Historical Hostelries

Morning Star With many pubs and taverns dating back to the 17th Century history resonates through the hostelries of Belfast. Some of them have been lost down through the years, but fortunately for visitors and locals alike, a significant number of Belfast’s historic pubs still exist today and they continue to serve a thirsty public. Many of the oldest pubs are located in the old ‘entries’ of Belfast with names like Sugarhouse and Winecellar, Joy’s and Pottinger’s; these were the original narrow old-town by ways. Bittle’s Bar, a fascinating pub with a literary theme is housed in a curious triangular building, decorated with gilded shamrocks and dates back to 1861.

On Great Victoria Street The Crown Liquor Saloon, the only pub owned by the National Trust, is a unique Victorian gin palace enhanced by its scalloped gas lights, gleaming brasswork and a fine long bar inlaid with coloured glass. A favourite of journalists and newspaper workers The Front Page was built in 1910. While the The Garrick, close to the Courts is favoured by the legal fraternity and is a cosy hostelry built in what was once the bohemian ‘Soho’ of old Belfast. As the city's oldest building with a grade A listing McHugh’s is a location with a rich and colourful past dating back more than 300 years. Located in Pottinger’s Entry The Morning Star is one of Belfast's oldest pubs. Whites Tavern was founded in 1630 as a wine and spirit shop; it retains the spirit of a by-gone age.

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The Morning Star was originally a coaching house for the Belfast-Dublin mail coach. Now a place to relax and imbibe it also offers quality traditional food, specialising in fresh fish and steaks.

17 - 19 Pottinger's Entry,
BELFAST, BT1 4DT
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9032 3976 Email Website
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This traditional Belfast bar, with its marble counter, high ceiling and open fire, is in the heart of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Established on a policy of no Television, Jukebox or gaming machines, it's clientele includes artists, journalists, trade unionists and writers. The John Hewitt’s lunchtime menu is featured in The Bridgestone Foodlovers Guide To Ireland .

51 Donegall Street,
BELFAST, BT9 6AT
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9023 3768 Fax: +44 (0) 29 9096 1110 Email Website
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McHugh`s Bar and Restaurant has the unique distinction of being the oldest building in Belfast, dating back to its establishment in 1711. McHughs boasts a 100-seater restaurant, a basement bar offering live entertainment and the main bar, providing enough space and atmosphere for a great night out.

29-31 Queen’s Square,
BELFAST, BT36 5DG
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9050 9999 Fax: +44 (0) 28 9050 9998 Email Website
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A converted church in the heart of Belfast, boasting the city's most diverse offering of entertainment. Regular gigs include the Comedy Club, Blues Club and Supper Club.

40 – 42 Botanic Avenue,
BELFAST, BT7 1JQ
Tel: +44 (0)28 9024 9276 Email Website
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Lavery's is Belfast’s oldest family run bar and the centre of nightlife in the North of Ireland for over 90 years. With four very different venues under one roof, we promise something for everyone.  Lavery's Back Bar on a Wednesday night is the place for local up and coming singer songwriters/musicians to hit the stage.

Laverys Gin Palace, Bradbury Place,
BELFAST, BT7 1RS
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9087 1106 Email Website
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A great place for thirst-quenching in historical surroundings, this splendid gin palace, built in 1826, is one of the best-known landmarks in the city.  Its ornate Victorian exterior and delightful interior decor make it one of the National Trust's greatest treasures. 

46 Great Victoria Street,
BELFAST, BT2 7BA
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9024 3187 Fax: +44 (0) 28 9027 9900 Email Website
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Robinsons is one of Belfast's longest established bars and provides great choice for your night out with 4 venues under one roof.  Relax and enjoy the chat in the saloon bar before tapping your feet in Fibbers, or chill out in BT1 before working up a frenzie in Mezza(nine) nightclub.

38 - 42 Great Victoria Street,
BELFAST, BT2 7BA
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9024 7447 Email Website
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Ronnie Drew's is a traditional Irish bar located on May Street, adjacent to St George's Market and close to both central station and Belfast City Centre.

79 - 83 May Street,
BELFAST, BT1 3JL
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9024 2046
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At Victoria Square - Bittles is a curious triangular building, decorated with gilded shamrocks. Dated 1861 it houses this compact and fascinating pub.

70 Upper Church Lane,
BELFAST, BT1 4EL
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9031 1088 Email Website
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Experience some of Belfast’s finest Irish traditional music at Madden's Bar, a haunt for traditional musicians with instruments hanging behind the bar, wooden booths and open fires.  There's a great session downstairs on Tuesday nights with some of the finest musicians in the city.  The Friday and Saturday night sessions upstairs attract a good audience.

74 Berry Street,
Belfast, BT1 1JE
Tel: +44 (0)28 9024 4114
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Crown Liquor Saloon Exterior

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Did you know?

London’s Sloane Square and Sloanies are named after County Down born and Belfast educated Sir Hans Sloane, the man largely responsible for the formula for chocolate bars.