Belfast

Belfast has a small but proud scene in the Cathedral Quarter. Same-sex marriage has only been possible in Northern Ireland since 2020 – which makes the community celebrate all the more confidently today.

The scene in the Cathedral Quarter

The Union Street pub and restaurant is the city’s mainstay, while Maverick is a bar with parties and shows at the weekend. Muriel’s serves cocktails and gin in a playful boudoir atmosphere – mixed and gay-friendly.

When to go?

  • Late July/early August – Belfast Pride: a festival lasting several days with a big parade.
  • Weekends: That’s when the Cathedral Quarter as a whole is at its liveliest.

Tours & activities in Belfast

See all tours and activities in Belfast on GetYourGuide

Advertisement: these links lead to GetYourGuide. If you book, we earn a small commission – the price stays the same for you.

Practical tips

  • The Cathedral Quarter is in the city centre – everything is within walking distance.
  • Payment is in pounds sterling, not euros.

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Please check event dates with the organisers each year.

Map

To show the map, map data is loaded from OpenStreetMap. Your IP address will be sent to the OpenStreetMap Foundation.

Places in Belfast

Nightlife

ClubBoomboxGay club · Belfast Cathedral QuarterLate-night club right next to Kremlin in the Cathedral Quarter. DJ nights, drag and theme parties, mainly at the weekend.ClubKremlinGay club · Belfast Cathedral QuarterNorthern Ireland's best-known gay club, in the Cathedral Quarter since 1999. Three areas with drag and club nights at the weekend.Cocktail BarMuriel’s Cafe BarCafé bar · Belfast Cathedral QuarterVelvet seats, chandeliers and a big gin selection: Muriel's Cafe Bar on Church Lane is a playful, queer-friendly café bar with a…BarThe MaverickBar and club · Belfast Queer QuarterBar downstairs, club upstairs: The Maverick on the corner of Union Street and Donegall Street sees itself as a radical alternative in…BarUnion Street BarBelfast Queer QuarterA Victorian shoe factory, a roof terrace and brunch: Union Street Bar is a restaurant, cabaret bar and club in one, right…

Wellness

SaunaOutside SaunaGay sauna · Belfast Cathedral QuarterBelfast's gay sauna in a lane near Union Street, a few steps from the bars in the Cathedral Quarter.

Stay

HotelGrand Central Hotel BelfastBelfast centre (City Hall)Large hotel near City Hall with the Observatory bar on the 23rd floor. Cabaret Supper Club is about 350 m away, the…Hotelibis Belfast City CentreBelfast centreThe ibis is on Castle Street in the city centre, near Castle Court and the cathedral. The bars in the gay quarter…HotelLeonardo Hotel BelfastBelfast centre (Great Victoria Street)Large chain hotel (formerly Jurys Inn) on Great Victoria Street, next to City Hall and the Opera House. The queer Cabaret Supper…HotelThe Fitzwilliam Hotel BelfastBelfast centre (Grand Opera House)Five-star hotel next to the Grand Opera House, opposite the Crown Liquor Saloon. The gay bars around Union Street and the Cathedral…

FAQ: Belfast

Which gay bars and clubs are there in Belfast?

The Atlas currently lists 5 bars and clubs in Belfast, including Kremlin, The Maverick, Union Street Bar and Boombox. Each listing has the address, opening hours and our take on the place.

Is there a gay sauna in Belfast?

Yes, for example Outside Sauna.

Which gay-friendly hotels are there in Belfast?

Recommended options include Grand Central Hotel Belfast, ibis Belfast City Centre, Leonardo Hotel Belfast and The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast.