Sunny days seem to have made their return to Ireland, with summer just around the corner. So, here are the ten best beer gardens Belfast has to offer.
There’s nothing better on a warm, sunny day than sitting back in a relaxed, outdoor beer garden sipping a tasty cocktail or a cold beer.
For the first time in over two years, we are able to head out for a spontaneous drink in the city without worrying about what restrictions will be in place.
From old favourite beer gardens to new city centre terraces offering panoramic views, Belfast offers a wide range of outdoor venues to enjoy alfresco drinks in the sun.
So, without further ado, here are the ten best beer gardens in Belfast you need to visit this summer.
10. Lavery’s – plenty of options to choose from
One of the best pubs in Belfast, Lavery’s, offers plenty of options when it comes to great places for outdoor drinks.
Choose from the front or back roof terrace, the Shipyard Bar, or the Cobbles, each offering a unique feel to suit all tastes.
With great food, a fantastic selection of beers and classic cocktails, and a lively atmosphere, these are certainly some of the best beer gardens Belfast has to offer.
Address: 12-18 Bradbury Pl, Belfast BT7 1RS
9. The Perch Rooftop Bar – for a classy experience
This beautiful rooftop terrace is the perfect location for a classy experience in Belfast City Centre in the summer months.
With an abundance of cocktails, this rooftop garden bar has a laidback vibe that is perfect for a sunny day. Grab your friends, get dressed up, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in beautiful surroundings.
Address: 42 Franklin St, Belfast BT2 7GE
8. CARGO by Vertigo – for a unique experience
CARGO by Vertigo first opened in Belfast a few years ago, bringing a modern twist to the traditional beer garden.
Serving food and refreshing drinks overlooked by the famous Harland and Wolff Cranes, this is one of the city’s biggest beer gardens perfect for summer nights.
Address: Titanic Quarter, Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DH
7. Kelly’s Cellars – one of the best beer gardens Belfast has to offer
Kelly’s Cellars in Bank Street is the perfect spot to enjoy drinks with friends and traditional music in an outdoor space. It is one of the best bars in Belfast, which celebrities have been to.
This historic bar boasts an abundance of history, and with quite an extensive sheltered beer garden, it always proves to be a popular spot when the sun is shining.
Address: 30-32 Bank St, Belfast BT1 1HL
6. Cutter’s Wharf – for a relaxed drink and a bite to eat in the sun
Offering beautiful views of the River Lagan, Cutter’s Wharf is a beautiful and popular venue offering food, drinks, and great service.
Perfect for a relaxed drink with friends, this is definitely one of the best beer gardens in Belfast for all occasions. We would highly recommend!
Address: Lockview Rd, Belfast BT9 5FJ
5. The Bone Yard – one of the newer additions to Belfast’s beer garden scene
The beer garden of Pug Ugly’s on Bedford Street, the Bone Yard is an alternative venue offering street food, craft beers, and mouthwatering cocktails.
Close to the Dublin Road, the entertainment on offer includes Pug Ugly’s comedy club and big TV screens showing live sporting events. For a great afternoon in the city, this is one not to miss.
Address: 29 Bedford St, Belfast BT2 7EJ
4. The Jailhouse – one of the best beer gardens in Belfast
Located at the heart of the city, there are plenty of Ann Street cocktail bars to choose from. However, if you venture down Joys Entry, you can find one of the best.
This traditional, dog-friendly bar has a small beer garden upstairs and out front, making it the perfect place for a chilled catch up with friends.
Address: 4 Joys Entry, Belfast BT1 4DR
3. The National Grand Café – one of the best in Belfast
Home to one of the biggest heated beer gardens in the city, no list of the best beer gardens Belfast has to offer would be complete without mentioning the National Grand Café.
With an abundance of cocktails to choose from, a great food menu, and a warm atmosphere, this is a city centre beer garden not to miss.
Address: 62 High St, Belfast BT1 2BE
2. Babel Rooftop Bar – for a beautiful beer garden with stunning views
Located at the top of the Bullitt Hotel, Babel Garden offers panoramic city views, delicious cocktails, and a bustling vibe.
The hotel is home to two sun-trapped terraces, one on the roof with excellent views and one on the ground floor, so this is certainly one of the top spots for a drink in the city.
Address: 40a Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4QN
1. The Dirty Onion – one of the best beer gardens Belfast has to offer
Topping our list of best beer gardens in Belfast is the Dirty Onion. Located at the heart of the city’s Cathedral Quarter, this beautiful beer garden offers a laid-back vibe, Irish music, and plenty of drinks.
When the sun shines in the city, many will flock to the Cathedral Quarter. So, you can rest assured the atmosphere will be electric with some of the best music in town.
Address: 3 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA
Other notable mentions
The Thirsty Goat: The Thirsty Goat is located just beside the Dirty Onion on one of Belfast’s most historic streets. So, heading this direction, you’ll have plenty of fantastic beer gardens to choose from.
Union Street Bar: Union Street Beer Garden is a hidden gem when it comes to great spots for alfresco drinks in the city.
The Parlour: Popular with students, the Parlour’s outdoor garden is located just beside Queen’s University Belfast. Enjoy affordable drinks, great food, and a relaxed vibe.
Robert Stewart’s: Located just outside of the city, Robert Stewart’s is one of the most popular spots for food and drink on a sunny day.
39 Gordon Street: Another Cathedral Quarter addition to this list, we highly recommend having a drink in 39 Gordon Street’s beautiful beer garden.
Haymarket: Opened in 2021, Haymarket is a great spot for a drink, a bite to eat, and the perfect venue for a catch up with friends.
Granny Annies: This award-winning beer garden is located just beside Victoria Square Shopping Centre, making it the perfect place for some tasty cocktails after a busy day of shopping.
FAQs about the best beer gardens Belfast has to offer
What bars in Belfast have live music?
The Dirty Onion, McHugh’s, The Duke of York, The Harp Bar, The Spaniard, Babel, and Kelly’s Cellars are some of the best bars in Belfast for live music.
Do you have to book tables in bars in Belfast?
In general, no. However, it is always best to check beforehand, especially if you’re visiting with a large group.
What bars are in Cathedral Quarter Belfast?
Some of the best bars in the Cathedral Quarter are the Duke of York, the Harp Bar, the Thirsty Goat, the Dirty Onion, and the Spaniard.
