Belfast's best beer gardens for the ultimate summer experience

It's the weekend 😎

Author: Emma Dickson

You can't beat a chilled glass of something bubbly in the summer sun!

And with the warm weather set to stay for the foreseeable we thought it was imperative to let our listeners know the best places in Belfast to score a pint.

Be sure to pack on the factor 50 and enjoy a catch up in the sun...we don't know long the sunshine will last, so best to make the most of it.

Check out some of our favourite spots 👇

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:

Chic cocktail bars in Belfast you NEED to try this summer

11 seriously cool ice cream parlours you don't want to skip this summer

NI cafés and restaurants going viral on TikTok right now

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our apps and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.