Menu
14/03/2016
Great Outdoors: Beer Gardens
We're gonna take a risk and throw it all in on the current (unexpected?) sunny weather we're having. There are few things better than enjoying your beverage of choice, in a nice sunny beer garden. Here are some of our favourites.
We're not entirely sure of what actually defines a beer "garden" but the alley fronting the Duke of York in the Cathedral Quarter is still one of the finest spots to imbibe in the city.
Lined with numerous benches and copious beautiful hanging baskets, the wide alleyway is inviting and perfectly contained. Even if you're there long enough for the sun to pass on by, the alley becomes a cosy haven for a great night with friends.
3-11 Commercial Court, Belfast, BT1 2NB
dukeofyorkbelfast.com | Facebook | Twitter
Not so much a beer garden as maybe a beer village. Taking what was previously a long neglected arcade at the rear of its bar, the Hudson's Yard offers not just plentiful seating but also outdoor food and regular free entertainment.
Much like the Duke of York, it is a spot in which, once you are settled it is more than likely you'll not go anywhere else. Perfect place for a night out.
10-14 Gresham Street, Belfast, BT1 1JN
hudsonbelfast.com | Facebook | Twitter
The bar that just seems to grow and grow. Like the Hudson, Lavery's took what was once a fairly grimy back alleyway and transformed it into an oasis right in the heart of Shaftesbury Square.
Lavery's once had a small, walled in, square at the rear of it's Back Bar, leading out to were the bins were kept. Not now though. Now it boasts two separate seated areas connected by the once grimy, but now well maintained alleyway.
Lavery's is a massively popular bar, but even at it's busiest it is friendly and inviting.
12-16 Bradbury Place, Belfast, BT7 1RS
laverysbelfast.com | Facebook | Twitter
The Sunflower is a tiny gem of a bar in a little back street bordering the Cathedral Quarter. For all it's size, you'd be hard pushed to find a bar we'd rather spend our evening in.
They only convinced us of this further when they not only opened an internal courtyard/beer garden, but added their secret weapon, a pizza oven.
A simple bar, devoid of pretence, but plentiful in craic, great booze and absolutely delicious pizza.
Union Street, Belfast, BT1 2JG
Facebook | Twitter
And getting out of the city...
With views across Belfast Lough to Whiteabbey and Carrickfergus, sitting next to a small boat yard, it doesn't get much more nautical than the Dirty Duck in Holywood.
A fine bar, with a generous selection of craft beers and top quality seafood restaurant, this spot has many things going for it. Not least of which is it's generous outdoor seating area. On a night of fine weather hours will slip by as you enjoy the company of friends, booze and gently lapping sea.
The bar does also have it's own chippy, the Ruddy Duck, which while a little walk from the bar itself, offers some of the finest fish and chips.
3 Kinnegar Road, Holywood, BT18 9JN
thedirtyduckalehouse.co.uk | Facebook | Twitter
You could be forgiven for walking right by the Goat's Toe in Bangor, nestled in a small arcade between some shops. But you would most definitely be missing out.
Following extensive renovations the bar has set a new standard for the town and it's rooftop beer garden is an absolute gem.
All contemporary design and moody lighting, the garden is a must when the weather is right – and heck, there is even plenty of covered areas for the weather isn't so great, because frankly some of us like to drink outdoors regardless of our famously unpredictable weather.
53 Main Street, Bangor, BT20 5AF
thegoatstoe.co.uk | Facebook | Twitter
This award winning bar and restaurant offers amazing views across Belfast Lough – almost exactly the opposite view offered by the Dirty Duck.
While some of the other beer gardens on this list are fancier, they all struggle to match the view on offer. And some nights that is all you really need – well, that, some tasty booze and great company.
This is the first bar along the famous Causeway Coastal Route, and you'd be missing out if you didn't stop for the food, the refreshment and to just enjoy the stunning views.
637 Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0ST
bureaubythelough.com | Facebook
This list could of course go on and on... Do you have a favourite beer garden, especially outside of Belfast? Why not let us know where it is...
The Duke of York
We're not entirely sure of what actually defines a beer "garden" but the alley fronting the Duke of York in the Cathedral Quarter is still one of the finest spots to imbibe in the city.
Lined with numerous benches and copious beautiful hanging baskets, the wide alleyway is inviting and perfectly contained. Even if you're there long enough for the sun to pass on by, the alley becomes a cosy haven for a great night with friends.
3-11 Commercial Court, Belfast, BT1 2NB
dukeofyorkbelfast.com | Facebook | Twitter
The Hudson
Not so much a beer garden as maybe a beer village. Taking what was previously a long neglected arcade at the rear of its bar, the Hudson's Yard offers not just plentiful seating but also outdoor food and regular free entertainment.
Much like the Duke of York, it is a spot in which, once you are settled it is more than likely you'll not go anywhere else. Perfect place for a night out.
10-14 Gresham Street, Belfast, BT1 1JN
hudsonbelfast.com | Facebook | Twitter
Lavery's
The bar that just seems to grow and grow. Like the Hudson, Lavery's took what was once a fairly grimy back alleyway and transformed it into an oasis right in the heart of Shaftesbury Square.
Lavery's once had a small, walled in, square at the rear of it's Back Bar, leading out to were the bins were kept. Not now though. Now it boasts two separate seated areas connected by the once grimy, but now well maintained alleyway.
Lavery's is a massively popular bar, but even at it's busiest it is friendly and inviting.
12-16 Bradbury Place, Belfast, BT7 1RS
laverysbelfast.com | Facebook | Twitter
The Sunflower
The Sunflower is a tiny gem of a bar in a little back street bordering the Cathedral Quarter. For all it's size, you'd be hard pushed to find a bar we'd rather spend our evening in.
They only convinced us of this further when they not only opened an internal courtyard/beer garden, but added their secret weapon, a pizza oven.
A simple bar, devoid of pretence, but plentiful in craic, great booze and absolutely delicious pizza.
Union Street, Belfast, BT1 2JG
Facebook | Twitter
And getting out of the city...
The Dirty Duck
With views across Belfast Lough to Whiteabbey and Carrickfergus, sitting next to a small boat yard, it doesn't get much more nautical than the Dirty Duck in Holywood.
A fine bar, with a generous selection of craft beers and top quality seafood restaurant, this spot has many things going for it. Not least of which is it's generous outdoor seating area. On a night of fine weather hours will slip by as you enjoy the company of friends, booze and gently lapping sea.
The bar does also have it's own chippy, the Ruddy Duck, which while a little walk from the bar itself, offers some of the finest fish and chips.
3 Kinnegar Road, Holywood, BT18 9JN
thedirtyduckalehouse.co.uk | Facebook | Twitter
The Goats Toe
You could be forgiven for walking right by the Goat's Toe in Bangor, nestled in a small arcade between some shops. But you would most definitely be missing out.
Following extensive renovations the bar has set a new standard for the town and it's rooftop beer garden is an absolute gem.
All contemporary design and moody lighting, the garden is a must when the weather is right – and heck, there is even plenty of covered areas for the weather isn't so great, because frankly some of us like to drink outdoors regardless of our famously unpredictable weather.
53 Main Street, Bangor, BT20 5AF
thegoatstoe.co.uk | Facebook | Twitter
The Bureau by the Lough
This award winning bar and restaurant offers amazing views across Belfast Lough – almost exactly the opposite view offered by the Dirty Duck.
While some of the other beer gardens on this list are fancier, they all struggle to match the view on offer. And some nights that is all you really need – well, that, some tasty booze and great company.
This is the first bar along the famous Causeway Coastal Route, and you'd be missing out if you didn't stop for the food, the refreshment and to just enjoy the stunning views.
637 Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0ST
bureaubythelough.com | Facebook
This list could of course go on and on... Do you have a favourite beer garden, especially outside of Belfast? Why not let us know where it is...
Latest Northern Ireland Features
12 November 2024
Belfast Entrepreneurs To Be Celebrated With New Conference
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has called on entrepreneurs from across the city to get together for a unique conference aimed at supporting their business journey. Entrepreneurs Unleashed will take place this month at the Cathy Short Theatre in Jennymount Business Park, lower North Belfast.
Belfast Entrepreneurs To Be Celebrated With New Conference
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has called on entrepreneurs from across the city to get together for a unique conference aimed at supporting their business journey. Entrepreneurs Unleashed will take place this month at the Cathy Short Theatre in Jennymount Business Park, lower North Belfast.
19 September 2024
Carlingford's Adventure Lights to Illuminate Winter
Skypark, Carlingford, is set to transform the winter season with the launch of Adventure Lights, a unique 14-week event designed to enchant visitors and boost the local economy. Running from October 26 to February 2, this immersive light experience brings Irish mythology to life, offering an unforgettable journey through the 'Land of Legends'.
Carlingford's Adventure Lights to Illuminate Winter
Skypark, Carlingford, is set to transform the winter season with the launch of Adventure Lights, a unique 14-week event designed to enchant visitors and boost the local economy. Running from October 26 to February 2, this immersive light experience brings Irish mythology to life, offering an unforgettable journey through the 'Land of Legends'.
13 August 2024
The Reporter Named Belfast's 'Friendliest Pub'
The Reporter is the friendliest pub in Belfast, a new study has found. The experts at Belfast Bus Tour analysed TripAdvisor data on 69 pubs or bars across Belfast. Each pub was rated out of 100 based on its TripAdvisor rating and mentions of positive terms like "friendly", "helpful", "lovely", and "kind" per review.
The Reporter Named Belfast's 'Friendliest Pub'
The Reporter is the friendliest pub in Belfast, a new study has found. The experts at Belfast Bus Tour analysed TripAdvisor data on 69 pubs or bars across Belfast. Each pub was rated out of 100 based on its TripAdvisor rating and mentions of positive terms like "friendly", "helpful", "lovely", and "kind" per review.
07 August 2024
Online Gambling Trends & Regulations
A Comparison Of Northern Ireland And New Zealand The gambling sector is booming worldwide, so more and more countries are accepting appropriate legislation to control it. Some completely ban this risky entertainment, but this is not the case with Northern Ireland and New Zealand, where the industry is fully regulated.
Online Gambling Trends & Regulations
A Comparison Of Northern Ireland And New Zealand The gambling sector is booming worldwide, so more and more countries are accepting appropriate legislation to control it. Some completely ban this risky entertainment, but this is not the case with Northern Ireland and New Zealand, where the industry is fully regulated.
31 July 2024
SPARK Brings Free Neurodivergent Family Fun Day
A new organisation set up to support neurodivergent families and individuals has announced their first Creative Fun Day will take place in Belfast this weekend. Saturday, 3 August will see SPARK, in partnership with Arts Care, open the doors of 2 Royal Avenue for an afternoon of fun, socialising with like-minded families and other activities.
SPARK Brings Free Neurodivergent Family Fun Day
A new organisation set up to support neurodivergent families and individuals has announced their first Creative Fun Day will take place in Belfast this weekend. Saturday, 3 August will see SPARK, in partnership with Arts Care, open the doors of 2 Royal Avenue for an afternoon of fun, socialising with like-minded families and other activities.
09 July 2024
Have You Thought About A UK Staycation?
A staycation, a blend of 'stay' and 'vacation', is a holiday spent in your home country rather than traveling abroad. In recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on international travel, staycations have surged in popularity across the UK.
Have You Thought About A UK Staycation?
A staycation, a blend of 'stay' and 'vacation', is a holiday spent in your home country rather than traveling abroad. In recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on international travel, staycations have surged in popularity across the UK.
05 July 2024
Orangefest Celebrations Set For July 12 At Belfast City Hall
A whole host of family fun activities is planned to take place at Belfast's City Hall in conjunction with the annual parades to commemorate The Twelfth. Created to complement the July 12 parades, Orangefest 2024 will take place from 10am-4pm at both Belfast City Hall and surrounding areas in Royal Avenue.
Orangefest Celebrations Set For July 12 At Belfast City Hall
A whole host of family fun activities is planned to take place at Belfast's City Hall in conjunction with the annual parades to commemorate The Twelfth. Created to complement the July 12 parades, Orangefest 2024 will take place from 10am-4pm at both Belfast City Hall and surrounding areas in Royal Avenue.
28 June 2024
NI Candidates Standing In UK General Election
With the UK General Election set to take place on Thursday, 04 July, we look at the parties vying to represent Northern Ireland at Westminster. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) have held their position as the party with the most MP's, 8 between 2019-2024, with their main rival, Sinn Féin, a close second with 7.
NI Candidates Standing In UK General Election
With the UK General Election set to take place on Thursday, 04 July, we look at the parties vying to represent Northern Ireland at Westminster. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) have held their position as the party with the most MP's, 8 between 2019-2024, with their main rival, Sinn Féin, a close second with 7.
17 June 2024
How To Move Stress-Free In Northern Ireland
Moving to Northern Ireland, the land of myth and mystery, should be an adventure, not a trial.
How To Move Stress-Free In Northern Ireland
Moving to Northern Ireland, the land of myth and mystery, should be an adventure, not a trial.
11 June 2024
Northern Ireland's Biggest Stars in Sports
If there is one thing that Northern Ireland is famed for, it's their cultural values, and in this region, awesome athletes have been brought forth in the world. These sports-related celebrities have impacted their fields as well as the world at large, hence becoming important athletic symbols for the coming generations.
Northern Ireland's Biggest Stars in Sports
If there is one thing that Northern Ireland is famed for, it's their cultural values, and in this region, awesome athletes have been brought forth in the world. These sports-related celebrities have impacted their fields as well as the world at large, hence becoming important athletic symbols for the coming generations.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
