Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

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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.

Popular Nightlife Spots

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 in Belfast with a touch of class at the magnificent Merchant Hotel and pick a cocktail or drink from extensive 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.

Come down to The Foundry and pick your poison with one of their bold and boozy cocktails or check out the student nights at the Limelight 1 and Limelight 2. If it's atmosphere you're after, Common Market offers street food with live entertainment and three fully-stocked bars with the best beer, wine and cocktails!

Tyrone ain’t no slouch on the couch when it comes to night-time entertainment either. The bustling beer garden, The Jailbird in Cookstown 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 Friday and Saturday evening. Or head to Sallys of Omagh for a lowkey pint with the locals.

Unique & Quirky Bars in Belfast

A 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. Or watch the drinks price change at a stock market in Haymarket while enjoying interactive darts and competitive shuffleboard!

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.

Top LGBT+ Venues in Northern Ireland

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 LGBT+ scene.

Union Street Bar & Restaurant is a hotspot with top quality entertainment 7 nights a week. Spanning over 3 floors and 4 different areas, there is something for everyone.

Best Cocktails in Northern Ireland

Take a short train ride from Belfast to Bangor, ad find The Nines. They offer a combination of classic and creative cocktails on their menu. Come back to try all 9 signature cocktails available daily.

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’.

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.

Traditional Pubs

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.

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.

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.

And of course, The Duke of York must be included on this list. This historic bar offers a traditional Belfast welcome of craic, music and humour.

Drinks 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.

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.

Drink and dance 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 at The Dundrum Inn for a tasty bite to eat and a drink.

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: 98

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Dormans Bar

Magherafelt

Address

Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, BT45 6EN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7963 1194

info@secrets-dormans.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Established in 1905, Dorman's Bar is established as one of the finest traditional pubs in Ireland, serving both food and drink in the ambience of cosy booths and snugs with an open fire or outdoor garden setting.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Off site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
432 reviews
Bittles Bar

Belfast

Address

70 Upper Church Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4EL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 1088

Johnbittles@googlemail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Bittles Bar is one of Belfast's more curious pubs located close to the bustling Victoria Square. Red-bricked and 'flat-iron' in shape Bittles is a wonderful example of a traditional Victorian Bar. Founded in 1868.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1170 reviews
Walled City Brewery

Derry~Londonderry

Address

70 Ebrington Square, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 6FA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7134 3336

info@walledcitybrewery.com

Type

Type:

Brewery

The Walled City Brewery craft uniquely local, premium quality, fabulously flavoursome food and beer in their multi-award winning brewhouse, restaurant and new taproom. If you truly want a flavour of the North-West, it is a must-visit!

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
885 reviews
Daft Eddy's Bar & Restaurant

Killinchy

Address

Sketrick Island, Whiterock, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6QH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 1615

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Renowned for its fresh food and wonderful hospitality, Daft Eddy's offers fresh seafood and a host of other local produce.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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
270 reviews
Crowes Nest

Enniskillen

Address

12 High Street, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7DQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 5252

feargalshannon1@yahoo.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

One of the oldest pubs in Enniskillen Situated in the heart of the main shopping area and a popular amongst the locals and visitors. The Crowes Nest was recently awarded Fermanagh Regional Winner for Best Bar at the 94th National Pub & Bar Awards…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
The Front Page Bar

Ballymena

Address

9 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6AL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2564 1953

info@thefrontpagebar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

A “traditional-meets-modern” award winning and innovative pub in the centre of Ballymena, which offers a friendly welcome and has established itself as a popular drinks and entertainment venue with celebrities, locals and visitors of all ages.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
89 reviews
Frank Owens' Bar

Limavady

Address

50 Main Street, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7772 2328

damianowens@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Established in 1852, this award winning Limavady pub retains all the charm and character of the way a traditional pub should be.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
161 reviews
The Dark Horse

Belfast

Address

34 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 7807

darkhorse@dukeofyorkbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Dark Horse is a European style coffee house nestled along a narrow cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area of the Cathedral Quarter.
Available for private hire Thursday - Saturday.

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The Harbour Bar Portrush

Portrush

Address

Harbour Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT568DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7506 990 345

booking@ramorerestaurant.com

Type

Type:

Bar

A feast for the senses is the fine Harbour Bar. This buzzing pub is a perfect pit stop to enjoy renowned pints of Guinness, a selection of the best gins and spirits around. With great views overlooking Portrush harbour there's no better place to…

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The Market Inn

Draperstown

Address

St. Patricks Street, Draperstown, County Londonderry, BT45 7AJ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 7962 8250

maurice.regan2@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Market Inn situated in the historic village of Draperstown perfectly encapsulates the ambience and atmosphere that make irish pubs world famous.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
311 reviews
Mary McBride's

Cushendun

Address

Main Street, Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2176 1511

cormacmckeegan@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Mary's is a traditional Irish pub with lots of history and stories to be told. Come along and enjoy a homemade meal and a pint of Guinness. Our menu offers something for everyone whether it's our steak and Guinness pie or our delicious Cock and Bull.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
159 reviews
The Glencloy Inn

Carnlough

Address

1 Bridge Street, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0ET

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2888 5226

theglencloyinn@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Historic family owned, traditional Irish bar and restaurant located in the picturesque village of Carnlough, offering great food, drink and hospitality on the Causeway Coastal Route.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
33 reviews
Dobbins Inn Bar & Restaurant

Carrickfergus

Address

6/8 High Street, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7AF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 1905

enquiries@dobbinsinn.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Dobbins Inn in the heart of Carrickfergus offers warm hospitality, traditional Irish and modern European dishes, a cosy bar lounge, dog-friendly beer garden, and popular breakfasts in its central High Street location.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
191 reviews
Duke of York

Belfast

Address

7-11 Commercial Court, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2NB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 1062

info@dukeofyorkbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Nestled along a narrow-cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area, the Duke of York offers a traditional Belfast welcome of craic, music and humour.

More Info
McConville's Bar Portadown

Portadown

Address

Mandeville Street, Portadown, County Armagh, BT623PB

Telephone
+44 (0)28 3833 2070

hdrq28@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Located in the heart of Portadown for over 150 years, McConville’s Bar has stood the test of time. A traditional ‘snug’ bar with rustic wooden interiors and etched windows, McConville's is a great spot to enjoy a quiet drink in.

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The Northern Whig

Belfast

Address

2-10 Bridge Street, Town Parks, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9050 9888

info@thenorthernwhig.com

Type

Type:

Bar

This specialist cocktail bar is bright, stylish and chic, with the square bar on the central floor being the focal point.

More Info
The John Hewitt Bar & Restaurant

Belfast

Address

51 Donegall Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2FH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 3768

info@thejohnhewitt.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Located in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, The John Hewitt first opened its doors in December 1999. The bar is unique in its ownership as it is owned by The Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
216 reviews
Silver Street (The River Inn)

Derry~Londonderry

Address

34-38 Shipquay Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6DW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7137 1965

info@riverinn1684.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The River Inn is Derry's oldest sited bar, established in 1684, with its history stretching back to before the siege.

More Info