The Dirty Onion and Yardbird

The Dirty Onion is the ultimate summer pub: it has plentiful bench seating and an extensive whiskey and beer selection, and it’s the home of traditional Irish music in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. The establishment is known for its partnership with An Droichead, the musical culture centre, which delivers live musical sessions every night of the week in the bar venue. Be sure to try the upstairs restaurant, Yardbird, serving up free-range Brazilian rotisserie chicken and sides.

Walk a bit further down Hill Street and you’re in the territory of Belfast's other great publican, Bill Wolsey. This former spirit warehouse dates back to 1780, and he’s maintained its exposed wooden beams and original brick walls. Downstairs has two large covered courtyards and an interior space with a good range of craft beers, traditional Irish folk music nightly and, on Tuesday evenings, free lessons in playing the bodhran (the Irish drum).

Historically a bonded warehouse that shipped Jameson’s whiskey, this building is now a dramatic setting for the latest bar-restaurant from regional hospitality group Beannchor. The courtyard entrance is dominated by a two-storey wooden frame of ancient beams. It makes the Dirty Onion look like the skeleton of a building recently gutted by fire – or a settlement from Mad Max.

Located at the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, the iconic Dirty Onion is one of the most popular bars in Belfast among people of all ages. As soon as you walk through the doors of this traditional pub, you will be greeted with a huge Jameson whiskey barrel sculpture in the centre of the beer garden, so you know you’re in for an unforgettable time if you’re a fan of Irish whiskey. A traditional Irish pub with a modern twist, expect exposed brick interiors, low lighting, live music, friendly Irish hospitality, a huge selection of drinks, and, of course, great craic.

From one of the oldest buildings in the entirety of Belfast to one of its coolest bars. The owners of The Dirty Onion have transformed the 300-year-old former warehouse into an old-school boozy paradise with one of the city's largest beer gardens. You and your pals will be able to drink the night away here whilst sampling some incredible Scottish whiskey, craft beers, and also some mean rotisserie chicken from the onsite restaurant 'Yardbird.' The beer garden is always buzzing, and with free live music every night, it's a true Irish treat.

**The Dirty Onion bar is located in Belfast's oldest building (from 1780!) and boasts real Irish music 7 nights a week. The bar, in partnership with the award-winning cultural center An Droichead, also offers workshops in singing and various traditional Irish musical instruments, which are open to the public. Take in the live music while enjoying a pint inside, or hangout with friends in the heated outdoor smoking area, or if you're hungry head to the bar's upstairs to Yardbird--a delicious free range chicken restaurant.

For an experience of live traditional Irish music make your way to The Dirty Onion where you can try your hand at the Bodhran, hear the sweet sounds of the Belfast Harp Club and take a seat in a music and conversation circle. When the weekend arrives, traditional Irish music sets are interspliced with guest bands, acoustic sessions and seasoned regular performers like Matt Jones and Brendan McKenna. Other regular events also take place at The Dirty Onion that are popular with visitors and residents of Belfast alike.

Located in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, The Dirty Onion offers an authentic bar experience with a modern twist!. Enjoy traditional music sessions in the evenings as you relax with your drink beside a peat fire, or step outside into the trendy beer garden (one of the biggest in Belfast) and relax while sampling a delicious craft beer or spirit. Head upstairs and you’ll find Yardbird, a cosy rotisserie chicken restaurant, offering perfectly cooked tasty chicken and brilliant sharing options.

Boasting an impressive space in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, The Dirty Onion and The Yardbird is an authentic Irish music bar that hosts live entertainment throughout the week. Also calling itself home to one of the city’s biggest beer gardens, this former warehouse dates all the way back to 1680 and features a barrelman statue outside, dedicated to the former workers. Whether you go for the cosy open fire, the Irish whisky or the beer garden for a hot day, this bar will have you covered!

The Dirty Onion, a traditional Irish pub with a contemporary touch, is housed in one of Belfast's oldest structures and is a favorite hangout for both residents and tourists. There is plenty of space for you and your furry buddy to unwind and take in the ambiance at The Dirty Onion, which is home to two bars, one restaurant, and one of Belfast's largest beer gardens. On bright days, the outdoor area is a terrific location to relax, while on chilly days, the indoor peat fire is ideal.

An authentic traditional Irish pub with a modern twist, The Dirty Onion is open every night and is home to one of the largest beer gardens in Belfast. Offering free entry, the pub prides itself on its expansive selection of craft beers and whiskey. Taking up residency in one of the oldest buildings in the city, the external wooden structure will transport you back in time to the trading days and guarantees a genuinely Irish night full of good, old-fashioned craic!

Also on Hill Street, is the quirkily titled The Dirty Onion. Situated in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, The Dirty Onion is an authentic Irish pub with a hip, modern twist. Live entertainment is provided seven nights a week and traditional Irish music fans will feel particularly at home in this spot as the bar's partnership with award winning cultural centre, An Droichead means sessions with top notch traditional Irish musicians are a nightly occurrence.

The Dirty Onion is one of Belfast's oldest buildings, with its origins going back to 1780. The building was utilized as a bonded spirit warehouse and was referred to as 'STACK N' due to its position on the north side of Waring Street, which is still indicated by a giant red 'N' painted on its brick exterior. This entertaining venue has something to offer every night of the week, such as traditional Irish music and one of the biggest beer gardens in Belfast.

Tucked away in the heart of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, The Dirty Onion is a lively pub that's as charmingly rustic as its name suggests. Step inside this treasure trove of craic (Irish for "fun") and soak up the boisterous atmosphere while savoring a pint of aromatic local brew. Be sure to keep an eye out for the friendly ghost of Ned, who is said to roam the premises in search of misplaced pint glasses - an unexpected tour guide, to say the least!

From their restored 18 th century building to their weekly programme of live trad music, Dirty Onion has always been one for traditions. Now, it’s celebrating the tradition of Boilermakers – a whiskey and beer pairing that originated among steelworkers in 19 th century USA. The Boilermaker menu includes Irish ales paired Scottish and Irish whiskys; while the regular drinks menu features Belfast Black ale as well as international beers.

Looking for dog-friendly places that offer alfresco drinking and dining?. Dirty Onion & Yardbird is a firm fave for pet parents in Belfast, hosting regular Pooch Socials that are just as fun as they sound. Head on over to the Cathedral Quarter spot when the sun is shining and you’ll get to sip ice cold brews, handcrafted cocktails and glasses of wine with juicy BBQ chicken bites, all while your companion can happily meet other pups.

For a pre-dinner drink and people watching, The Dirty Onion, and for post-dinner drinks and even better people watching, The Duke of York. For endless lunch options and a spot of shopping, visit St George’s Market – there’s a Game of Thrones burger for those with a murderous appetite. Lovers of steak won’t be able to go past Deane’s Meat Locker or for local ingredients cooked to perfection, pop into Hadskis in the Cathedral Quarter.

Situated inside a former warehouse that traded in everything from whiskey to tea, the Dirty Onion sits inside Belfast’s oldest building, dating back to 1680. This lively pub features a massive beer garden and a cozy interior, complete with a roaring peat fire during the chillier months. I tend to recommend the Dirty Onion to most people looking for pubs with live music in Belfast, as they hold sessions 7 nights a week.

Summer vibes are written all over this place, inhabiting one of Belfast’s oldest buildings that dates back to 1780 that was a spirit house. It’s come a long way from back then, but maintained the rustic aesthetic and original wooden frame to honour the amazing original architecture. Seating and craic is plenty with beer and whiskey on tap (the whiskey not literally), you are sure to have the best day or night out here.

The Dirty Onion is a historic whiskey warehouse in the centre of Belfast, and Yardbird is located right above it. The restaurant provides dry-rubbed chicken entire (£17), half (£9.50), and quarters (£5), but the avocado salad, which is crisp, rich, and seasoned with a chilli vinaigrette, is the restaurant's highlight for those in the know. Contact us today or book online for all your Belfast accommodation needs.

Don’t miss out on one of the most unique experiences you could have when visiting Belfast!!!. The Dirty Onion is based in one of the city’s oldest buildings and offers not only great live music seven nights a week …but wait…free lessons on the traditional Irish instrument, the bodhran. The heartbeat of Irish music – you can come along on a Tuesday evening from 8 om til 10 pm and learn how to play for free.

Housed in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, this authentic Irish pub boasts a huge beer garden, cosy fire, weekly entertainment and a great food and drink offering, with craft beer and whisky being the signature tipples. And dogs are very welcome to accompany owners into the bar area, or to soak up some sun in the beer garden in the warmer months. Visit: 3 Hill Street, BT1 2LA – thedirtyonion.com

Although only recently opened 2 years ago, it makes the list for one of the best pubs in Ireland. The Dirty Onion is one of Belfast’s oldest buildings – dating back to 1780 when the building was used as a bonded spirit warehouse from 1921. It was then known as ‘STACK N’ – a reference to its position on the north side of Waring Street – and still bears a giant red painted ‘N’ on its brick façade.

The Dirty Onion might be one of the newest bars in the Cathedral Quarter, but it’s based in one of the oldest buildings in the capital. With authentic Irish music and live musicians seven days a week, you can bet St Pat’s will be a belter!. You can expect some of the finest live music in this fair city, with gigs held inside the cool venue and outside in the impressive beer garden.

While the Dirty Onion’s building was constructed in 1680, this authentic Irish Bar still has a modern twist. With one of Belfast’s most extensive beer gardens, the rustic feel brings traditional Irish style to Belfast seven nights a week with free admission. With a strong focus on authentic Irish music, the Dirty Onion values its partnership with An Droichead to keep this alive.

Yardbird is above the Dirty Onion, a former whiskey warehouse in the heart of the old city. The restaurant serves up buttermilk-marinated chicken whole (£15), or in halves (£8.50) or quarters (£4.50), but the highlight for those in the know is the avocado salad: all crunchy, messy, lush and spiced up with a chilli vinaigrette. Equally good is the deep apple pie for dessert.

Nestled in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, The Dirty Onion is a must-visit spot in Belfast’s nightlife scene. With a charming rustic interior and a spacious beer garden, this atmospheric bar offers the quintessential Irish pub experience. Traditional live music graces the air seven nights a week, and the whiskey and ale selection is something to be lauded.

Turn left outside of The Spaniard and follow the sounds to The Dirty Onion (3 Hill St). Live music belts out seven days per week at this popular Belfast pub which means it is always rammed full of party people. I wanted to not like it here because it is everyone’s recommendation, but the vibe is uplifting, and furry friends are welcome, what’s not to love?

Location: 3 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LATimings: Mondays to Saturdays: Noon to 1 am | Sundays: Noon to MidnightPrice: ££-£££Ratings: 4.4/5. If you are looking to enjoy your night with a few friends, then The Dirty Onion and Yardbird is the place you need to go!. Dirty Onion and Yardbird is rated as one of the best pubs in Belfast for its uniqueness.

The Dirty Onion is one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, an authentic Irish pub with a modern twist. The cosy beer garden makes it an ideal place for you and your dog to go for a meal and catch up with friends, there are dog bowls, a dog menu with a variety of mains, dessert and chicken-flavoured dog beer provided, as well as occasional dog events.

Based in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, this is your classic Cathedral Quarter bar guaranteed to give you a good night. They will give you a classically Irish experience, with trad sessions, bodhran lessons, and beautiful harp performances. Their live acts vary but will always leave you feeling like you’ve experienced the true Ireland.

Dating back to 1780, the building was used as a bonded spirit warehouse from 1921. It was then known as 'STACK N' – a reference to its position on the north side of Waring Street – and still bears a giant red painted 'N' on its brick façade. The distinctive external wooden structure is another original feature which, following…

Located in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, this vibrant venue features a rustic beer garden and an impressive collection of locally brewed ales. This pub is famous for its rich Irish hospitality, live music and craft beer. Catch a live performance by local musicians as you enjoy a pint of their finest brew.

The Dirty Onion stands in Belfast’s oldest building (1680) and its exteriors have carefully been preserved to keep the ‘old and decrypt’ vibe alive. There is a fireplace inside and Irish traditional music on offer. You can either opt to sit inside that is dimly lit but full or character or outside i.e. the beer garden.

Other pubs with live musicians that are amazing include the Points, the Parlour, Boneyard and the Dirty Onion. Boneyard and the Dirty Onion are both outdoors with heaters and lots of room for dancing around tables. The Points is decorated in a very authentic way and is well worth a visit to see a traditional Irish pub.

For a traditional Belfast boozer, try The Jailhouse which is, as the name suggests, situated in a former jail. You’ll find the characterful pub in Joy’s Entry, which is one of several ‘entries’ in Belfast. These narrow cobbled alleyways date back to the 1600s and are where you’ll find some of the city’s oldest pubs.

The home of trad music in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, the Dirty Onion always guarantees a lively night out. Set in one of Belfast’s oldest buildings, dating back to 1780, the pub has a rustic feel. Inside features low ceilings, a turf fire and traditional brick walls making it a good choice for cold winter nights.

Originally used as a spirits bonded warehouse pre-1720 (mainly holding barrels of Jameson) this iconic bar has kept its traditional look but given it a modern twist. There's an event taking place every night of the week and it is also home to a free range chicken rotisserie restaurant, The Yard Bird.

Yardbird is a rotisserie chicken restaurant upstairs above The Dirty Onion, that serves up chicken, chicken and more chicken. They only use local free-to-roam chicken and you can taste the quality in every bite. Their BBQ glazed wings come with a sour cream and spring onion sauce for dipping.

This is an ideal summer spot, an authentic Irish pub with a modern twist. Sit outside and enjoy a selection of craft beers and whiskeys while listening to live music every night of the week. If you’re feeling hungry, Yardbird, a restaurant specializing in rotisserie chicken is just upstairs.

Also claiming to be in the oldest building in Belfast, the Dirty Onion’s most significant feature is the large courtyard in a derelict warehouse built in 1680 opening onto Hill Street with live music every evening, great beer, cocktails and a particularly lively atmosphere at the weekends.

Ask most people where to grab a few drinks in Belfast and The Dirty Onion will be at the top of their list of suggestions. With music seven days a week, you will soon be singing along with the pub's mixed crowd of locals and visitors. On sunny days, enjoy a drink on the outdoor patio.

IF YOU’RE after a quiet pint in a cosy corner, this certainly isn’t the spot for you. However, if you’re looking for an unbeatable atmosphere, some famous Irish craic and seven nights a week of entertainment, you’ll absolutely love The Dirty Onion. The beer is pretty good, too.

The Dirty Onion, located in Belfast, UK, is a traditional-style pub that serves up a variety of delicious grub. Fido is welcome to join you at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables. While you enjoy a cold pint, Fido can enjoy homemade doggie treats at the Doggie Dock.

If you want to work a sneaky drink into a scholarly sight seeing itinerary, come here. This bar and live music venue is built into a 1750s warehouse – it used to store Jameson whiskey in the 1900s so order yourself a Jameson and ginger ale, sit and soak up the history!

The Dirty Onion is minimal inside, with attractive technological prints on the wall (you must see for yourself). There is a cosy open fire inside, which is very spacious compared to other pubs in Belfast. There are small tables but larger ones for different groups.

The Dirty Onion and its restaurant upstairs, The Yardbird, are an institution in Belfast. We actually only passed through this pub as we were on the hunt for dinner and I can vouch for the fact that The Yardbird’s burgers are some of the best I’ve ever had.

Chill vibe with great drinks and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for hanging out with friends and enjoying a laid-back time. Waitress explained gluten free options on the menu. Had the loaded fries and, although a little cold for my liking, they were lovely.

The Dirty Onion love dogs so much, they run events specifically for them 🤣 They've had everything from doggy yogo to doggy dress up!. The space offers a modern take on the traditional Irish pub, with live entertainment and musical sessions.

Popular choices of watering hole include the elegant Harp Bar, the more down to earth, Dirty Onion or the traditional Duke of York in adjacent Commercial Court. There’s many a hangover nursed each Saturday and Sunday morning in Belfast.

In the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, the Dirty Onion's beer garden is always packed on a sunny day. Located in one of Belfast's most historic buildings, this bar is always buzzing with people laughing, dancing and having a good time.

The Dirty Onion: Combining a rustic vibe with a love for live music, The Dirty Onion features traditional Irish sessions and contemporary performances. The outdoor beer garden adds to its appeal, making it a great spot year-round.

Okay, so technically, The Dirty Onion and Yardbird doesn’t have a rooftop. However, their courtyard is so lovely that I felt it had to get an honorary mention on the list. It just didn’t feel right to leave it out!

An eclectic menu of modern and classic dishes, plus live music and sea views in a snug, this homely tavern offers a great day out during warm weather and has become a local institution since its opening in 2004.

Here are my recommendations in order of preference: The Dirty Onion, The Bone Yard, CARGO, Babel Rooftop Bar & Garden, Cutters Wharf, The Perch, Kelly’s Cellars and Granny Annie’s. Save them in Google Maps!

Located in the Cathedral Quarter, this bar offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Its rustic charm and extensive Whisky menu make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Home to one of Belfast’s biggest beer gardens and a cozy fire inside, the Dirty Onion has you covered all year round. And bonus points – they are dog friendly too!

Just next door to the Dirty Onion, the Thirsty Goat prides itself on highlighting Irish culture, mainly the drinking culture.