programme includes a variety of…

Dates

From:

28 Aug 2025to30 Aug 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Under the Drum

Doagh

Address

45 Breckenhill road, Doagh, Antrim, BT39 0TB

Telephone
07718205526

info@underthedrum.co.uk

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Festival

Under the drum is a boutique, alternative festival set in the Antrim hills, showcasing the best of local and Irish talent across two stages with an art market, a wellness area and camping amongst the beautiful natural surroundings.

Dates

From:

8 Aug 2025to10 Aug 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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