Belfast’s Best Live Music Venues
Belfast was awarded UNESCO City of Music in 2021, along with Glasgow and Liverpool.
Its patrons are Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol and Hannah Peel, who quite rightly say:
"Belfast is an alive, vibrant and musically powerful city. Now is the time to celebrate those that are making a difference in music, in culture. As well as artists like Van Morrison, there is female-empowered punk, new wave, Brit-nominated EDM, jazz and an abundance of classical music that runs through the veins of this city and yet to the wider world, it is all unheard of, underground, eclipsed by its past, but still supplying a pulse and vibrancy that needs to be lauded for the future.”
Here are 10 of our favourite music venues for you to visit and hear some of the talented musicians of Belfast.
1. Oh Yeah Centre
Oh Yeah Music Centre is the hub of Northern Ireland's thriving music scene, located in a former bonded whiskey warehouse in the Cathedral Quarter. It houses the impressive NI Music Exhibition, and it's also a live venue which regularly showcases the best local musical talent as well as international acts.
2. Empire
The Belfast Empire is the heartbeat of Belfast’s live music scene, offering great live music as well as the popular weekly Comedy Club. This Converted church boasts a diverse range of entertainment every night of the week. Ken Haddock Supper Club is a favourite each Sunday night.
3. Limelight
A well-known live music venue that also hosts weekly club nights dedicated to different music genres. The limelight is a prominent name in Belfast nightlife, catering to the young and old. Oasis famously debuted there on 4th September when on the very same night, their fresh album Definitely Maybe went straight to number one.
4. Ulster Hall
First opened in 1862, the Ulster Hall has survived two World Wars, and it has welcomed some globally diverse and famous names through its doors. From Charles Dickens to Snow Patrol, if they’re anybody, they’ll have played at the Ulster Hall. In the 1960s, the Ulster Hall was Northern Ireland’s spiritual home of rock music, hosting an almost endless list of famous names that have included U2, Coldplay, Thin Lizzy, The Clash, The Rolling Stones, Muse, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Snow Patrol, Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, The Who, AC/DC and many more. Described as “the rock concert of the decade”, Led Zeppelin debuted their rock anthem, Stairway to Heaven, during the 1971 gig at the Ulster Hall.
5. Black Box
The Black Box is a multi-purpose arts venue in the heart of Belfast's bustling Cathedral Quarter. With art, music, literature, film, comedy, cabaret and all points in between! The Green room hosts free events Wed to Sat and sells pizzas and drinks. look out for Cathedral Quarter Arts and Out To lunch festivals here.
6. Mandela Hall
With a 1000-strong capacity, the Mandela Hall is one of Belfast's premier music venues and plays host to some of the biggest live acts that visit the city. Just a stone’s throw away from the Harrison in the brand new Queen's Student Union.
7. Ulster Sports Club
The Ulster Sports Club is a retro nightclub with a front bar, a lounge and a dance floor. DJs play music in the lounge while upstairs, a packed program of live performances is scheduled.
8. Scotts Jazz Bar
Scott Flannigan and his friend Cormac have set up a Friday night Jazz club in an unused working man's club. It has hosted high-profile performers, including award-winning London guitarist Rob Luft, who described the venue as “the finest jazz club in the UK outside of Ronnie Scott’s”.
9. Sunflower Bar
Located in the Cathedral Quarter, this off the beaten track venue has live music 7 days a week.
10. American Bar
Tucked away in Sailortown the pub is well known for Saturday afternoon blues, Thursday folk nights, Friday open mic and much more.
