Belfast beer gardens we can’t wait to visit April 30th

Come rain or shine we’ll be there 🌦

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 22nd Apr 2021
Last updated 22nd Apr 2021

The countdown is on! We're just one week away until Northern Ireland’s pubs and restaurants reopen their outdoor spaces, gardens, terraces etc for alfresco dining.

Since the Executive shared their indicative reopening dates last week, venues have been busy ensuring relevant measures are in place to ensure customers’ safety, such as socially distanced seating, one-way systems and hand sanitisers.

We’re lucky here in Belfast to have a host of fantastic outdoor spaces, complete with twinkling fairy lights and sun-trapped terraces.

Here’s a round-up of some of our favourite beer gardens in the city that are opening their doors April 30th.

Don’t forget it’s still Belfast…so if you are planning a night on the town, don’t forget your coat!

The Bone Yard

This Bedford Street venue popped up last summer and took social media by storm. A quirky neon entrance opens up to a wide courtyard filled with picnic tables and even food trucks from Pug Ugly's and Tribal Burger.

The Perch Rooftop Bar

Part of the Linen House complex of bars, 'perched' on the fifth floor you'll find this charming and comfy spot. From the pretty drinks to the 'Instagrammable' décor, you'll be left swooning.

Cutters Wharf

Sip on cocktails and enjoy delicious food on the banks of the River Lagan. Grab a table and simply watch the world go by.

The Parlour

Located next to Queens University, The Parlour converted its smoking area out back into a colourful oasis. This is the perfect place to enjoy a pint in the sunshine.

The National

One of Belfast's most popular spots for food and cocktails, doors open from 12pm and there is no need book - it is first come, first served. Yay!

Kelly’s Cellars

In the heart of the city, Kelly's Cellars is one of Belfast's oldest traditional Irish pubs. Although technically not a beer garden, the front of Kelly's Cellars transforms in good weather with picnic benches, beer barrels and bar stools.

The Dirty Onion

Just around the corner from The Duke of York is The Dirty Onion. The owners of this venue have refurbished one of Belfast's oldest buildings and turned it into an authentic Irish pub with an excellent outdoor beer garden.

The Jailhouse

Nestled beside Joy's Entry, The Jailhouse offers a cosy outdoor seating area that's often seasonally decorated. This venue offers a great vibe, with even Instagram-worthy spots.

The Hatfield House

Sit among the chimney pots and enjoy a view over the city when you visit Hatfield House's rooftop garden on the busy Ormeau Road. Their garden has its own dedicated bar with full draught facilities and a separate smoking area. What else do you need?!

Lavery’s

Lavery's on Bradbury Place has got everything that you'd need for alfresco drinks in Belfast. Their outdoor bar has a modern feel with edgy artwork and lively atmosphere.

Filthy McNasty’s

This popular Dublin Road hangout is a great find. Their courtyard is stripped back and layered in festoon lighting, bringing you craft beers, live music, pizza and more.

Union Street Bar

Expect beer buckets, alcoholic slushies and cocktail jugs at Union Street's rooftop bar. This is one of Belfast's most popular bars!

The Thirsty Goat

Just next door from The Dirty Onion is The Thirsty Goat. Their outside beer garden has incredible live music throughout the week.

Town Square

One of the coolest bars on Belfast's Botanic Avenue, Town Square swiftly adapted their intimate bar/restaurant services during lockdown to cater for outdoor dinner and drinks. With an array of picnic benches and heaters, you'll love this chic spot.

Horatio Todd’s

When the sun's out, East Belfast's Horatio's Beer Garden is hard to beat. Complete with retractable roof, this venue offers first class drinks, snacks and service.

Thompson’s Terrace

A clubbing institution in the city that like many other venues were forced to switch things up to allow for social distancing. It's now a fun cocktail bar & pizza restaurant, with a sweet summer soundtrack of Ibiza beats.

Ollie's Garden

Ollie's is one of Belfast's most sophisticated nightclubs located next to The Merchant Hotel in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Their outdoor garden offers chilled house vibes, including tempting cocktails and drinks promotions.

Read more:

Pop-Up Street Food Trucks Across NI

Line of Duty filming locations you might not know

Idyllic picnic spots across Northern Ireland

How to listen to Cool FM:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for music, Cool FM on 97.4FM, online, on our Cool FM app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Cool FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists, from Pete Snodden in the morning to the NI Hit 40.