Where to Go This Bank Holiday in Belfast
There are 16 beer gardens and outdoor spots in Belfast worth your time on a bank holiday. The Dirty Onion and Yardbird pull a proper crowd with their relaxed vibe, whilst Duke of York offers something a touch more traditional. If you fancy something different, Revolución de Cuba Belfast does a decent job with cocktails and space to breathe. Most have decent food on, so you won't go hungry.
££1The Dirty Onion and Yardbird
📍 3 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA, UK
££2Duke of York
📍 7-11 Commercial Ct, Belfast BT1 2NB, UK
££3Revolución de Cuba Belfast
📍 25-39 Arthur St, Belfast BT1 4QG, UK
££Lavery's
📍 12-18 Bradbury Pl, Belfast BT7 1RS, UK
Limelight
📍 17 Ormeau Ave, Belfast BT2 8HD, UK
££McHughs Bar & Restaurant
📍 29-31 Queen's Square, Belfast BT1 3FG, UK
££Whites Tavern
📍 2-4 Winecellar Entry, Belfast BT1 1QN, UK
££The Garrick
📍 29 Chichester St, Belfast BT1 4JB, UK
££Sunflower Public House
📍 65 Union St, Belfast BT1 2JG, UK
££Belfast Empire Music Hall
📍 42 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JQ, UK
££The Northern Whig
📍 2, Northern Whig Building, 2-10 Bridge St, Belfast BT1 1LU, UK
££Nu Delhi Restaurant Lounge
📍 68-72 Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7AF, UK
£Maggie May's Botanic
📍 50 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JR, UK
££Harlem Cafe
📍 34 Bedford St, Belfast BT2 7FF, UK
££Mourne Seafood Bar
📍 34-36 Bank St, Belfast BT1 1HL, UK
££The Cloth Ear
📍 The Merchant Hotel, 16 Skipper St, Belfast BT1 2DZ, UK
Bank holiday plans in another city?
Frequently asked
Are these spots actually open on the bank holiday?
Most pubs and bars in Belfast run normal hours over the bank holiday, but a handful trim Monday opening — worth a quick check on the venue page or the website before you head out, especially for Sunday-into-Monday plans.
What if it rains?
Every venue here has either a beer garden or proper outdoor seating, but most also have a solid indoor section to retreat to. The terraces and courtyards generally do better in light drizzle than open beer gardens.
Can I book ahead for a bank holiday weekend?
Absolutely worth it for the larger spots — beer gardens fill up by mid-afternoon on a sunny bank holiday. Most venues take bookings via their website (linked on each venue page).