Belfast’s best art galleries, have us convinced that we’ve been artists all this time!
When I first set foot in Belfast’s art galleries, I wasn’t expecting to leave feeling like a budding art connoisseur (or at least someone who can nod thoughtfully at abstract pieces without laughing).
And yes, I may have spent a small fortune in the gift shops—but who can resist a quirky postcard or two?
If you’re ready to dive into Belfast’s vibrant art scene, keep reading for a guide to the best galleries that’ll make your inner artist—and maybe even your Instagram feed—come alive!
Discover Artistic Gems at The Ulster Museum
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Address: Belfast BT9 5AB
Contact details: +44 28 9044 0000
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm
A mix of permanent, rotating, and temporary exhibitions means there’s always something new to discover at this all-in-one museum of natural history, social history, and art.
With a diverse range of exhibits spanning history, archaeology, and various art mediums, you’ll easily lose track of time here. The Irish history section was a personal highlight, and the room dedicated to the Spanish Armada is fascinating.
The exhibit on The Troubles is particularly well done—our kids walked away with a much better understanding of this significant chapter in history.
Art lovers will appreciate the dedicated art floor, which blends classic and contemporary works seamlessly. Best of all is that entry is free (though donations are always welcome).
| Pro tip: Since you’re already here, don’t miss the stunning Botanic Gardens right next door—perfect for a post-museum stroll! |
Immerse Yourself in Creativity at The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre)
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Address: 10 Exchange Street, West
Contact details: +44 28 9023 5053
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
The MAC is the perfect spot to recharge in the heart of Belfast’s city centre. This free contemporary art gallery always offers something intriguing—sure, some exhibitions might leave you scratching your head, but that’s half the fun.
If all that art leaves you peckish, the on-site café has you covered with brunch, lunch, or quick bites. You’ll find a mix of comfy booths and open café tables spread across the first two floors of the spacious, airy building.
There’s a kids’ menu for the little ones, an adult menu for the grown-ups, and plenty of tempting traybakes and snacks at the counter.
Whether you’re popping in for the art galleries or catching a theatre performance, The MAC is a great addition to your day out in the city.
| Pro tip: If you struggle with sitting for long periods, there’s a handy spot at the back where you can stand, stretch, or simply give your legs a little break. |
Explore Art at the Golden Thread Gallery
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Address: 23-29 Queen Street
Contact details: +44 28 9033 0920
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 11am to 5pm
- Saturday: 11am to 4pm
The Golden Thread Gallery may be compact—with just three moderately sized rooms—but it punches well above its weight when it comes to quality programming and creative use of space.
Showcasing contemporary art from both Northern Irish and international artists, the gallery offers a mix of exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, events, and community outreach.
Expect unique and experimental works, all without the crowds, making it the perfect place to take your time and truly appreciate the art. Plus, with free admission and its close proximity to the MAC, it’s well worth adding to your art-filled day.
| Pro tip: If you’re bringing kids along, the gallery has plenty of resources to keep little hands busy, making it a family-friendly stop. |
Experience Thought-Provoking Works at Belfast Exposed
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Address: 23 Donegall Street
Contact details: +44 28 9023 0965
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11am to 5pm
Belfast Exposed is a charming little gallery that constantly refreshes its displays, keeping things exciting and new. The layout is simple, yet thoughtfully designed, making the most of the available space without feeling cramped.
Located just a stone’s throw from the city centre, this homely art space spans two floors and is always thoughtfully curated. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, understated but one of Belfast’s finest galleries.
Specializing in contemporary photography from local, national, and international artists, Belfast Exposed also features a small upstairs gallery dedicated to showcasing emerging talent.
If you’re interested in getting hands-on, they offer an excellent range of photography classes. It’s a fantastic spot to relax, with free photo exhibitions almost every week.
| Pro tip: Just a heads-up: you’ll need to ring the buzzer to gain admission! |
Marvel at Contemporary Pieces at Eakin Gallery
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Address: 237 Lisburn Road
Contact details: 028-9066-8522
Operating hours: By appointment only
Eakin Gallery is a charming family-run gallery that occupies two floors of a red brick townhouse and specializes in contemporary Irish art.
The gallery specializes in contemporary Irish art, with a few pieces from earlier eras as well. It’s home to a stunning range of works, including pieces by George Callaghan, Brian Ballard, Neil Shawcross, Dean McDowell, and many more.
Specialising in 20th and 21st century Irish paintings, Eakin Gallery is dedicated to promoting both established Irish artists and local emerging artists.
| Pro tip: They also offer a wide range of beautiful irish paintings at very reasonable prices! |
Indulge Your Artistic Side at the Naughton Gallery
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Address: Lanyon Building, University Road
Contact details: +44 28 9097 3580
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11am to 4pm
The Naughton Gallery at Queen’s is a gem of a space—small but perfectly formed. Each new exhibition brings something exciting and fresh, showcasing the incredible talent behind the gallery.
The atmosphere is almost ethereal, with crisp white walls and plenty of natural light. Though the space is compact, it’s cozy and inviting, offering enough art to keep you immersed for at least an hour.
Of course, if you’re short on time, you can still get a good look at the exhibition in about 10 minutes.
| Pro tip: To get there, simply head through the ‘black and white’ hall, take the stairs up to the first floor, and head to the right. |
Admire Breathtaking Collections at Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
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Address: 216 Falls Road
Contact details: +44 28 9096 4180
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9am to 6pm
- Saturday: 9am to 9pm
- Sunday: 11am to 4pm
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich is an incredible resource for anyone keen to explore Irish language, culture, history, and mythology—perfect for those with an open mind. A key landmark in West Belfast’s Gaeltacht area, it’s a hub for all things Irish.
The café offers diner-style food, so don’t expect fine dining—that’s not the point here. It’s a fantastic spot to meet friends and immerse yourself in Irish language and culture. The gift and book shop is a gem, particularly for those interested in the Irish language, and the arts are strongly supported here.
| Pro tip: If you’re looking to practice your cúpla focal, this is the place to be! |
Embrace Modern Art at the Linen Hall Library
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Address: 17 Donegall Square N
Contact details: +44 28 9032 1707
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 5:30pm
Linen Hall Library is a hidden gem for those seeking peace, books, and a moment of quiet. As Belfast’s oldest privately owned library and museum, it’s open to the public for free, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city.
It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a book, accompanied by soft classical music in the background. With views over City Hall, the library also has performance spaces that add to its charm.
The library boasts a lovely café where you can enjoy a meal while surrounded by the history and artifacts of this iconic building.
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop—it’s full of delightful finds, so make sure you leave a little time to browse.
| Pro tip: The café can get busy around lunchtime, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to snag a table! |
Dive Into Creative Expression at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum
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Address: Market Square, Lisburn BT28 1AG
Contact details: +44 28 9244 7684
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 5pm
The Irish Linen Centre is a fascinating, free-entry museum that’s well worth a visit. The knowledgeable guides offer great explanations of the linen-making process, from flax to fabric.
The artifacts are impressive, and even if you don’t think you’re interested in weaving or linen, you’ll find yourself captivated within minutes.
This charming museum showcases the history of Lisburn and everything related to linen manufacturing, with live demonstrations by friendly, expert staff. It’s a fantastic place to bring the whole family, and with free admission, you really can’t go wrong.
| Pro tip: Parking right out front is limited, so it’s best to head to the car park just a short 4-minute walk away. |
Discover Emerging Talent at the Museum of Orange Heritage
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Address: 368 Cregagh Road
Contact details: +44 28 9070 1122
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm
- Saturday: 10am to 4pm
The Museum of Orange Heritage is an interactive and informative experience, with free entry and a clean, modern design. The exhibits are engaging, featuring fascinating artifacts.
The museum also features an exhibition dedicated to the Order’s losses during The Troubles, highlighting the significant number of deaths it suffered, making it the most affected community-based organization in Ireland’s history.
The café is an added bonus, offering a great selection of treats, including fantastic tray bakes, all at reasonable prices. While there’s no parking on-site, there’s plenty of space on the nearby streets.
| Pro tip: For a more in-depth visit, the staff can arrange tours if you give them a call ahead of time. |