Limelight
Limelight is one of Belfast’s most iconic and enduring fixtures, and 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the club’s opening, testament to the venue’s staying power. The complex consists of two club rooms, appropriately named Limelight 1 and Limelight 2, which are connected by Katy’s Bar. Limelight 1 is the larger of the two, playing the standard club tunes, while Limelight 2 plays rock and metal for people who want a heavier night. The Limelight complex also hosts gigs, so be sure to check what’s on before planning a night out.
Limelight, 17 Ormeau Ave, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9032 7007
ALIBI
Though a newer entry to Belfast’s club scene, ALIBI is still a popular one. Its ground floor is open during the days, offering spirits, cocktails and food, and the upstairs club opens at night. As well as the two indoor floors, there is a three-tiered smoking terrace that’s especially pleasant on warm nights. ALIBI host various club nights throughout the week ranging from generous drinks promos on Mondays to live fire-breathing performances on Fridays and Saturdays.
ALIBI, 23–31 Bradbury Pl, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9023 3131
ALIBI Belfast | Courtesy of ALIBI | ALIBI
Kremlin
The life-size statue of Lenin above the entrance makes Kremlin hard to miss. Opened in 1999, it was the first gay venue in Northern Ireland that was genuinely gay-owned and managed, and it continues to be one of the most popular gay venues in Ireland. It’s split into three separate areas: Tsar, the cocktail lounge; Long Bar, a disco bar; and Red Square, which is the main hub, a two-level club regularly hosting DJs and live acts.
Kremlin, 96 Donegall St, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9031 6060
Kremlin Belfast | © William Murphy / Flickr | William Murphy/Flickr
The Gypsy Lounge at Filthy McNasty’s
Filthy McNasty’s is a quirky bar within the Filthy Quarter, a small (but popular) food and drink complex near Belfast’s city centre. Above the bar is the equally eccentric Gypsy Lounge, a three-room clubbing space: its DJ booth is a gypsy caravan, walls are covered in vintage drapes, and its black-and-white tile floor recalls American diner tiles. Stop by in the evening to Filthy’s for a few drinks, then head up to The Gypsy Lounge when the party gets going.
Filthy McNasty’s, 45 Dublin Rd, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9024 6823
Ollie’s
Ollie’s is a more upscale option attached to (and beneath) Belfast’s Merchant Hotel. Located in catacombs that were previously used as bank vaults, the space is subdivided into various different spaces, making the club feel intimate even though it has a capacity of 500. Door staff are a little more selective here than in other clubs, so take the opportunity to dress up a little.
Ollies, Merchant Hotel, 35–39 Waring St, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9026 7964
Ollie’s Belfast | Courtesy of Ollie’s Belfast | Courtesy of Ollies
Thompsons Garage
Thompsons is absolutely integral to the fabric of Belfast’s nightlife, definitely somewhere to go rather than stumble upon. Tucked down its own alley, a stone’s throw from City Hall, it attracts people from all walks of life but especially music lovers, with dance and EDM being particular favourites. Thompsons has been open for 20 years, and is usually open every night, so it’s clearly doing something right.
Thompsons Garage, 3 Pattersons Pl, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9032 3762
Lavery’s
Lavery’s is Belfast’s oldest family-owned pub and is one of the most popular bars in Belfast, bar none. Its attached craft bar, Woodworkers, is one of the trendiest spots in the city, while the original Lavery’s bar remains a classic. On Friday nights, though, the pool tables on the upper floor are moved away, clearing the way for dancing and revelry. The music is great, the space is large, and if need be, patrons can always retreat to either of the bars downstairs.
Lavery’s, 12–18 Bradbury Pl, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, +44 28 9087 1106