We found Belfast’s 10 best sports bars—our team didn’t win, but our night did!
I thought I knew what watching a game was all about—until I stepped into Belfast’s top sports bars. It all started with a simple plan to catch a match, but what I got was roaring crowds and more high-fives from strangers than I can count.
One bar even had a nacho platter so big it could feed an entire rugby team (not that I shared). By the end of the night, my voice was hoarse, my sides hurt from laughing, and I had a list of spots I couldn’t wait to revisit.
Curious about where to find the best seats, the coldest drinks, and the most electric atmosphere? Dive into our guide to Belfast’s top sports bars—you won’t want to miss a single one!
1.Cheer with the Crowd at Filthy McNasty’s
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Address: 45 Dublin Road
Operating hours:
- Monday: 5pm to 1am
- Tuesday: 5pm to 3am
- Wednesday: 5pm to 1am
- Thursday: 5pm to 3am
- Friday and Saturday: 1pm to 3am
- Sunday: 1pm to 12am
Filthy by name, fantastic by nature! Tucked away in the lively Filthy Quarter, this spot is the ultimate place to kick off your night out. With its charm and welcoming vibe, it’s a firm favorite among the uni crowd and anyone looking for some top-notch fun.
The happy hour deals throughout the week are a win, and the live music paired with a solid drink selection keeps the atmosphere buzzing. Just a heads-up—it gets packed early, so arriving on time is key to snagging a spot in the action.
This long-standing favorite has recently had a stylish makeover, blending its old-school appeal with a fresh interior. The bar offers plenty of space, loads of tables, and nightly live music that amps up the ambiance.
| Pro tip: On colder days, the seats by the fire are a cozy haven, while the open-air spaces shine during summer. |
2.Indulge in Classic Pub Fare at Lavery’s
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Address: 12-18 Bradbury Pl
Contact details: +44 28 9087 1106
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12pm to 1am
- Sunday: 1pm to 12am
If you’re looking for a top-notch sports bar in Belfast, Lavery’s hits the mark! With its chilled-out vibe, tasty food, and a bargain pool room at just £2.50 for three games, it’s hard to beat.
The setup is spot-on—drinks flowing, atmosphere buzzing, and the staff making sure everything’s running like clockwork. The menu at this city-center pub offers a solid variety of both food and drinks, all at wallet-friendly prices—a rare gem in the heart of the city!
Even the bathrooms are impressively clean—talk about a place that’s a FOOT above the rest! The outdoor space is perfect for soaking in the energy and toasting to your latest adventure.
| Pro tip: Heads up: the portion sizes are absolutely massive—think American portions, but supersized! |
3.Celebrate Every Goal at the Garrick Bar
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Address: 29 Chichester Street
Contact details: +44 28 9032 1984
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:30am to 1am
- Sunday: 12pm to 12am
The Garrick in Belfast is a staple, one of the city’s oldest and most cherished pubs, dating back to 1870 while keeping its classic charm intact.
A stunning pub that’s much bigger than you’d expect, with two rooms downstairs and one upstairs. It’s a perfect spot for watching football, with plenty of TVs, great beer, and tasty food.
A top-tier pub with an excellent drinks selection and fantastic food—all at reasonable prices for the city centre. Their roast is easily the best we’ve had in years.
The Garrick has stood strong on Chichester St. for ages, practically on its own—there’s one more bar down the street, but it doesn’t compare. The food’s spot on, and the beer selection is top-notch. What’s not to love?
| Pro tip: It can be tricky to snag a table, but if you’re lucky, you might catch one as people leave. If not, just grab a drink at the bar and wait for your spot! |
4.Experience the Electric Atmosphere at Franklins Sports Bar
– Media credit: franklinssportsbar
Address: 43 Franklin Street
Contact details: +44 28 9024 8000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 5pm to 11pm
- Saturday: 12pm to 11pm
- Sunday: 12pm to 10pm
A great sports bar with a massive main screen and plenty of TVs around, so you won’t miss a moment of the action. There’s a solid selection of beers and a menu with all the favourites—burgers, loaded fries, wings, and more. Plus, pool tables to keep things lively.
Located in the heart of the city, this busy spot is perfectly positioned for easy access to public transport, taxis, restaurants, and other bars and nightlife.
It’s spacious, with multiple screens showing different games at once.
You can catch a wide range of sports here, from the big names to lesser-known matches. The unique architecture and design give the place a real stand-out vibe.
| Pro tip: You can actually order your food via QR code at the table—super practical! |
5.Watch the Big Match in Style at Robinsons Bar
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Address: 38-40 Great Victoria Street
Contact details: +44 28 9024 7447
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:30am to 12am
- Thursday to Saturday: 11:30am to 1am
A great pub/bistro just a short walk from City Hall—perfect for those in the city centre. It’s a great spot to enjoy traditional Irish dishes and comforting home-cooked grub.
Located right across from the Europa Hotel, it’s an ideal place to meet up with friends before heading off to explore the rest of the city. With a solid beer selection and tasty food, it’s a favourite hangout.
Though, pints at £5.70 might seem a bit steep for some. This place nails the perfect pub vibe in Belfast. If you’re after an authentic Irish pub experience, this is the spot.
| Pro tip: If you’re a smoker, just keep an eye on the time—no drinks are allowed outside after 10pm due to licensing rules, and they’re strict about it. |
6. Dive Into Sports Mania at the Doffer at Ten Square Hotel
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Address: 15 Donegall Square S
Contact details: +44 28 9024 1001
Operating hours: Friday and Saturday: 1pm to 1am (Live Music from 8pm)
Doffer at Ten Square Hotel is a cosy spot with spacious booths and round tables. It’s a refreshing change from the packed beer tents at the market—no long queues at the bar here!
Impressed with the place, it offers a fantastic selection of beers on tap and a well-spaced-out bar. With big TV screens at both ends, you’ll get a great view of the game, and the live music adds to the fun vibe.
| Pro tip: It’s a bit tricky to find—just behind City Hall, with a small entrance—but definitely worth the hunt! |
7. Toast to Your Team’s Victory at Cutters Wharf
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Address: Lockview Road
Contact details: +44 28 9080 5100
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday: 12pm to 11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 1am
- Sunday: 12pm to 10pm
Cutters Wharf is a lovely spot to visit, with generous portions of fish and chips and a tasty chicken, bacon, and mushroom dish. They also have gluten-free options on the menu.It’s a little piece of Belfast history, perfect for a peaceful Friday lunchtime by the river.
The menu may be a bit limited, but the prawn starter and cod were delicious, and the pint of Guinness was spot on. As the only bar in Belfast right on the River Lagan, it offers plenty of outdoor seating.
With a great selection of wines and beers to pair with your meal (or not), and even a small list of alcohol-free drinks, there’s something for everyone. Plus, there’s a back area for private parties.
| Pro tip: The music can be a bit loud in the smaller space, but don’t worry—there are other areas to escape to, including a covered, heated outdoor spot. |
8. Unwind with Live Sports at Pug Uglys
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Address: 21 Bedford Street
Contact details: +44 28 9032 0030
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12pm to 1am
- Sunday: 12pm to 12am
A very upmarket Northern Irish pub with a bit of an American-style saloon vibe. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it a great spot to enjoy some food and drinks.
When a football game’s on, expect the energy to be off the charts—be ready to shout to be heard, or you’ll be croaky the next day! Located right in the city centre, it’s easy to find and offers great parking options.
They boast an impressive selection of spirits, and when I asked about alcohol-free options (since we weren’t in the mood for a Coke), they had a fantastic range of those too.
| Pro tip: Dogs are welcome! They’re even attentive to your furry friends, providing water bowls for them inside. |
9. Roar with the Crowd At Ulster Sports Club
– Media credit: ulstersportsclub
Address: 96-98 High Street
Contact details: +44 28 9023 0771
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5pm to 1am
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 2am
- Sunday: 12pm to 12am
The UCS is hands down one of the most laid-back bars in town. It’s perfect for a quiet drink, especially with the charming little beer garden outside. One of the top spots in the city for gigs, pints, and soaking up the best of the underground music scene.
The recently refurbished sports club blends old fixtures with fresh touches. You can even book a room for meetings. Whether you’re after a cozy spot with candles, a classic pub vibe, or a louder area for music, they’ve got it all.
The top bar on the 4th floor offers an impressive selection of beers on tap, and they even serve square croque monsieur-style pizza slices. The grapefruit IPA is a must-try, and the music is always just right—good tunes at a chill volume.
| Pro tip: For beer lovers, the Dark Mode Stout is a must—trust me, you won’t regret it! |
10. Relax with a Pint at the Botanic Inn
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Address: 23-27 Malone Road
Contact details: +44 28 9050 9740
Operating hours:
- Monday: 12am to 12pm, 5pm to 12am
- Tuesday: 12am to 12pm, 5pm to 1am
- Wednesday and Thursday: 5pm to 1am
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 2am
Great spot for sports with plenty of big screens (though the commentary could be a bit louder). There are pool tables available, and the pints of Guinness are spot on. The large beer garden with outdoor screens is perfect, especially on a sunny day.
The Bot offers a wide range of drinks, a great kitchen menu, and sports on projection screens. Plus, there’s a pool and arcade room for extra fun.
The sound system, lighting, and overall ambiance make it a fantastic place for parties with family and friends.
On Wednesdays, it turns into a nightclub, so expect it to be a bit busier then, with great cocktail offers too! It’s a popular hangout for students, thanks to its proximity to the university and Elms. Highly recommend a visit anytime!
| Pro tip: There’s a wing place next door, and you can take your pint with you while you enjoy your wings! |