Famous PUBS in Ireland’s county ANTRIM

Kelly’s Cellars (Belfast): A historic pub in Belfast city center, dating back over 250 years, known for its traditional Irish charm and quality pints. Offers a perfect pint of Guinness, live traditional music, and a cozy atmosphere with low ceilings and wooden interiors. It’s a hub for local culture and history. Expect a warm, friendly vibe, hearty pub grub, and lively music sessions. Perfect for those seeking an authentic Belfast pub experience.
The Quays (Portrush): A standout gastropub in the heart of Portrush, known for its seafood and steak offerings. Hearty, locally sourced dishes like fresh seafood and premium steaks, paired with warm, welcoming service. Its coastal location adds to the charm. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed meal by the sea, with a focus on quality food and a family-friendly atmosphere. Ideal for a post-beach dinner.
Billy Andy’s (Gleno): A traditional pub near a farm in the picturesque village of Gleno, just 20 minutes from Sleepy Hollow restaurant. Peat fires, low ceilings, and a fine selection of beers and whiskies. Hosts Saturday Irish music sessions, enhancing its cultural appeal. Expect a cozy, rustic setting with live music and locally sourced food. A great spot to unwind in a village atmosphere.
The Crosskeys Inn (Toomebridge): The oldest thatched pub in the region, located 30 minutes from Belfast, with a history as a coaching inn, shop, and post office. Features a huge hearth with a roaring fire, live music from global artists, and its own Crosskeys Inn Irish Whiskey. Visitors will step back in time with a warm, nostalgic atmosphere, traditional music, and hearty food. Ideal for history and music lovers.
McKendry’s Lounge & Bar (Galgorm): An eclectic Irish pub in the heart of Galgorm, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. Live music seven nights a week at the adjacent Gillies Restaurant, with a menu featuring local produce and brasserie-style dishes. Expect a lively yet cozy setting with frequent live entertainment and quality food, perfect for a night out near Ballymena.
The Harbour Bar (Portrush): A cozy pub on the Causeway Coast, one of the oldest in North Antrim. Its small “Front Bar” creates an intimate setting where visitors quickly feel like locals. Known for its traditional charm and coastal vibe. Anticipate a snug, welcoming space with local chatter, pub grub, and a relaxed afternoon vibe after exploring Portrush’s beaches or Dunluce Castle.
O’Connor’s Bar (Ballycastle): A lively pub in Ballycastle, reputed for serving the best pint of Guinness in North Antrim. Music nights featuring local talent, creating a vibrant “craic agus ceol” (fun and music) atmosphere. Friendly staff and excellent food. Visitors can expect a fun night with live music, great Guinness, and quality pub food in a welcoming environment.
The Bushmills Inn Restaurant (Bushmills): A gastropub within the Bushmills Inn, located near iconic attractions like the Giant’s Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery. Offers an idyllic setting with locally sourced, seasonal dishes and a cozy, traditional ambiance. Expect a refined dining experience with fresh, local ingredients and proximity to major attractions, ideal for tourists exploring the Causeway Coast.
Hickson’s Point (Belfast): Located at Titanic Belfast, this pub offers an authentic 1900s public house setting inspired by Belfast’s shipbuilding history. Its historical theme, complete with period decor, and a focus on local drinks and hearty pub grub. Visitors can enjoy a unique, history-infused atmosphere with quality food and drink, perfect for those visiting the Titanic Belfast exhibit.
Ben Madigan’s Bar and Kitchen (Belfast): A community-focused gastropub at the foot of Cavehill in North Belfast, known for its welcoming vibe. Family-friendly with high chairs and baby-changing facilities, serving award-winning local food and drink from noon daily. Expect a cozy, inclusive atmosphere with classic pub dishes and a community feel, great for families or casual dining.
The Olderfleet (Larne): A contemporary pub with roots as the 1878 Olderfleet Hotel, located near Whitehead promenade. Features a stylish indoor bar, an upcoming cocktail bar, and a restaurant specializing in fresh local produce. Regular live music adds to the appeal. Visitors can expect a modern yet welcoming experience with quality food, drinks, and entertainment, easily accessible by train from Belfast.
The Glensway Tavern (Glens of Antrim): A traditional Irish bar and 74-seat restaurant in the scenic Glens of Antrim. Offers live music on weekends, a menu of fresh local produce, and a selection of local beers and whiskies. Expect a warm, traditional setting with hearty meals and live music, perfect for those exploring the Glens’ natural beauty.
The Thatch Inn (Broughshane): A historic pub in the village of Broughshane since 1773, popular with climbers descending Slemish Mountain. Combines traditional charm with quality food, offering a welcoming stop for travelers and locals. Visitors can anticipate a cozy, historic atmosphere with good food and drink, ideal after outdoor activities in the Antrim Hills.
The Grouse Restaurant and Bar (Ballymena): A modern pub in Ballymena with a nod to tradition, located next to the Smoking Monkey bar. Features two large metal monkey sculptures crafted by a Game of Thrones set metalworker, offering a unique photo opportunity. Expect a vibrant, modern setting with quality drinks and entertainment, popular with locals and celebrities alike.
The Ramble Inn (Antrim): A 19th-century coaching inn on the A26, offering a country pub atmosphere near Belfast, Antrim, and Ballymena. Known for its restaurant serving great food, live music, and suitability for events like weddings or coach tours. Ample parking adds convenience. Visitors can enjoy a warm, atmospheric pub with a varied menu, live music, and a historic feel, perfect for group visits or celebrations