Gay scene belfast

Home / gay topics / Gay scene belfast

It's the beating heart of Belfast queer nightlife and offers a fantastic, concentrated experience. Remember that Belfast, like any major city, requires general awareness when out late. Upstairs, the Green Room Cocktail Lounge is particularly worth a visit, and the adjoining Shoe Factory provides wacky entertainment, from bingo and karaoke to quizzes and cabaret.

The Reporter

The Reporter is a great bar to enjoy a night out.

There are also a growing number of LGBTQ+ friendly community events, art exhibitions, and cultural gatherings throughout the year. Situated on Union Street, neighbouring the Irish News offices and the old Belfast Telegraph building, this intimate bar’s warm and welcoming interior is clad with artefacts and memorabilia, illustrating the city’s colourful history through the eyes of the press.

Maverick Bar

Maverick Bar on Union Street is a popular gay bar, well-loved for its eclectic live music nights and comedy shows.

Get ready to explore diverse venues, meet new people, and experience the inclusive spirit that makes Belfast's scene truly special. For tips on what to wear, consult our guide on Belfast club dress code.

  • Boombox: Just a short walk from Union Street, Boombox is a popular spot for those who love pop and chart hits.

    Weekends are the busiest, with many venues staying open until the early hours. Tina Leggs Tantrum kicks it all off at 5pm with T’OKIE – a wild ride with karaoke, cabaret and more laughs than you can handle! Staff are trained to ensure a respectful environment for all patrons. Weeknights can be a bit quieter, but still offer a great atmosphere, especially for a relaxed drink.

    Known for its pivotal role in the industrial revolution, Belfast was once a global powerhouse in shipbuilding, most famously constructing the RMS Titanic. It aims to bring you the very best in queer talent.

     

    Going Out

    Kremlin

    The city’s most famous gay club is probably Kremlin on Donegall Street.

    These shows offer fantastic entertainment, comedy, and a lively atmosphere, making them a highlight of any night out. Many venues will also be listed in a comprehensive Belfast pub crawl guide.

    • Belfast's queer nightlife scene offers a vibrant, welcoming, and unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike in 2025. This vibrant district offers a concentrated collection of bars and clubs, making it incredibly easy to hop from one welcoming venue to another.

    Exploring the different nightlife areas of Belfast will reveal that Union Street holds a special place for the queer community.

    Beyond just bars, the Gay Village often hosts community events, pop-up markets, and cultural gatherings that celebrate LGBTQ+ life.

    gay scene belfast

    This compact area hosts several popular venues like Maverick, Union Street Bar, and Kremlin, making it easy to enjoy a night out hopping between different spots. We know the scene here pretty well, but not as well as the people who live it weekly.

    If you see us posting stuff that is out of date or if we left some place off that is a can’t miss please use the comments to let us know.

    The compact nature of this area means you can easily walk between spots, ensuring you don't miss any of the action. Also, if you think any venues should be listed as solely places for men to meet men or women to meet women fill us in, thanks if you can help.

    The main gay area is around Union Street and Donnegal.