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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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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
363 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.

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
490 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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The Dirty Onion

Belfast

Address

3 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 3712

info@dirtyonion.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Dirty Onion is Belfast's oldest building, dating back to 1780, the building was used as a bonded spirit warehouse from 1921. It was then known as ‘STACK N’ – a reference to its position on the north side of Waring Street.

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
101 reviews
Keegan's Bar & Restaurant

Armagh

Address

41 Irish Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7EP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3751 7673

laura@keegansbararmagh.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Now here’s a place that wears its heart on its sleeve with its bright painted front and its dinky little windows. How could you not step in? Keegan's Bar is a family-run business, supplying Armagh with a fabulous, hard-to-beat price menu!

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The Glensway Bar

Martinstown

Address

67 Glenravel Road, Martinstown, County Antrim, BT43 6QQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2175 8831

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Located in the Glens of Antrim, the Glensway Tavern is an attractive 74 seater restaurant, lounge bar and traditional Irish bar with live music at the weekends and quality fresh produce on the menu, complemented by local beers and whiskeys.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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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Elephant Rock Cocktail Bar

Portrush

Address

17 Lansdowne Crescent, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7087 8787

info@elephantrockhotel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

The cocktail bar at Elephant Rock Hotel exudes a chic and sophisticated ambiance, offering panoramic ocean views that perfectly complement its dramatic Art Deco interior. Afternoon Tea is served in the cocktail bar 12:00 -16:00 on Fridays and…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
618 reviews
The Hillside

Royal Hillsborough

Address

21 Main Street, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 2AE

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9268 9233

info@hillsidehillsborough.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

The Hillside is a charming, rustic pub situated in the historic village of Royal Hillsborough, County Down, only 15 minutes drive from Belfast city centre. The Hillside first opened its doors in 1752 and has been enjoying a busy trade since, thanks…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6909 reviews
Crown Liquor Saloon

Belfast

Address

46 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT2 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 3187

info@crownbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

You will find The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast within a short stroll of Europa Hotel, Grosvenor Road and Glengall Street - however, you won't find another like it.

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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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
30 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.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Sallys of Omagh

Omagh

Address

33-35 John Street, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 1DW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8224 2521

info@sallysofomagh.com

Type

Type:

Bar

One of Northern Ireland's most celebrated venues, Sallys has been trading under the brand name in Omagh for 30 years building up a reputation for excellence in food, drink and live entertainment.

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The Reporter Bar Belfast

Belfast

Address

Union Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2JF

holly@thereporterbarbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Situated on Union Street, neighbouring the Irish News offices and the old Belfast Telegraph building, the intimate bar’s warm and welcoming interior is clad with artefacts and memorabilia, illustrating the city’s colourful history through the eyes…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1059 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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
131 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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Cabaret Supper Club

Belfast

Address

38-42 Upper Arthur Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4GH

Telephone
02890249009

marketingandpr@cabaretbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Night Life

Step into the lavish embrace of Cabaret Supper Club, where every guest is a star amid the glitz reminiscent of 1920s Hollywood. Immerse yourself in an environment brimming with live melodies, tantalising burlesque, captivating drag performances,…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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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