Belfast and live music go hand in hand. This city doesn’t just host live music, it lives and breathes it. From sweaty late-night trad sessions to stripped-back acoustic sets and packed indie gigs, live music courses through the very heart of the city. If you know where to go, you can catch world-class talent one night and discover a new local band the next.
That’s where we step in. This is your insider’s guide to live music in Belfast city centre. We share the places locals actually go. Venues where the pints are good, the sound is awesome, the craic is lively and the stories flow well into the night. And they’re easy to get to from room2 Belfast as well.
The Dirty Onion
The Dirty Onion’s where traditional music meets big night out energy. It’s set in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, right in the Cathedral Quarter. It’s a mere 10 minutes from room2.
The Dirty Onion makes a great stop on your night out. Their early evening sessions can often truly memorable. They tend to be less crowded with fabulous musicianship. The Dirty Onion gives you a true taste of the Belfast music scene. You’ll get live Irish music in a buzzing setting.
Address: 3 Hill Street, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast BT1 2LA
The Black Box
Looking for creative vibes? Try The Black Box. It hosts such a diverse mix of everything — folk, indie, experimental, spoken word, traditional. The list is endless. It’s a super welcoming space. Belfast musicians love this stage. You’re as likely to see touring musicians as local legends testing out new material.
With standing room for 240, it’s relatively intimate. But look out for even cosier gigs at The Green Room at The Black Box with capacity for 60 standing and 45 seated.
Address: 18–22 Hill Street, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast BT1 2LA
The Limelight
If there’s a beating musical heart of Belfast, it’s The Limelight. This is where you go for no-frills gigs and club nights. It’s been staging rock and indie music events since the 1980s.
Locals love it because it still feels raw and real. Multiple rooms mean you might catch a headline act upstairs and a newcomer downstairs. It’s the kind of place you may discover an act before they become famous. It’ll be a night you recount for years to come.
Address: 17 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast BT2 8HD
Ulster Sports Club
Ulster Sports Club is an easy-going bar in Belfast city centre with its own brewery. But it also houses three floors of music venues. You can expect a varied line up of acts attracting a creative crowd who like to dance late into the night.
It’s effortlessly cool without trying too hard. That’s exactly how we like it. It’s a good idea to check listings at the last minute. Some of the best gigs here pop up with barely any notice.
Address: 96–98 High Street, Belfast BT1 2BG
The Empire Music Hall
The Empire’s an iconic music venue and a much-loved drinking hole. It’s a place for decent food, a beer garden for warmer days, as well as live entertainment. This is the spot for classic Belfast gig culture. Think big crowds, big singalongs and big atmosphere.
You’ll find tribute bands, touring musicians, local legends and a weekly comedy club. Friday nights often lean into nostalgia and a slightly chaotic late night feel. It’s great for visitors wanting the full Belfast night out.
Address: 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JQ
Oh Yeah Music Centre
Oh Yeah is an important venue for the Belfast music scene. It’s part museum, part venue, part community hub. You can get to it from room2 in about 10 minutes.
It feels authentic because it is. It’s run by wonderful people who live and breathe local music. Oh Yeah’s dedicated to championing, supporting and showcasing the diverse and incredible talent of Northern Ireland. And for us, that’s definitely reason enough to visit.
Address: 15–21 Gordon Street, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast BT1 2LG
The Sunflower Public House
The Sunflower’s a wonderfully welcoming pub that oozes character. It’s everything you want from a Belfast boozer. Don’t expect glitz and glamour. The Sunflower’s unpolished in the best way possible.
But what you will find is folk nights, traditional music sessions and local characters bursting into song at any moment. In the summer, head to the beer garden for fresh pizza direct from the wood-fired oven. That’s the place to hear about the best gigs to catch next.
Address: 65 Union Street, Belfast BT1 2JG
Voodoo
Looking for something heavier? Voodoo’s your place if rock, metal, punk and alternative music’s your thing. It’s dark, loud and brilliantly unapologetic. Voodoo brings a different beat to the heart of Belfast City Centre.
Their downstairs bar is home to open mic nights, singer songwriters and regular DJs. Events at Voodoo aren’t restricted to weekends. Some of the best niche shows happen midweek. Check their what’s on listings to find your thing.
Address: 11 Fountain Street, Belfast BT1 5EA
The Duke of York
This traditional Belfast pub is tiny, legendary and often packed. It hosts live music from Thursday to Sunday. The atmosphere’s absolutely electric when musicians start playing. But it’s the kind of pub to visit to hear stories as much as songs.
The Duke of York has a few claims to fame. Not only does it boast cold beer and really good Guinness. It offers the largest selection of Irish whiskeys in Ireland. And it was the venue where famous Northern Ireland band Snow Patrol played their first gig.
Address: 7–11 Commercial Court, Belfast BT1 2NB
Maddens
Maddens is the real deal. No stage, no big production, just seriously good music. These up close sessions mean that you really feel the music. It’s a place that local musicians go after finishing other gigs – and that’s a true test of a live music venue.
Grab a stool, a real ale and enjoy the craic at this friendly Irish bar.
Address: 74 Berry Street, Belfast BT1 1FJ
White’s Tavern
Dating back to 1630, Whites Tavern teems with Belfast history. It’s an easy-going, welcoming venue. Live music is part of the tavern’s fabric. Sit back and enjoy an acoustic performance in a cosy, low-lit setting.
Less than 10 minutes from room2, White’s Tavern is a good first stop on your night out. Their early evening sets are perfect for warming up before heading deeper into the Cathedral Quarter.
Address: 2–4 Winecellar Entry, Belfast BT1 1QN
Cabaret Supper Club
For a buzzing live music venue that knows how to put on a show, look no further than the Cabaret Supper Club. It’s all singing, all dancing and bursting with energy.
This vibrant bar hosts exceptional burlesque, comedy and live music acts. Order a cocktail, take a seat and prepare to be dazzled by the show.
Address: 44 Upper Arthur Street, Belfast BT1 4GH
Winnie’s Bar, room2 Belfast
Discover new Belfast talent for the first time, right here at room2. Every evening from 6pm, we host live music sessions featuring incredible local musicians. Grab a cocktail and enjoy the tunes. Whether you make it a warm up act before you head out or the accompaniment to pre-dinner drinks, make time to catch top musical talent at Winnie’s during your stay in Belfast.
Major concert venues in Belfast
If you’re in Belfast when a major tour rolls through, these are the city’s big players. Bigger stages, bigger production, but still very Belfast crowds. Look out for amazing global and local acts along with very special guests.
SSE Arena
If an international artist’s playing Belfast, chances are it’ll be here. The SSE Arena hosts global tours, top pop, rock, comedy and big name events.
Address: 2 Queens Quay, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9QQ
Ulster Hall
Ulster Hall is legendary. Everyone from rock icons to orchestras has played here. Yet it still feels special walking in. It’s big enough for major touring artists, but intimate enough that you feel totally connected to the performance.
Address: 34 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7FF
Waterfront Hall
Right on the river, Waterfront Hall is known for its incredible acoustics. It’s riverside location adds to the magic too. Their current what’s on listing spans a diverse range of gigs from Ulster Orchestra to Boyzlife and The Carpenters tribute band along with comedy, politics and cultural celebrations.
Address: 2 Lanyon Place, Belfast BT1 3WH
Stay in the heart of Belfast
Whether you’re here for a big gig or to discover local music talent, there’s so much to hear, see and experience in Belfast. Book your stay with us at room2 and you’ll be in the heart of the music scene. With live music in our bar every evening and easy access to venues in the city centre, we’ll make your time in Belfast memorable, comfortable and enjoyable.