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Pubs, Clubs & Bars

Northern Ireland has always been a great place for a night out. That’s mainly down to the genuine soul of the people who have sustained a vibrant pub and club culture over countless decades so that today there are plenty of traditional, modern and quirky pubs, bars and nightclubs serving traditional pints of Guinness as well as refined cocktails and the dynamic flavours of locally-produced spirits and beers.

Refine your tastes at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

Northern Ireland’s largest and busiest city has always been abuzz after dark and in recent years it’s gone even buzzier. Start your night with a touch of class at the magnificent Merchant Hotel and pick a cocktail or drink from its whopping one-hundred-and-twelve page drinks menu. This hotel houses some of the finest champagne sipping spots in Belfast and includes the 1930’s New York inspired Bert’s Jazz Bar.

Young, quirky and cool

For a younger crowd and quirkier vibe, head to the Filthy Quarter on the Dublin Road which has several bars within one ‘quarter’ Afterwards, head on into Filthy McNasty’s and listen to the next big thing on stage. Just make sure it’s not a mannequin you end up talking to at the end of the night - you’ll see what we mean when you go.

Another bar bursting with bohemian charm is The Treehouse at AM:PM. This quirky rooftop bar features fairy lights, comfortable furnishings and a retractable roof for the perfect cocktail catch up or romantic evening. The Perch offers something similar on their five-storey high escape from the bustle of Belfast’s busy city centre. Sumptuous cocktails are not to be missed at this quaint and quirky open space.

For the ultimate in upscale sophistication, The National Café’s cocktail bar serves up city views and premium liquor in a prime location.

It might be time to get dirty. Down at the Dirty Onion in the vibrant Cathedral Quarter the extensive beer and whiskey menu on offer is the perfect accompaniment to the lively sounds of trad and bluegrass at this authentic yet modern bar.

If you can peel yourself away from the craic in there, make your way down the narrow lane of Winecellar Entry to White’s Tavern. The city’s longest serving tavern dating back to 1630, White’s retains real authenticity in its cosy décor. Music lovers and those who like the locals free of gimmickry, should get over to The Sunflower and catch some gypsy swing, trad or bluegrass.

Out and around at Boombox, Kremlin and The Foundry

If this place has got your toes a tappin’ then why not take the rest of your body out for a bit of a bop at Boombox Belfast - a quirky gay club that attracts huge audiences and pop culture headliners alike.

Not too far from here you’ll find Kremlin, the centrepiece of Northern Ireland's gay nightlife, featuring a two-floor disco bar, a sleek cocktail lounge and a two-floor club area with performances you’ll not see anywhere else. As the first gay-owned, managed and friendly nightclub in Northern Ireland, this is not to be missed for those wishing to experience the core of Northern Ireland's LGBTQi+ scene.

Come down to The Foundry for their Thursdaze night where club-goers put on their most eccentric and edgy outfits in hope of being picked for the free-entry or maybe check out the student nights at the Limelight 1 and Limelight 2.

Cocktails in Culloden and Bangor

Take a short train ride from Belfast to Holywood and step into the Crozier Lounge at Culloden Estate and Spa Hotel. The cocktail menu here offers more than 25 types of gin and a range of sumptuous cocktails to enjoy them in. Up the road in Bangor, The Nines offers a combination of classic and creative cocktails on its menu and while you’re in town why not dip your toe in the welcoming waters, and pints, of The Goat’s Toe. This quirky establishment has a spectacular beer garden surrounded by superhero imagery and even features a sit-in caravan.

Get eclectic in Ballymena

Speaking of quirky, The Smoking Monkey in Ballymena offers an extensive range of delicious traditional, classic and signature cocktails and gins with something for everyone. It also boasts 2 vintage outdoor spaces as well as a dog friendly licenced pavement café for those who prefer to enjoy their cocktails alfresco with ‘a man’s best friend’.

Picture postcard perfection in Toomebridge

For those on the lookout for the picture postcard Irish pub there can’t be a quainter or more delightful than the thatched and whitewashed Crosskeys Inn in Toomebridge. As well as its inherent cosy vibe expect some goosebumps when the singing and storytelling starts.

Surf and sip in Portrush

Back down at sea-level you can sit out and enjoy the rolling waves and a gin based cocktail at the Ramore Wine Bar before getting your groove on at Lush, the ultimate nightclub with over ten bars and music from mainstream pop to commercial R’N’B - an all-round mega nightlife must.

Drinking delights in Derry-Londonderry

When it comes to nightlife in Derry-Londonderry, you’ll find it full of great places for traditional music and tasty beverages. Famed for its great pints of Guinness and even better traditional music, make sure you visit Peadar O’Donnell's. This is a lively bar which hosts conventional and contemporary music each and every night. Another wee gem is The Grand Central Bar on the lively Strand Road. It’s not too grand in size, it surely has a larger-than-life personality, with friendly staff, great food and excellent beer menu.

Cocktail hunters should keep an eye on what’s going on at Coppins Bar in the City Hotel - the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a delicious cocktail after a day of sightseeing and exploring.

If your feet are still up for it, the Sugar Nite Club in the city centre is an absolute must for clubbers. Alternatively, you could try Envy. With plenty of drink offers and pumping pop music, don't miss out on a trip to Derry's gay hotspot.

Try Tyrone of beer and beats

Tyrone ain’t no slouch on the couch when it comes to night-time entertainment. The bustling beer garden in the Main Street Complex in Omagh provides live music and entertainment at the centre of its surrounding bars and restaurants. While this space plays host to regular concerts, events and markets, it is at its liveliest every Saturday evening. Up in Cookstown, Time’s ‘Beautiful People’ night on Saturdays features a burlesque show as well as other live performers and celebrity guests while The Central in Strabane is a great gay venue open seven nights a week for karaoke, dancing and bingo.

Spectacular food, drink and views in the Sperrins

You might get goosebumps for other reasons up at The Ponderosa in the Sperrin Mountains. This is Ireland’s highest pub and restaurant sits in an idyllic out of the way spot and it’s never short of locals with plenty of craic and banter.

Free to chill in County Fermanagh

If it’s all getting a little hot under the collar for you, check out the Blaney Bar at the lovely Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh. This place has the stunning backdrop of Castle Hume Lough and an equally stunning selection of Irish whiskey-based cocktails.

Make a break for it to Armagh

If you’re stopping in Armagh, and we really think you should, keep an eye out for the ironically named Hole in the Wall - it used to be a jail. Today the only inmate is Casper the friendly parrot. You’ll find both him, a warm welcome and an open fire when you stop by.

Drink and dance the night away in County Down

On a sunny Sunday The Four Trees bar is a summer’s dream in Moira, Craigavon. Do not let the small exterior deceive you, as this popular spot has a large and lusciously green beer garden as well as a cosy cobbled courtyard. Daft Eddy’s is cast away on Sketrick Island, on Strangford Lough, and you need to drive over a causeway – or moor a boat – to get there. The journey is well worth it for incredible views and an atmosphere that are second to none.

Nestled on the shores of Carlingford Lough, and surrounded by the magnificent Mourne Mountains and Cooley Peninsula, the Whistledown Hotel in Warrenpoint is a must-visit during the summer months. Sit back and watch the world sail by whilst taking in the panoramic views of the lough.

In the heart of Newcastle you’ll find Hugh McCann's. This spot is filled with intimate charm and dog lovers will love the welcome that their pooch receives. After a brisk walk along the promenade, stop off here for a tasty bite to eat and relax in the Hogg Snog.

As Van Morrison said, “in the night-time, yeah that’s the right time”. So get out and about and let your hair down in Northern Ireland.

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Number of results: 97

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
518 reviews
Badgers Bar And Restaurant

Derry~Londonderry

Address

16-18 Orchard Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6EG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7136 0763

Badgersbar@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Located in the heart of the city, this award-winning bar and restaurant is home to the famous Derry Girls Mural. For over 30 years, Badgers Bar and Restaurant has been serving the freshest in food and drink from local suppliers to its customers.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
355 reviews
Lavery's Belfast

Belfast

Address

Laverys Gin Palace, Bradbury Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1RS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9087 1106

info@laverysbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Laverys Bar has long been a favoured drinks emporium for more seasoned individuals, a place to meet, eat, drink, converse and have almighty craic with the punters and staff.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
28 reviews
Hickson's Point at Titanic Belfast

Belfast

Address

1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9EP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9076 6386

welcome@titanicbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Inspired by one of the first ship builders in the city, Hickson’s Point at Titanic Belfast offers an authentic 1900s public house setting.

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Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
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Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge)
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- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
212 reviews
Dufferin Arms

Killyleagh

Address

35 High Street, Killyleagh, County Down, BT30 9QF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4482 1182

dufferinarms@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Proper Irish pub est 1802. Famous for its traditional music sessions and singer songwriter evenings featuring many well-known artists. Our infamous and very popular seafood chowder is also not to be missed.

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The Dog & Duck Inn and Glenwinny Distillery

Lisbellaw

Address

30 Main Street, Mullybritt, Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh, BT94 5ER

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6633 6466

hello@thedogandduckinn.com

Type

Type:

Bar

An award winning country pub and distillery experience in the rural village of Lisbellaw with a cosy atmosphere, fantastic selection of independent drinks and seasonal food. We have 13 beers and ciders on tap at any one time.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

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Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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Catering
- Licensed
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Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
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Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
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- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
197 reviews
Maginns Bar

Castlewellan

Address

9-11 Main Street, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 8235

info@maginnsbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Situated at the lower end of the town, 'Maginn’s of Castlewellan' is definitely the hot spot in Castlewellan with local and new customers, coming far and wide to enjoy everything this refreshing bar complex has to offer.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
163 reviews
Charlie's Bar

Enniskillen

Address

1 Church Street, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7DW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 5303

charliesbar358@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Established in 1944, Charlie’s is one of Enniskillen's most established traditional, family run bars. Whether it's live music you're after or somewhere to relax in front of an open fire- you'll find it in Charlie's!

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Off site parking
- Parking (charge)
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
52 reviews
The Rocking Chair Bar

Derry~Londonderry

Address

15-17 Waterloo Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6HA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7128 1200

manager@rockingchairbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Rocking Chair Bar, or ‘Rocker’ to the locals, is one of Derry’s most famous pubs in Derry. Located in the shadow of the famous Derry Walls and overlooking the Bogside, we have the atmosphere of a local with the energy of a pub in the heart of…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviews
Blakes Of The Hollow

Enniskillen

Address

6 Church Street, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7EJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 2143

blakesofthehollow@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Renowned for its traditional Irish heritage, Blakes of the Hollow is one of the most famous and well recognised Victorian pubs in Ireland. It is a must see attraction which has graced County Fermanagh’s shores for over 125 years.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1025 reviews
Horatio Todd's

Belfast

Address

406 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 3EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9050 9700

info@thehoratiogroup.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

This East Belfast bar and restaurant is family friendly with healthy choices for the kids, and creative choices for vegetarians. Serving up top notch local produce, such as Walter Ewing's salmon, and comber potatoes.

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Hugh McCann's

Newcastle

Address

119 Central Promenade, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 2487

info@hughmccanns.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Hugh McCann's has a spectacular location opposite Newcastle's new promenade with panoramic sea views. The two hundred year old building is fully restored with antique fixtures and fittings.

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Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
50 reviews
Halfway House Country Pub

Broughshane

Address

143 Carnlough Road, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT43 7JW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2568 4225

info@eventbarsolutions.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Historic country pub and restaurant located halfway between Ballymena and Carnlough at the foot of impressive Slemish Mountain, offering a friendly welcome to the weary traveller and locals alike serving great food and drink!

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
204 reviews
Peadar O'Donnells

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Waterloo Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6HD

Telephone
+44 (0)28 7126 7295

peadarodonnells@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Peadar O'Donnell's is famous for its live traditional music nightly, friendly atmosphere, grocer pub decor and flag collection.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
337 reviews
Blackbird

Derry~Londonderry

Address

24 Foyle Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7136 2111

sarah@blackbirdderry.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Blackbird is a newly established free house offering a generous range of brews from Derry, Northern Ireland and beyond. Our carefully selected beer list will satisfy the most ardent hophead.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
120 reviews
The Bowery

Belfast

Address

701 Lisburn Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 7GU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9066 4442

info@thebowerybelfast.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Set in the heart of the Lisburn Road, The Bowery is South Belfast’s newest neighbourhood pub for fantastic food, classic cocktails, live sport & entertainment. You can join us all year round, whatever the weather, on our fully heated covered outside…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
461 reviews
Bert's Jazz Bar

Belfast

Address

The Merchant Hotel, 16 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2ZY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9026 2713

berts@themerchanthotel.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Belfast’s and Northern Ireland's first authentic Jazz Bar offering Live Jazz seven nights a week - located within the elegant Merchant Hotel, Berts offers great live entertainment and mouth watering food.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
26 reviews
Hagan's Bar

Dungannon

Address

39 - 43 Irish Street, Dungannon, County Tyrone, BT70 1DB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8772 2628

info@hagansbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

This lively wee spot is a go-to party spot for fun lovers. Head in for a bite of pizza, then grab one of the delicious cocktails or a beer for you and a friend and head to see the live DJ, with music that will keep you up on your feet. Chances are…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
968 reviews
McHugh’s Bar & Restaurant

Belfast

Address

29-31 Queen’s Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3FG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9050 9999

info@mchughsbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

McHughs is within a grade A listed building, built between 1710 and 1720, making it officially the oldest building in the city of Belfast, enjoying a long history and a sometimes colourful reputation.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1187 reviews
Granny Annie's Belfast

Belfast

Address

81 Chichester Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4JE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1331

belfast@grannyannies.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Oozing rustic charm and ‘Home of Live Music’ – Traditional & Modern. Located 5 minutes walk from Belfast City Hall, Granny Annies is the perfect venue for your Gastro dining experience, our menus include some of Granny’s favourites.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
702 reviews
Bentley Bar

Derry~Londonderry

Address

3-5 Market Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6EF

Telephone
028 7127 9185

info@thebentleybar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Bentley Bar is situated by Ferryquay Gate, in the heart of a shopper's paradise and close to most of the city's historical sights.

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