10 brilliant Belfast pubs

Stepping into the Crown for the first time is almost overwhelming. The fabulously ornate late 19th-century tiles, stained-glass windows and carved wood are all thanks to the skill of Italian craftsmen, hired to work on the pub after they had finished working on churches being built in Belfast at the time. Cosy up in one of the booths built for Victorian drinkers who didn’t want to be seen, and sample the pub’s excellent craft beers and delicious, unpretentious good food.

Housed in what is believed to be Belfast’s oldest surviving building, dating from the early 18th century, McHugh’s Bar is a classic Belfast pub full of character. Inside, local artwork adorns the walls, open fires crackle, and a warm and welcoming Belfast atmosphere encourages you to stay a while. Traditionally visited by workers on Belfast’s docks, the pub is located near the River Lagan and attracts a lively mix of loyal locals and curious visitors, all drawn by its tangible history and enduring charm.

Kelly’s Cellars has been a Belfast stalwart since 1720. Traditional music sessions, four days a week, host some of the island’s finest players. If the whitewashed walls and low arches could talk, they might whisper of plots and intrigues: the United Irishmen met here to plan the 1798 rebellion. According to legend, one of them, Henry Joy McCracken, even hid behind the bar to escape a soldier’s search. With Irish-speaking staff, a huge range of whiskeys and craft beers, as well as what might be the best pint of Guinness in Belfast, you’ll be in for the night.

Tucked away along a cobbled lane in one of the oldest parts of Belfast, the Duke of York is a bright, cosy relic of the city’s past, with a jumble of mirrors, old ads, bottles, beer trays, shining brass work and wonderful tiles. Remarkably, this version of the pub was rebuilt in 1974, but the recreation of 1950s life is almost magical. Music fans will adore the fact that rock band Snow Patrol played their first gig in this very spot. Settle down for the evening with a couple of names from the astonishing whiskey collection.

Located in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, The Dirty Onion offers an authentic bar experience with a modern twist! Enjoy traditional music sessions in the evenings as you relax with your drink beside a peat fire, or step outside into the trendy beer garden (one of the biggest in Belfast) and relax while sampling a delicious craft beer or spirit. Head upstairs and you’ll find Yardbird, a cosy rotisserie chicken restaurant, offering perfectly cooked, tasty chicken and brilliant sharing options. With its winning combination of old and new, this place is not to be missed!

Squeezed into a red-brick flatiron-shaped building, Bittles is a rare find – a pub whose outside is as extraordinary as its inside. The walls of the lounge feature paintings of Ireland’s literary and sporting heroes. The pub, founded in 1868, used to be called "The Shakespeare" in honour of its theatrical connections, and now you can enjoy a drink alongside portraits of Samuel Beckett, James Joyce and football hero George Best. The pub is famed for its beers, ciders and whiskeys, and later in the evening the older clientele makes way for a younger crowd.

Laying claim to being the oldest bar in Belfast, White’s Tavern is certainly one of the most atmospheric. There has been some sort of hostelry here since 1630, so the place breathes history. Amid the whitewashed brick walls, dark panelling and open fire, it’s easy to imagine 18th-century ne’er-do-wells muttering at the next table. With live music and delicious food on offer, and even films screened in the courtyard in summer, this is a real find.

Named for the late poet and Belfast native John Hewitt, this homely bar is a bastion of amazing live music. With performers lighting up the stage every night of the week, it's a prime spot for the foot-tapping, one-of-a-kind sessions that Belfast is rightfully famous for. A warm and inviting interior helps you feel right at home – it's also run by the Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre, with all the funds raised going to promoting their work towards equality and inclusion in the city's community. Enjoy a few delicious drinks and help do some good at the same time!

On a sunny day in the city, there’s only one place to go - the Tetto Roof Garden. Boasting great views of the city skyline, this lively spot is part of the Bullitt Hotel and prides itself on its wide selection of aperitivo, cocktails, beers and ciders. The crowd is young and buzzy, the vibe is relaxed and it’s a great outdoor space that really comes alive on a warm day.

On a corner that has been home to a pub for more than 100 years is The Sunflower – a slice of Belfast's social history tucked into the Cathedral Quarter. The first thing you notice is the security grille on the door – a relic of a time long gone from the city’s psyche, and merely present as an act of preservation. Sunflower is described as “a thriving love letter to folk music and craft ale”, and offers impressive craft beers, a short menu during the day and live music every night.