Belfast has long enjoyed a vibrant bar scene. From traditional establishments like The Crown and Madden’s to modern bars like The Dirty Onion and Rattlebag, there’s something for everyone regardless of whether you want trad music, good food, great stout, or a fancy cocktail.
For live sports, though, it can be a bit of a conundrum, especially for those unfamiliar with the city. Belfast has very few of what we would term sports bars, but plenty of great bars show sports. Of course, every local will have their favorite spot for catching a game, but we think these five below are among the best:
The Garrick Bar
Perfect for: Premier League, Boxing, GAA
The Garrick is not just a good spot for live sports; it’s a prime spot for listening to trad music, eating some decent grub, and trying out some of the best local beers and whiskeys. Yet, it’s among the best options for football, rugby, live boxing, and other major sporting events. Although, be aware that the screens don’t get turned on for the sake of it. The Back Bar has a big screen, the Front Bar has several widescreen televisions, and there’s even a room with a screen upstairs – known as “The Room” – that will handle overflow and can be rented out (cheaply) for parties of up to 30 people. One of the most dependable bars in Belfast, The Garrick should be near the top of your list for sports.
Franklins Sports Bar
Perfect for: NBA, NFL, NHL
Franklins is the only American-style sports bar in the city center. Many locals enjoy American football, so the bar will buzz as the NFL Playoffs occur this January. If you’ve backed a team in the Super Bowl odds, this will be the spot to cheer your team on. Franklins serves food and has a decent drinks list, too. But the crowning glory is all the vast screens dotted around this establishment. As we said, this American-style sports bar feels somewhat unique in Belfast or Northern Ireland. But if hot wings and US sports are your thing, this is your spot.
The Errigle Inn
Perfect for: Rugby, Horse Racing
A little bit out of the city on the fashionable Ormeau Road, The Errigle is an institution in that neighborhood. It’s a rugby bar, drawing in fans attending Ulster Rugby games at the nearby Kingspan Stadium. Yet, it also shows the Premier League and other major sporting events. You’ll also catch horse racing if you nip into the front bar. The lounge serves good food, and the Errigle has plenty of craft beers on tap. If you want to escape the sport on the screens, other loungesoffer a bit of solitude. It’s a great spot that has something for everyone.
Lavery‘s
Perfect for: Premier League, Pool
Lavery’s is a vast complex between Queen’s University and the city center proper. Despite its size, it can get busy on weekends, mainly when heavily-supported Premier League clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool are playing.Nonetheless, it has big screens all over the complex, including its pool hall (probably Belfast’s best) located upstairs. Lavery’s is suitable for a drinks promo, so it’s a good option for those looking to drink in the city on a budget. There’s also a delicious menu with everything from casual snacks to hearty meals.
The Deer‘s Head
Perfect for: Premier League, Six Nations
The Deer’s Head is a cracking bar located close to – but not too close to – the busy Cathedral Quarter. It’s one of those bars that are something of a best-kept secret among locals, although it is very welcoming to any tourists who may wander in. Big screens dotted around the bar will show all major sporting events live. After which, you can sit back with a beer and enjoy some of the live music performances that regularly run there.
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