Belfast in the evening

Gay Belfast

LGBTQ+ Belfast

Belfast has transformed in recent decades into a lively and welcoming city, with a growing LGBTQ+ scene at its heart. Compact and easy to explore, the city offers a mix of traditional Irish charm and modern nightlife. For gay travelers, there’s plenty to enjoy: buzzing pubs, stylish bars, and dance clubs that keep the evenings lively.

The city’s main venues are clustered in the Cathedral Quarter and nearby areas, making bar hopping simple. Belfast Pride, held each summer, has become one of the largest events in Northern Ireland, bringing thousands into the streets. Beyond nightlife, the city is full of culture, with museums, historic shipyards, and murals telling its story.

Daytime is relaxed, with cafés and shopping streets that are easy to navigate on foot. Combined with friendly locals and a compact center, Belfast makes a comfortable base for LGBTQ+ visitors.

Where to stay in Belfast

Belfast is small enough that most central hotels will keep you close to the action. The Cathedral Quarter is popular for its nightlife, with pubs, restaurants, and clubs nearby. Staying here means short walks home after late nights. Around City Hall and Donegall Square you’ll find larger hotels and shopping streets, perfect for a mix of business and leisure. If you prefer something quieter, the Queen’s Quarter near the university has boutique options and leafy streets. Wherever you stay, you’ll never be far from Belfast’s main attractions and LGBTQ+ nightlife spots.

Hotel recommendations

hotel Hilton Belfast
Hilton Belfastgradegradegradegrade

200+ rooms

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

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hotel Holiday Inn Belfast by IHG
Holiday Inn Belfast by IHGgradegradegradegrade

470+ rooms

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

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Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Leonardo Hotel Belfastgradegradegradegrade

270+ rooms

Leonardo Hotels

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free wifi
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hotel Hampton By Hilton Belfast City Centre
Hampton By Hilton Belfast City Centregradegradegradegrade

180+ rooms

Hampton by Hilton

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hotel ibis Belfast City Centre
ibis Belfast City Centregradegradegrade

120+ rooms

ibis

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Gay nightlife   in Belfast

Belfast’s gay nightlife is centered around a few key venues, which keeps the scene easy to navigate. Kremlin is the city’s most famous gay club, known for its themed décor, drag shows, and busy dance floor. The Maverick and Union Street Bar are popular for drinks and casual evenings, attracting a mix of locals and visitors. Most venues are within walking distance of each other, so it’s easy to move between bars and clubs in one night. Nights start late and often run into the early hours, with a friendly atmosphere that makes newcomers feel welcome.

Union Street Bar

Union Street Bar is a staple of Belfast’s LGBTQ+ scene, set inside a converted Victorian shoe factory. Its exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and quirky details give the place character.

Spread across several floors, it offers something for every mood. Downstairs is lively with drinks, chatter, and casual meet-ups, while the upstairs space hosts cabaret, drag, and comedy nights.

The crowd is mixed but welcoming, and it’s a popular stop before heading to nearby clubs. Food is also on the menu, making it an easy choice for both dinner and drinks. Open late, it’s one of the city’s most social venues.

place
8-14 Union Street, Belfast
schedule
Hoursarrow_drop_down
  • wed - thu
    17:00 - 01:00
  • fri - sat
    12:00 - 01:30
  • sun
    13:00 - 01:00
Hours may vary.

Kremlin

Kremlin is Belfast’s best-known gay club, set inside a venue styled with Soviet décor and bold details. The atmosphere is playful, with red stars, statues, and themed interiors giving the place a quirky twist.

The crowd is mixed but welcoming, with a focus on fun and dancing. Music shifts from pop hits to house, depending on the night, and there are regular drag shows and events that draw people from across Northern Ireland. It’s easy to meet locals here, as the club has a social vibe beyond the dance floor. Doors stay open late, keeping the party going well into the night.

place
96 Donegall Street, Belfast
Hotels

Map of hotels in Belfast

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