Ulster Hall Belfast
Historic Victorian music hall in Belfast, hosting concerts, comedy, and talks with a charming atmosphere and good accessibility.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for live music & comedy
Ulster Hall Belfast
Best Time
Best for live music & comedy
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Victorian music hall in Belfast, hosting concerts, comedy, and talks with a charming atmosphere and good accessibility.
"A historic venue with a charming atmosphere, but may not be the most impressive theater experience."
🎯 Ticket Name Check
Rarely checked for concerts, say a friend bought them if asked. :ticket:
💨 Airflow Concerns
Standing gigs can get hot. Consider health conditions. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Hall
Main Auditorium
Imposing Victorian hall, a beautiful historic space for concerts, talks, and comedy. Acoustics are decent.
Rescued Paintings Gallery
Corridor near bathrooms
Discover stunning rescued paintings, a hidden gem offering a glimpse into local art history.
Balcony Seating
Upper Level
Offers great views of the stage, with seats facing the performance even from the edges.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ticket Name Check
Venue Comfort & Airflow
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ulster Hall - Do they check that the name on ID matches the ticket for concerts?
🎯 Ticket Name Check
Rarely checked for concerts, say a friend bought them if asked. :ticket:
💨 Airflow Concerns
Standing gigs can get hot. Consider health conditions. :warning:
Bonnie Raitt Ulster Hall
Chances of getting age checked for a 16+ concert in ulster hall
🖼️ Admire the Art
Don't miss the rescued paintings near the bathrooms! :frame_photo:
♿ Accessible Seating
Excellent lift access to the balcony and helpful staff. :wheelchair:
somewhere to eat near ulster hall
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ticket Name Check
Rarely checked for concerts, say a friend bought them if asked. :ticket:
💨 Airflow Concerns
Standing gigs can get hot. Consider health conditions. :warning:
🖼️ Admire the Art
Don't miss the rescued paintings near the bathrooms! :frame_photo:
♿ Accessible Seating
Excellent lift access to the balcony and helpful staff. :wheelchair:
🍸 Quick Bar Service
Bar staff are courteous and efficient. :cocktail:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ulster Hall is a beloved historic venue in Belfast, praised for its charming atmosphere, excellent accessibility, and helpful staff. Visitors enjoy the great views from the balcony and the quick bar service. However, some attendees have raised concerns about the venue's ventilation and comfort during crowded standing events, noting it can get very warm.
"One of the best venues in Belfast, seen Ash and primal scream both here and be it the balcony or standing both are fantastic.
The balcony area seats also faced the stage on the edges which was great as it meant not having to constantly turn.
Accessibility was fantastic too, highly recommended lift to balcony level and guided the whole way to our seats, the staff were amazing, quick service at the bar also by very courteous staff
Very highly recommended"
Mark Woonton
"Health & Safety risk at the Ulster Hall
Do not attend a standing gig at the Ulster Hall if you suffer from a respiratory illness, asthma or have cardiac problems. This venue is an accident waiting to happen!
With almost 2,000 people attending the Anastasia 25yr anniversary European tour, you would imagine in the 21st century that you would be able to breathe air at the venue.... NOPE! This would not be the case at the Ulster Hall!
The Grand Hall was like a sauna with the doors closed.
'NO AIRCON in the building' we were repeatedly told by staff. Plus, security refused to open the side doors to try and ventilate the room despite numerous pleas. The audience had to cool off in the toilets and outside the front door. Everyone was complaining that they couldn't breathe. If this can happen from clapping, what must it be like if people are dancing? Staff refused to heed the warnings.
Sure enough, before 10pm the Paramedics had to be called to help a woman who had collapsed. She was lying on the floor against a wall in front of the bar. No screen, no first Aiders on site, clearly no designated first aid room.
What a shambles!
It's hard to believe with Health and Safety regulations that this is permitted. Why is this unsafe environment for the audience allowed to continue? Have BCC carried out a risk assessment? Are they waiting for someone to have a cardiac arrest and die before they do something? It doesn't take a medical professional to see that if 2,000 people can't breathe, then there will inevitably be a problem!
The night was spoilt for a lot of people.
I won't be rushing back to the Ulster Hall any time soon."
Jane Toner
"My wife and I attended Legend Bob Marley, what a great show. The staff we're extremely courteous and helpful.
Lovely atmosphere and venue allowing audience participation and inclusion throughout . 10 out of 10 ."
patrick sweeney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ulster Hall is centrally located in Belfast, making it easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short walk from Great Victoria Street train station. If driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, though they can be busy during event times.
Yes, there are several car parks close to Ulster Hall, including the one at the Opera House and the Great Northern Mall. However, these can fill up quickly, especially on concert nights. Consider public transport or arriving early if you plan to drive.
Absolutely! Ulster Hall is very centrally located, making it an easy walk from most city centre hotels and attractions. It's a pleasant stroll through Belfast's vibrant streets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While it's always best to have your ID, Reddit users report that venues in Northern Ireland, including Ulster Hall, rarely check if the name on the ticket matches your ID for concerts. If questioned, you can say a friend bought the tickets and gave them to you.
Opening hours for Ulster Hall vary depending on the event. It's best to check the specific event details on their website for doors opening times. The box office hours may also differ.
It's generally recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular events, as they can sell out. However, depending on availability, tickets may be sold on the door. Check the venue's official website for the most up-to-date information.
Refund policies typically depend on the event promoter and the terms and conditions of sale. Generally, tickets are non-refundable unless an event is cancelled or significantly rescheduled. It's advisable to review the specific terms when purchasing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, Ulster Hall is known for its excellent accessibility. They offer lift access to the balcony level and staff are very helpful in guiding visitors to their seats.
Seating in the Grand Hall can feel a bit cramped, especially for longer events. However, the balcony seating offers good views, with some seats facing the stage even from the edges, which is a plus.
The acoustics at Ulster Hall are generally considered decent, though not exceptional. They are well-suited for comedy shows, intimate concerts, and community events.
Ulster Hall hosts a variety of events, some of which may be suitable for families. It's best to check the specific event details to confirm age suitability and any family-friendly amenities.
Ulster Hall has a charming, historic atmosphere that lends itself well to audience participation and inclusion, creating a lovely vibe for many events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Ulster Hall has bar facilities with courteous and efficient staff serving drinks. Food options may be limited or event-specific, so it's best to check the details for your particular event.
Typically, venues like Ulster Hall do not permit outside food and beverages. It's always a good idea to check their specific policy on their website or contact them directly before your visit.
Being in central Belfast, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs within walking distance of Ulster Hall, offering a wide range of cuisines and price points.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by event. For most concerts and performances, personal photography is usually allowed, but professional cameras and flash photography are often prohibited. Check the specific event's guidelines.
The Grand Hall itself, with its Victorian architecture, is a great subject. Don't forget to look for the rescued paintings in the corridor next to the bathrooms for unique photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families, consider the comfort aspect, especially if attending a standing event, as it can get warm. Opting for seated tickets, particularly in the balcony, might offer a more comfortable experience for younger attendees. The presence of accessible facilities also means that families with children who have mobility needs will find the venue accommodating.
💰 Budget Travelers
Getting to Ulster Hall is also budget-friendly, as it's easily reachable by public transport or a short walk from the city center, saving on taxi fares. Once inside, while bar prices are standard, you can save money by eating at one of the many affordable eateries in Belfast before or after the show, rather than relying solely on venue concessions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Grand Hall
Despite its age, the hall boasts decent acoustics, making it a popular choice for musicians and speakers alike. However, visitors have noted that the venue can become quite warm, particularly during standing-room-only events, due to a lack of air conditioning. This has led to concerns about comfort and safety for those with respiratory or cardiac conditions.
When visiting, take a moment to appreciate the rescued paintings located in the corridor near the bathrooms. These artworks add another layer of historical and cultural interest to the venue, making it more than just a performance space but a repository of local heritage.
Accessibility and Visitor Experience
The bar service at Ulster Hall also receives positive mentions for being quick and efficient, with staff described as courteous. This contributes to a smoother overall experience, allowing attendees to enjoy their visit without unnecessary delays.
However, some reviews highlight potential drawbacks related to comfort, particularly during standing gigs. The Grand Hall can get very warm, and there have been instances where ventilation was an issue, leading to discomfort for some patrons. While the staff are generally helpful, there have been reports of them being unable to adequately address ventilation concerns during peak heat.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit