The best pubs and bars in Northern Ireland
But there's also a burgeoning cocktail scene, particularly in Belfast, and tiny old bars that are best to cosy up in with the paper for a few hours, when it's blowing a gale outside. Whatever you're after, here are some of the best places for a tipple in Northern Ireland.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's best hotels, things to do, restaurants and beaches.
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Best traditional pubs
Crown Liquor Saloon
The poster child for Northern Irish pubs, the Crown Liquor Saloon is one of those rarities that's enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Its elaborate Victorian exterior (preserved by the National Trust, no less) is matched by a darkly cosy space inside, with carved mahogany partitions, stained glass and gunmetal plates where patrons would strike matches. Nowadays, punters make do with pints of Cornish pale ale or a snifter of Bushmills whiskey.
Blake's of the Hollow
A traditional boozer, The Hollow feels like it hasn't changed a jot since it opened its doors in 1887. The front bar, with its tiled floors, marble bar top and lamppost style light fixtures, is perpetually cosy, and is at its best on a quiet afternoon, when you can sit with a pint and the paper. If you prefer something a little less low-key, there's live traditional music every Friday night.
The Duke of York
It may be one of the most popular pubs in Belfast, but walking down the cobbled alley to its entrance always feels special. That alleyway, with dozens of flower-filled hanging baskets and vintage Guinness signs, is cracking on a sunny day, but the interior is the epitome of cosiness, with a brick bar, low ceilings and weathered floor tiles. Nab a seat by the vintage printing press, to see if you can spot the dirty words hidden in the lettering.
Sunflower
Though the Sunflower name on the door is relatively new, this spot has been the home to a pub for over 100 years. The entrance is distinctive, with a bright green cage over the door (leftover from The Troubles) and the sign outside is one of the most photographed in Belfast: 'No topless sunbathing. Ulster has suffered enough'. There aren't any bells and whistles inside, but an excellent selection of craft beers like Yardsman stout and Kinnegar ales, and there's a beer garden, too.
Best for live music
Peadar O'Donnell's
A minimalist's nightmare, this pub has paraphernalia hanging from every inch of space, from antique sewing machines to a proliferation of flags. As such, it feels like a quintessential Irish pub, particularly in the evening, with traditional musicians filling the room with song. Get a low table in the corner, order a well-poured pint of Guinness, and listen to the masters at work.
House of McDonnell
Owned by the same family for almost 300 years, this listed building is where you'll find some of the best traditional music in the country, with a session every Friday night, and other gigs throughout the week. It's on the Ballycastle Trad Music Trail, and it's even been name checked in some traditional Irish songs and poems. There's a charming little outdoor area, with weathered brick walls and wooden seats, and it's open until 1am.
Best for chic cocktails
The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant
If you'd rather drink a negroni in style than step over a sticky, beer-stained floor, The Cocktail Bar in The Merchant Hotel is a great choice. This relatively small bar has a sophisticated, old-world sense of style, with plenty of dark wood, burgundy velvet armchairs and an antique fireplace. More importantly, the cocktails are impeccable, and you're served a little 'browsing drink' made with Jawbox gin, while you peruse the menu.
Rattlebag
Don't be put off by the fact that this cocktail bar is inside a hotel – this intimate spot has built up some serious kudos since it opened, with a menu that changes with the seasons and a series of pop-up collaborations with hip wine bars and musical folks. Expect to see quirky ingredients shaken up with classics, like pine distillate in a martini or cumin tincture in a gimlet.
Best for cosy vibes
The 1614 Bar
Part of the historic, thatched Old Inn, this pub feels like a traditional carriage house, with low ceilings, thick wooden beams and roaring fires. It can get busy in the evening, when there's live sport on or a local band playing, but it's an ideal spot for a quiet Irish coffee if you've been out walking in the Crawfordsburn Country Park. They also serve food at lunchtime, with pub food like smoked haddock or fish and chips.
Daft Eddy's
Technically, this is more a seafood restaurant than a standalone pub, but the bar is lovely and cosy (and if it's sunny, the outdoor tables right on the water are perfect). Plus, if you're coming from Portaferry, you can take a 10-minute ferry journey to save you the drive, which adds to the novelty factor.
Area: Strangford Lough
Website: dafteddys.co.uk
Price: £
How we choose
Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Nicola Brady
I'm originally from Sussex, and I went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. While I'm now based in Dublin, I spent a decade living on the Northern Irish border and still visit regularly.
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