Traditional Music in Belfast | Heritage, Things To Do | A blog full of ideas and inspiration | Visit Belfast (2024)

In Belfast, there is always a venue or bar with a fantastic lineup of traditional music sessions any day of the week. Enjoy a night out with your friends and immerse yourself in Irish culture. Also, discover when the next Belfast TradFest festival is taking place and learn about the art of traditional music through talks, workshops and live shows.

Whites Tavern & Garden

Whites Tavern & Garden is located on Winecellar Entry, which was named after the many wine and spirit merchants located there. Whites Tavern always has a full weekend line up of Irish traditional sessions, singers and bands.

The Duke of York

Nestled along a narrow, cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area, The Duke offers a traditional Belfast welcome of craic, music and humour in contrast to the modern, fashionable establishments currently blowing into the surrounding streets. The Duke of York always has a fantastic lineup of live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Dirty Onion

A former spirit warehouse, The Dirty Onion is said to be Belfast’s oldest building, with low ceilings supported by exposed wooden beams and original brick walls throughout. The Dirty Onion offer entertainment 7 nights a week, with a strong focus on contemporary live bands and acoustic acts… Oh, and it is also free entry every night! Find out more here.

The Deer's Head

The Points Bar

Head to traditional Irish pub, The Points, situated in the heart of Dublin Road Belfast for a night full of stout, craic and traditional music! Enjoy live traditional music 7 nights a week, from talented musicians from all over the island! The Points Irish dancers will join you every Friday & Saturday evenings and put on a show.

The Errigle Inn

Granny Annies

Granny Annies is one of the renowned venues in Belfast for live music seven days a week. Kicking off the weekend with a traditional band on a Friday at 12 noon and continuing throughout the weekend with traditional and modern music sessions.

Belfast Traditional Music Trail

The Belfast Traditional Music Trail is a unique way to experience Irish music. With two professional musicians as your guides, walk through cobbled alleyways, past famous landmarks and on to private bars in some of the city’s oldest buildings. At each of the three stops you will be treated to a performance of traditional tunes, songs and stories, all of which make up your own personal ‘session’. Enjoy a local beer, cider, whiskey or Guinness while learning about the instruments, language, customs and history that make up Ireland’s vibrant musical tradition.

Berts Jazz Bar & Restaurant

Find yourself instantly transported back to the chic, intimate jazz bars of 1930’s New York as you soak up the sophisticated atmosphere and let the cool jazz melodies wash over you.

Scott's Jazz Club

Scott’s Jazz Club is a Friday night jazz concert at The Ballyhackamore Club, featuring the finest jazz musicians in Ireland and beyond.

Revolución de Cuba

Revolución de Cuba is all about celebrating the vibrant Cuban rhythm, there is always a fiesta to be had.