Must-see nightlife in Northern Ireland

  • Sea Shed Coffee & Surf

    County Londonderry

    This chic beachside hut sells single-origin coffee, cold brews, hot chocolate, teas and pastries and rents out surf equipment (per half-day/day bodyboard…

  • Ownies

    County Antrim

    Carrickfergus' most traditional bar – formerly the Joymount Arms, dating from 1846 – has a cosy interior complete with snugs, fireplaces, a beer garden…

  • Drop Hopper Coffee Roasters

    Belfast

    Drop in for a Dropper Hopper coffee made with Central and South American beans roasted at their premises near Crossgar in County Down. On weekends, Drop…

  • Sandino's Cafe-Bar

    Derry (Londonderry)

    From the posters of Che to the Free Palestine flag to the fairtrade coffee and gluten-free beer, this relaxed cafe-bar exudes a liberal, left-wing vibe…

  • McCuaig's Bar

    County Antrim

    Rathlin Island's pub and beer garden overlook the harbour, with wooden picnic tables providing an idyllic spot for a pint and a plate of hearty pub food…

  • White's Tavern

    Belfast

    Established in 1630 but rebuilt in 1790, White's claims to be Belfast's oldest tavern (unlike a pub, a tavern provided food and lodging). It's a…

  • Botanic Inn

    Belfast

    Wednesday at the 'Bot' is one of Belfast's longest-running student nights, with live music and DJs on the decks in the basement club. The party continues…

  • Harlem Cafe

    Belfast

    With eclectic art covering the walls, the Harlem is a great place for lounging over coffee, or enjoying a glass of wine after hitting the shops. A full…

  • Windrose

    County Antrim

    This modern bar-bistro has dining on two levels, but the real reason to drop by is for a drink on the sun-drenched timber-decked terrace overlooking the…

  • Sugar

    Derry (Londonderry)

    Above Quays Bar, Derry's hottest club spreads over two floors, and has the city's largest rooftop terrace. Guest and resident DJs play; see the Facebook…

  • Bogan's Bar

    Counties Fermanagh & Tyrone

    This popular pub by the river is Omagh's most lively, with a good selection of craft beers, bands on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and karaoke nights on…

  • Hillside Bar & Restaurant

    County Down

    On sloping Main St, this homely pub serves real ale and mulled wine beside the fireplace in winter. There's a beer garden in a cobbled courtyard out the…

  • Black Cat Cove

    County Fermanagh

    This family-run pub with antique furniture and an open fire serves good bar meals. It also has live music most nights in summer, and on weekends in winter.

  • Hop House

    County Down

    Local craft beers and nightly live music or DJs keep this central spot hopping. The awesome beer garden has a pizza oven.

  • Corner House

    Glens of Antrim

    The National Trust–owned Corner House serves coffee, cakes, scones, cooked breakfasts, and lunchtime soups and salads.

  • Clements

    Belfast

    Belfast's homegrown answer to Starbucks. Other branches include Donegall Sq West, Rosemary St and Royal Ave.

  • Corner House

    County Down

    A favourite with locals, this traditional pub hosts informal Tuesday night live music from 10pm.

  • Blackbird

    Derry (Londonderry)

    With wooden booths, leather sofas and roaring fires, the Blackbird hasn't sacrificed comfort and cosiness in its bid to create a modern space. The kitchen…

  • Northern Whig

    Belfast

    Northern Whig is set in an elegant Georgian printing works, with relaxing sofas and armchairs encouraging serious afternoon loafing, though the pace hots…

  • Badgers Bar

    Derry (Londonderry)

    A fine polished-brass and stained-glass Victorian pub with wood-panelled nooks and crannies, and an outdoor terrace, Badgers overflows at lunchtime with…

  • McHugh's Bar & Restaurant

    Belfast

    In Belfast's oldest surviving building, dating from 1711, McHugh's retains a wonderfully traditional feel with its old wooden booths and benches, and…

  • Linen Hall Library Coffee Shop

    Belfast

    The Linen Hall Library has a small coffee shop selling sandwiches and cakes as well as hot dishes like soup and chicken pie. There are great views of…

  • QUB Student Union

    Belfast

    The student union has various bars and music venues hosting club nights, live bands and stand-up comedy.

  • Old Killowen Inn

    County Down

    The Old Killowen Inn hosts regular impromptu trad music and set sessions on Saturday afternoons.

  • Kilbroney

    County Down

    The Kilbroney is a good place to catch trad music most Sundays.

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