Category: Bars & Pubs

65 Dock Street, Belfast BT15 1LF, t. 028 9074 3964,
americanbarbelfast@gmail.com
Dating back to the 1860’s this pub has always been called The American. Why exactly we don’t know but being on Belfast’s dock side it would have had links to the Americas through shipping, trade and emigration, not least during the Irish famine of the mid 1800’s. Historically the pub would have been frequented by dockers, carters and riveters… truly the hard men of Belfast. Sailortown is also the home of the legendry Belfast boxer Rinty Monaghan, an undisputed world champion in the 1940’s. His photograph along with other Belfast champions fill the back wall. This new chapter of the pub commenced in October 2016 and is once more alive with impromptu music sessions, poetry and gigs over two floors. The walls are adorned with both Sailortown and American photographs and paraphernalia – car number plates, boxers, scarfs, beer signs and mirrors.

48 Gt. Victoria St, t. 028 9024 2986
Its location opposite the Europa Hotel and Great Victoria Street Bus and Rail Station, and close to the Grand Opera House, ensures this traditional Belfast bar attracts a steady stream of suits, shoppers, sightseers and night owls. Daily drinks promos keep the holiday budget in check, and there’s a great selection of local pub grub. We’re talking Irish classics such as Creamy Seafood Chowder, Beef & Guinness Pie and Baked Irish Ham and Champ (that’s mashed potatoes and spring onions to the uninitiated). The spacious interior boasts an open fire, old-style mahogany and brass bar, and counter, table and snug seating. Sports fans will relish the large screen coverage of their favourite game. And, on Friday and Saturday nights, a party crowd rocks up for live music in the upstairs bar.
Open daily 11.30am-late.

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ, t. 028 9023 4888,
www.themerchanthotel.com, info@themerchanthotel.com
The Cloth Ear is The Merchant Hotel’s comfortable public bar. Situated in the Grade A listed part of the building, it has many original features as well as some modern touches. The pub offers an exceptional range of craft beers, ales and stouts, beers from around the world as well as a fine portfolio of Irish and International whiskies and classic cocktails. Our All Day menu ranges from tempura prawns and bruschetta to Shepherd’s pie and our famous hanging skewers. We also have dedicated Vegan and Gluten Allergy menus so whether you’re in the mood for light bites or something more substantial, there will be something for everyone! The Cloth Ear shows all the big sporting events notably Premier League football matches, local and International Rugby and major golf tournaments.

Bullitt Hotel, 40a Church Lane, Belfast, BT1 4QN, t. 028 9590 0600,
www.babelbelfast.com, reservations@bullitthotel.com
Babel is Bullitt Hotel’s rooftop bar and garden complete with stunning city views, mouth-watering cocktails, delicious food and live music. A true urban oasis, Babel prides itself on its homegrown botanicals and innovative ideas. Check out their Tipsy Tea – a modern twist on traditional Afternoon Tea – available every weekend!

65 Union St., t. 028 9023 2474, www.sunflowerbelfast.com
This 120 yo city centre corner pub has been transformed into a vibrant public house and live music venue. The last Belfast pub to retain it’s 1980’s security cage (re-painted a welcoming green and adorned with flower baskets) it specialises in Irish craft beers, whiskies and gins. Music fans will love the eclectic lineup of live music on the intimate upstairs stage and the impromptu sessions downstairs featuring traditional Irish, Gypsy Jazz and Appalachian styles. It’s hidden gem is the beer garden out back with it’s wood fired pizza oven.
Find it on the fringe of Cathedral Quarter, right behind Central Library and a stones throw (a recognised measurement in Belfast) from the Art College.
Open daily 12 noon to late.

3 Hill Street, BT1 2LA Belfast, t. 028 9024 3712, www.thedirtyonion.com, info@thedirtyonion.com
The Dirty Onion resides in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, reintroduced as a traditional Irish public house with a modern twist. The bustling bar offers live traditional music seven nights and two afternoons a week. Dating back to 1680 the building has striking original features and a highly popular beer garden and courtyard. Inside, low ceilings supported by exposed wooden beams and original brick walls throughout nod to the past. Monday: Trad sessions, Tuesday: Bodhran Lessons, Wednesday: Harp session, Thursday: Live bluegrass, Friday: Live bands & musicians from 6pm, Saturday: Live bands & musicians from 2pm, Sunday: Trad sessions from 2pm.
See www.thedirtyonion.com for details.