During the Troubles, many public houses were the target of bombings from both sides. Tensions ran high, and entering the wrong bar could have disastrous consequences.
Today, these bars are popular on walking tours, and serve as locals for their neighbourhoods.
These locations reflect shared, complicated history for both communities during the Troubles – visit with respect. Here are ten bars in Belfast with tales from the Troubles.
10. Crown Liquor Saloon – stained glass beauty
Across the street from the most blown-up hotel in Europe, the Europa, the Crown Liquor Saloon‘s beautiful stained glass and Victorian furnishings remain intact. Today it is a beautiful and welcoming place to visit.
Address: County Antrim, 46 Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7BA, United Kingdom
9. The Rex Bar – oldest bar in Shankill
Shankill’s oldest public bar, established in 1865, with a mural of Edward Carson signing the Ulster Covenant. It was the site of a 1997 loyalist feud shooting. Nowadays, it is a well-loved local with music acts.
Address: 215 Shankill Rd, Belfast BT13 1FQ, United Kingdom
8. Sunflower Pub – historic security cage
Still retains its steel security cage installed during the 1970s bombings. Friendly venue with live music every night and woodfired pizza today.
Address: 65 Union St, Belfast BT1 2JG, United Kingdom
7. Kelly’s Cellars – 1798 Rising history
City centre pub known for its trad music and its involvement in the 1798 Rising. It was never the target of a bombing during thirty years of the Troubles. Today it offers beers, spirits, and wine.
Address: 30-32 Bank St, Belfast BT1 1HL, United Kingdom
6. Maddens – two-way security door
Two-way door security and a buzzer system left over from the Troubles. Known for having one of the best pints of Guinness in the city. A Belfast institution, it still draws a local crowd.
Address: 74 Berry St, Belfast BT1 1FJ, United Kingdom
5. The Harp Bar – neutral punk ground
A punk venue known as neutral ground where those from both sides could enjoy music. Many famous bands played there, as it was considered one of the premier punk venues in Northern Ireland.
It closed in 1982 and reopened in a different location. The original site is now a boutique hotel called The Foundry, with a plaque dedicated to its original punk-rock history.
Address: 35 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2NB, United Kingdom
4. Felons Club – supporting political prisoners
Founded by former republican prisoners to support political prisoners and their families. Now a popular Falls Road local.
Address: 537 Falls Rd, Belfast BT11 9AB, United Kingdom
3. Bittles Bar – unique and welcoming
Survived both a firebombing and car bombing and sells a very large amount of Guinness relative to its size.
This welcoming, no-nonsense little space is popular for its drink and its history. Today, it’s still under the same ownership, and its characterful, unique interior is a draw for both tourists and locals alike.
Address: 70 Upper Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4QL, United Kingdom
2. The Royal Bar – straightforward local
Survived the skirmishes of the Troubles in the Shankill Road area and is still flying unionist flags today. Now a straightforward local serving pints.
Address: 237 Shankill Rd, Belfast BT13 1FR, United Kingdom
1. Diamond Jubilee Bar – peace walls and murals
The peace walls and murals are still visible nearby. It’s now an everyday local known for good, inexpensive Guinness.
Address: 150-152 Peters Hill, Belfast BT13 2AD, United Kingdom
Most cluster in the Shankill/Cathedral Quarter/Falls area, making for an easy walking tour. These places stand as silent sentinel telling tales from Belfast’s troubled history, showing the resilience of the community and the people of Northern Ireland.
Whether your interest is in music, history, or visiting important locations in Belfast, these pubs stand as a testament to a turbulent time.
