Music

Main live music venues in Northern Ireland

Discover the top stages for concerts and live performances across the region. This guide explores the most iconic venues, from large arenas to intimate halls, offering a diverse musical programme. It's ideal for music lovers seeking live experiences, whether it's rock, pop, traditional Irish music, or international artist events. Find the perfect spot to enjoy the vibrant live music scene.

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  1. 1

    SSE Arena (Belfast, Antrim)

    94 Global Votes

    This venue is Northern Ireland's premier entertainment hub, hosting world-class events. Its 2026 schedule already includes international artists, solidifying its position as a key stage for major concerts.

  2. 2

    The Dirty Onion and Yardbird (Belfast, Antrim)

    87 Global Votes
    • Offers entertainment 7 nights a week

      (+4)

    A lively spot with live Irish music, often daily, and a large terrace. It's an emblematic meeting point for partying in the city with a consistent vibe in 2026.

  3. 3

    The Duke of York (Belfast, Antrim)

    72 Global Votes
    • Offers live music Thursday-Sunday

      (+4)

    A historic pub with live music (Irish, blues, rock, jazz) and a great selection of whiskies. Its electric atmosphere and history make it a prominent venue for live music in 2026.

  4. 4

    McHugh's Bar (Belfast, Antrim)

    50 Global Votes
    • Serves food daily

      (+4)

    Belfast's oldest bar, McHugh's offers live Irish music in a historic building. It remains an authentic place to enjoy traditional music in 2026.

  5. 5

    White's Tavern (Belfast, Northern Ireland)

    48 Global Votes
    • Offers live music 6 nights a week

      (+4)

    A historic tavern dating back to 1630, Whites Tavern offers acoustic performances in an intimate setting. Its rich history and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for live music in 2026.

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  7. 6

    Ulster Hall (Belfast, Antrim)

    36 Global Votes

    An iconic Victorian music hall, known for its excellent acoustics and rich musical history. It remains a vibrant venue for a diverse 2026 program, from orchestras to rock.

  8. 7

    The Limelight (Belfast, Antrim)

    36 Global Votes
    • Famous pub, venue and nightclub specializing in concerts and live music

      (+4)

    A pillar of Belfast's nightlife since the 80s, Limelight remains a benchmark nightclub and live music venue. Its active 2026 program featuring international and local artists keeps it relevant.

  9. 8

    Madden's Bar (Belfast, Northern Ireland)

    27 Global Votes
    • Well-known traditional music venue in Belfast

      (+4)

    Madden's Bar offers an authentic and intimate live music experience, without a large stage. It's a go-to place for local musicians and for a close connection with music in 2026.

  10. 9

    Fibber Magee's (Belfast, Antrim)

    26 Global Votes
    • Easy to locate on Great Victoria Street

      (+4)

    Considered the best pub for traditional Irish folk music, with live music daily. It offers a genuine Irish 'craic' experience in 2026.

  11. 10

    Voodoo (Belfast, Antrim)

    22 Global Votes
    • Belfast's best independent live venue

      (+4)

    This independent live music venue is a popular meeting point in Belfast. It maintains its reputation as one of Northern Ireland's best independent live music venues in 2026.

  12. 11

    Mandela Hall (Belfast, Antrim)

    17 Global Votes
    • State-of-the-art venue

      (+4)

    Part of Queen's University Belfast, this versatile venue is known for hosting concerts and club nights. Its 2026 agenda showcases a variety of performances, from renowned artists to tribute acts.

  13. 12

    The Belfast Empire Music Hall (The Empire) (Belfast, Antrim)

    17 Global Votes
    • Premier live music venue in Belfast

      (+4)

    An iconic multi-level music venue and pub featuring live music across various genres. It remains a much-loved spot for concert culture in Belfast in 2026.

  14. 13

    The Black Box (Belfast, Antrim)

    13 Global Votes

    This venue in the Cathedral Quarter is known for supporting grassroots music and arts. Its diverse program of live music and comedy for 2026 keeps it a beloved spot in Belfast.

  15. 14

    Cabaret Supper Club (Belfast, Antrim)

    12 Global Votes
    • Features live jazz, burlesque, contortionists, magicians, comedians, bands, and famous local artists

      (+4)

    This vibrant bar hosts exceptional burlesque, comedy, and live music shows. It offers a complete entertainment experience with a lively atmosphere in 2026.

  16. 15

    Dark Horse (Belfast, Antrim)

    10 Global Votes
    • Serves fine coffee and Suki tea

      (+4)

    Known for its live music, especially on weekends, and its lively atmosphere. It's one of Northern Ireland's favorite places to enjoy live music in a busy setting in 2026.

  17. 16

    Waterfront Hall (Belfast, Antrim)

    7 Global Votes

    This emblematic venue in the heart of Belfast is known for its versatility, hosting a wide range of events. Its 2026 agenda demonstrates its continued relevance as a key space for music and entertainment.

  18. 17

    Oh Yeah Music Centre (Belfast, Antrim)

    5 Global Votes
    • 300 capacity live venue

      (+2)

    This music center is vital to Belfast's scene, functioning as a museum, venue, and community hub. It's a key place to discover emerging music and local talent in 2026.

  19. 18

    Custom House Square (Belfast, Antrim)

    0 Global Votes

    This outdoor venue has established itself with the CHSq concert series, offering an intimate festival experience. Its diverse lineup for summer 2026 makes it an unmissable stage.

  20. 19

    Ulster Sports Club (Belfast, Antrim)

    0 Global Votes
    • Hosts concerts for a wide range of genres

      (+2)

    A relaxed bar in central Belfast with its own brewery and three floors of music venues. It attracts a creative crowd and is known for its spontaneous concerts in 2026.