When it comes to the best gay bars in Belfast, the capital of the North has a number of great options.
Belfast’s first-ever gay bar, The Chariot Rooms, first opened in the 1980s, during the darkest years of The Troubles. Now, the city has made leaps and bounds with a handful of fantastic gay bars in the city centre.
A night out in a gay bar in any city will often lead to the best nights with the most fun and the greatest stories from the night before.
You’ll find the best atmosphere, dancing, and you’ll laugh and have fun the whole night long. Nine times out of ten, you’ll have the BEST night out.
While Belfast’s gay scene might be small, there are some great gay bars in the city to ensure you have a cracker night to remember.
5. Kremlin – today’s original gay bar in Belfast
The Kremlin is currently Belfast’s longest-standing gay bar, having opened almost a quarter of a century ago in 1999.
While it is no longer Belfast’s most popular gay club, it still makes for a great night out on the town. Open five nights a week, Kremlin boasts several different rooms and dance floors featuring excellent DJs, drag cabaret, drink deals, and so much more.
Every night in Kremlin is different, so you’ll have a different experience every time depending on which night you choose.
Address: 96 Donegall St, Belfast BT1 2GW
4. Libertine – the new kid on the block
Libertine is Belfast’s newest gay bar, club, and garden. It opened in 2022 and has brought a breath of fresh air to the gay bar scene in the city.
Co-owned by Game of Thrones actor and international DJ Kristian Nairn, you’ll find him in the DJ booth from time to time in the club.
Titti Von Tramp, a legend in the Belfast gay scene, is the host of Libertine’s flagship night, Damnation, every Saturday. You’ll find DJ and music producer Alex Graham, the club’s resident DJ, behind the decks for this night.
Other music nights range from pop anthems to cheesy tunes, disco, house, and more; there is something new on every night that Libertine has to offer.
Address: 14 Tomb St, Belfast BT1 3BA
3. Maverick – one of the best gay bars in Belfast
Maverick is situated in the heart of Belfast’s Rainbow Quarter and offers an incredible and inclusive night out.
From F**K YEAH! Fridays to Open Drag Stage on Thursday nights, Maverick has so many nights that bring the craic you won’t forget.
Maverick has a range of fantastic live entertainment to keep you going during the week and brings the party on the weekends.
Plus, the lounge and bar are open from 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays to have a chilled-out drink on the weekends. Open late seven nights a week, Maverick is one bar not to be missed.
Address: 1 Union St, Belfast BT1 2JF
2. Boombox – one of the gay bars in Belfast with a difference
Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Boombox hosts various themed nights throughout the week. The weekends at Boombox attract the biggest crowds, and the DJs and music playing guarantee a fantastic night out.
If you head for a night out at Boombox, expect to dance the night away before you even realise the end of the night has come around.
Boombox is a firm favourite in the gay scene in Belfast, and much like the other clubs, every night offers something completely different.
Address: 108 Donegall St, Belfast BT1 2GX
1. Union Street – the number one gay bar in the city
Known widely as the number one gay bar in the city, Union Street is situated in an old 19th-century shoe factory. It is probably the coolest gay bar that sits apart from the others in terms of aesthetics.
Whether you’re local to Belfast or visiting for a night or two, make sure Union Street is one of the bars you visit for the night.
Karaoke nights at Union Street are some of the best nights out in Belfast. If you have the nerve to get up and sing, you better work it.
Get a group of friends together and head down to Union Street in the city, and you won’t be disappointed.
Address: 8-14 Union St, Belfast BT1 2JF
