The best traditional pubs Belfast

Post House, on the iconic Malone Road, combines the modern vibe of a neighbourhood bar with the beloved features of a traditional pub. The pub offers a cosy atmosphere, hearty meals, and a wide range of drinks, including local Irish beers, as well as cocktails, wines, and ciders. With big screens for sports, live music, and a welcoming feel, it echoes the sense of community you’d find in classic pubs back in the day. On the menu you’ll find all of your pub classics, including buffalo chicken wings, steak sandwiches, fish and chips, beef burgers, Sunday roasts, and sticky toffee pudding.

Attached to the renowned Mourne Seafood Bar, Kelly’s Cellars surely won’t disappoint those searching for a traditional experience when in the city centre. A treasure in Belfast’s bar scene, Kelly’s Cellars is recognised as one of the city’s oldest traditional bars, opening its doors on Bank Square in 1720 to local musicians, dancers and workmen alike.

Not much has changed since then, much of the bar retains its original features. A bar once used as a meeting place for the United Irishmen hasn’t lost any of its excitement with trad sessions, local musicians and full bands performing six nights a week. Lucky visitors may even be treated to a live Irish dancing set! Kelly’s Cellars is full of character and traditional charm, which is felt throughout the entire venue, whether you cosy up inside next to the open fire or outside in the lively beer garden.

First opening its doors in 2012, Sunflower has quickly become an icon and beloved local secret. Priding itself on its authenticity, this rejuvenated public house describes itself as a “simple corner pub, free of gimmicks or themes”, which couldn’t be truer to form. It doesn’t come much more “traditional Belfast” than Sunflower, instantly recognisable from its security cage-covered front door, an 80s relic from the city’s troubled past.

Don’t allow its simplicity to fool you, however, this hidden gem, located behind the central library, is anything from quiet with handpicked live music performances seven nights a week and the folk club every Thursday. Whether in the mood for a lively “outlaw country” music session, pizza and pints with friends and pets, or a chilled Sunday, you can find it all at this exciting city centre spot.

When spoiled for choice in Belfast’s buzzing Cathedral Quarter, it’s no easy feat to stand out along the jam-packed cobbled streets. However, The John Hewitt has managed to succeed, and is regarded as the go-to traditional bar upkeeping with its Irish poet and socialist namesake. A cosy bar offering a wide selection of beers and warming gastropub food is made all the better with the regular traditional, live Irish music sets.

In order to keep things interesting, The John Hewitt operates a rotational pump system allowing it to change things up showcasing a range of small local breweries and introducing unique flavours and casks. Since its opening in 1999, The John Hewitt has served as the perfect spot to escape the busy city streets and enter a welcoming Irish pub with great music and endless local craic.

An Ormeau Road mainstay, first opening its doors in 1835, The Errigle Inn has been a favourite of South Belfast locals for generations. Although it’s been refurbished over the years, the bar hasn’t lost any of its traditional charm or character with its original art deco door and Irish Oak floor. Whether you’re sitting alongside its original stone walls or examining the historical photos and framed collections of old bar memorabilia that line the interior, you immediately get a sense of its history. With a wide array of local beers and a delicious gastropub menu, The Errigle Inn is a wonderful spot to grab a casual catch up pint with friends whilst enjoying simple but delicious pub grub.

Boasting the best pint of Guinness in the city, Bittles Bar is as iconic as the building it has called home for over 30 years. Nicknamed “The Flatiron ” for its resemblance to the famous look-alike in New York City, Bittles Bar is oozing with character, both outside and inside, with its eclectic and humorous range of artwork adorning the triangular lounge. This small but mighty venue offers a warm welcome to all, whether it be a local regular, tourist or passer-by – even the odd celebrity – making this Belfast institution a popular choice when searching for a quality drink and a lively atmosphere. 

If you’re searching for an authentic, old worldly bar, you can’t get much better than McHughs. This city centre bar dates as far back as 1711, making it the oldest building in Belfast; it still retains much of its original character! Upon entering you are met with a mix of old-meets-new, offering a traditional feel with local artefacts and original 18th century oak beams. However, it does now incorporate modern elements such as new local artists. Those who have had the luck to attend a private event at this local hotspot will have visited the Lord Lucan room, only accessible by the original spiral staircase from when the pub first opened in 1711. With a proud tradition of “great food, great drink, and great craic!,” McHughs is open all day for a quick pint, delicious grub or to watch live Irish dancing sets.