So high is the quality of the best nightclubs in Belfast that they can easily be included in any conversation regarding the best nightclubs in Ireland.
Belfast is a fantastic city rich in history and is one of the most popular cities in Ireland to visit for tourists.
For those looking to have a great nightlife experience, you will be in luck with Belfast as it has quite a bit to offer, thanks to its vast array of nightclubs with something for everyone to enjoy.
In today’s article, we’re revealing the top five best nightclubs in Belfast that you need to experience on a night out in Northern Ireland’s capital city.
Ireland Befoe You Die’s top tips for visiting nightclubs in Belfast
- Check the dress code guidelines before visiting nightclubs in Belfast. Some clubs have specific requirements, such as no sportswear or sneakers, so dress appropriately.
- Ensure you meet the age requirements for entry. Many nightclubs in Belfast have a minimum age limit of 18 or 21, and identification may be required, so carry a valid ID with you.
- Research and decide which nightclubs suit your preferences. Belfast offers a variety of clubs catering to different music genres, so choose the ones that align with your taste.
- To avoid long queues and ensure entry, it’s advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends when clubs can get busy.
- Try to plan your transportation there and back in beforehand. Book a taxi or rideshare in advance, as taxi services get booked up quickly at peak times of the night.
5. Thompsons Garage – a great place to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails
Thompsons Garage has been in the nightclub game for decades. As a music venue, it has hosted many big names such as Zane Lowe, MK, Red Axes, Eats Everything, Gerd Janson, and many more.
Currently, it also operates as a pizza restaurant and cocktail bar and has become famous for its authentically cooked woodfire pizzas and its excellent hand-crafted cocktails.
So, whether it’s a tasty drink or a delicious meal you’re after, you will be well satisfied with a visit to Thompsons Garage.
Address: 3 Pattersons Pl, Belfast BT1 4HW, United Kingdom
4. Cuckoo Belfast – open seven nights a week
Cuckoo is a bar and nightclub open seven nights a week. It is popular with those who enjoy cocktails and dancing or a combination of both!
Cuckoo also has much more to offer as they have a VR pod and a full arcade stocked with classic games such as Mario Kart. They also have a pool table and a karaoke lounge that can seat up to 15 people.
As if all that wasn’t enough, they also regularly host live indie, metal tunes, and house music.
Address: 149 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7AJ, United Kingdom
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3. Kremlin Belfast – Ireland’s largest LGBT nightclub
While The George in Dublin is perhaps the most popular LGBT nightclub, the title of being the biggest LGBT nightclub in Ireland goes to The Kremlin in Belfast city centre.
The Kremlin has been very popular amongst the LGBT community in Belfast since it was first established in 1999 and is one of the best gay bars in Ireland.
Over the years since, it has become renowned for its brilliant music offerings, a nightclub adorned with several rooms, and a luxurious seating area.
They have also hosted many famous guest appearances and drag acts. If you are spending Pride in Belfast, paying a visit to The Kremlin is worth your while.
Address: 96 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2GW, United Kingdom
READ ALSO: Our picks for the 5 best gay bars in Belfast for 2023
2. Filthy McNasty’s – regularly hosts some of Northern Ireland’s best DJs
Filthy McNasty’s is a three-room club with an iconic design, known for its bright red patterned carpet, black and white tiled floors, and classic velvet cushions and stools.
This is an excellent venue for music lovers as it specialises in alternative dance tracks and better-known indie anthems. This hot Belfast club also regularly hosts many of Northern Ireland’s best DJs.
If you’re looking for a classic nightclub with a selection of funky music, this is one venue you should check out.
Address: 45 Dublin Rd, Belfast BT2 7HD, United Kingdom
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1. Ollie’s – Belfast city centre’s most exclusive nightclub
In first place on our list of the top five best nightclubs in Belfast that you need to experience on a night out in the city is Ollie’s Nightclub, known for being Belfast’s most exclusive nightclub.
In the basement of the five-star Merchant Hotel, Ollie’s nightclub can be found in a location that was once used for bank vaults.
The club has a capacity of up to 500 people, and thanks to its divided spaces and separate rooms, it offers quite an intimate atmosphere.
Open every Friday and Saturday for various club nights and offering bookings for birthdays and other events, Ollie’s is not only one of the most exclusive nightclubs in Belfast but also one of, if not the, best.
Address: 35 – 39 Waring St, Belfast BT1 2DY, United Kingdom
That concludes our list of what we believe to be the top five best nightclubs in Belfast that you need to experience on a night out. Have you visited any of them yet?
Notable mentions
Limelight Belfast: Limelight is a no-frills nightclub that is well known for its regular indie, metal, and rock music nights. It tends to be a firm favourite amongst students at Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast. Home to three rooms, including Katy’s Bar and a dance floor, there is a reason this is one of the city’s most iconic nightclubs.
The Art Department: Located near Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, the Art Department, open every weekend, is a great place to visit for house and techno enthusiasts and younger people, thanks to its many great themed nights.
Alibi Belfast: Found in the heart of Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter, this three-floor venue with a terrace and dance floor is open daily. It is famous for its cocktail, craft beers, and gin offerings.
Belfast Empire: If you want to enjoy Belfast’s amazing music scene, then the Belfast Empire is the place to be. Hosting a wide range of music sessions and other events, there is always something fun going on here.
Voodoo Belfast: Voodoo can be found in the Belfast city centre. With plenty of drinks and loud music, this is the perfect venue for an amazing night in the city.
Your questions answered about the best nightclubs in Belfast
If you want to know more about the best nightclubs in Belfast, we’ve got you covered! In the section below, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions from our readers about this topic.
Does Belfast have a good nightlife?
Yes, Belfast is said to have a great nightlife scene, thanks to its great mix of traditional Irish pubs and lively nightclubs.
What clubs are in Belfast?
There are many great nightclubs in Belfast, from house and techno venues to clubs that specialise in their offerings of drinks to others who are more traditional and simply offer a great dance floor as part of their nightclub experience.
Where can I go on a Friday night in Belfast?
In our opinion, the best places to go on a Friday night in Belfast are Ollie’s or Filthy McNasty’s.
