'Bout ye, mucker!! That might be the first thing when you walk into one of the pubs in this article. Translated from Nothern Irish, it means, "How are you doing, buddy?"
Although Belfast suffered during the long period of sectarian conflict from 1969-1997 known as The Troubles, it is rapidly becoming a tourist destination. The city has a magnificent City Hall, colorful political murals that detail the history of the conflict, world class shopping, and the soon to be ready Titanic Quarter, which will be unveiled during the 100 year anniversary of the ill-fated liners launch from Belfast in 1912.
But what's a tourist to do to catch his breath in between all these attractions? Why, drink, of course. With that in mind, here is a list of some of the best pubs in Belfast.
The Crown Liquor Saloon
If you're going to visit one pub in Belfast, make it this one. Carved wood paneling, intricate tile floors, intimate snugs where you can drink away in peace, and tasty pub food. The saloon's beautiful interior was constructed in 1885 by Italian craftsmen who did the carving, marble and the painting on the glasswork throughout the bar. But you didn't come here just to look right? The Crown features a number of beers on tap and bottle, as well as a wide selection of Irish Whiskey.
Whites Tavern
This is the oldest pub in Belfast, if not Northern Ireland. First founded in 1640 when Befast was being referred to as "Belfast Village", Whites Tavern is everything you want an Irish pub to be - low ceilings, a peat fire, world class Whskey, and plenty of craic. What? You've never heard of craic? That's irish for "good times".
Kelly's Cellars
White's Tavern may bill itself as the oldest pub in Belfast, but Kelly's Cellars is the oldest licensed pub in Belfast, which was first granted in the 1700s. Like White's, the building that Kelly's is housed in is squat and crowded. In addition, there's a certain, "aroma" that permeates throughout the bar, but don't let that keep you away. Just think of it as a quaint addition. There is also live music at Kelly's Cellars on the weekends. The times are constantly changing, so call ahead if you're going to specifically hear music.
McHughs
Ok. So White's may be the oldest tavern in Belfast, and Kelly's the oldest licensed pub in Belfast, but McHughs Pub is situated in the oldest surviving building in Belfast. The structure was constructed in 1711, back when the street in front of the pub was a pier leading out to the River Lagan. Apparently the place also used to house women of "ill repute", but they're really fixed it up since then. In addition to the pub downstairs, McHughs features an award winning dine-in restaurant upstairs, while the basement bar is host to some of the up and coming comedy stars in their monthly McHugh's Comedy Basement show.
Comments