Belfast: Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks

This review covers the Belfast Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour, a lively experience designed to introduce visitors to the city’s vibrant pub culture, both historic and contemporary. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Belfast, this tour offers a taste of local life—complete with live music, Irish dancers (on Saturdays), and plenty of opportunities to mingle with locals.

What we find particularly appealing about this tour is its balanced mix of entertainment and cultural insight. You get to enjoy Belfast’s famous live Irish music and dancing, which really captures the city’s spirited atmosphere. Plus, the guide’s local knowledge makes each stop both fun and informative. A potential downside? The tour lasts only 3.5 hours, so it’s a quick, energetic look at Belfast’s pub scene—perfect if you’re short on time but want an authentic experience.

This experience suits travelers who love music, culture, and socializing. If you’re keen to see Belfast’s best pubs without the hassle of planning, and enjoy a guided, friendly atmosphere, this tour could be just right. Just remember, it’s not a food-focused experience, so plan to explore local eateries separately if you’re hungry.

Key Points

• Authentic Belfast experience with a mix of historic and modern pubs
• Live Irish music and Irish dancers (Saturday tours) add cultural flair
• Guided walk through city streets offers local insights and hidden alleyways
• Includes two drinks (Irish whiskey or Irish cream) for a true taste of Ireland
• Flexible options for Friday and Saturday with nightclub or dancing after the tour
• Short, 3.5-hour duration makes it ideal for a lively evening without a big time commitment

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Belfast Pub Crawl Experience

Who Offers This Tour and Why It Matters

Run by Belfast Pub Crawl, this tour earns a solid 4.7-star rating based on 28 reviews, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guides, lively atmosphere, and memorable pubs. The booking process is flexible—reservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance—making it less stressful if plans change unexpectedly.

Starting Point and End Location

The tour begins at the Albert Memorial Clock, a notable Belfast landmark resembling Big Ben, giving a visual cue that signals you’re about to dive into the city’s lively pub scene. The tour concludes back at this original meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour takes you through a well-planned route, alternating between local pubs and guided stops. Each pub stop lasts about 40 minutes, giving ample time to soak in the atmosphere, chat with fellow travelers, and listen to live music or watch Irish dancers—on Saturdays, at least.

Stop 1: Albert Memorial Clock
This iconic clock tower, built as a Belfast landmark, sets the scene and offers some quick history before you head into the pubs.

Stop 2 & 4 & 6 & 8: Local Pubs
Expect to spend around 45 minutes at each pub, sampling the lively Belfast vibe. These are carefully selected spots, blending the historic charm with modern twists, so you’ll get a feel for the city’s evolving pub scene.

Guided Tour Stops
Between the pub visits, there are short guided segments (5-10 minutes), where the guide shares light insights into Belfast’s sights and stories behind the pubs.

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The Atmosphere

The tour is designed to maximize social interaction and entertainment. Travelers consistently mention the friendly guides—like Eamonn and Michael—who make the experience both fun and informative. As one reviewer said, “All the pubs were amazing and got to know some lovely people,” which underscores how this tour fosters a sense of community.

Live Music and Irish Dancers

On Saturdays, the tour features Irish dancers, adding an authentic cultural touch that’s engaging and visually stunning. The sounds of traditional Irish music fill the pubs, which weaves a musical thread through Belfast’s vibrant nightlife.

Drinks and Additional Perks

The tour includes two drinks—either Irish whiskey or Irish cream—which allows you to taste local spirits without extra expense. Some pubs offer these as soon as you buy your first drink, enriching the experience with a genuine Irish flavor.

The Friday Night Option: Clubbing and Dancing

If you happen to take the tour on a Friday, there’s an extra perk—an opportunity to go clubbing afterward, dancing with both locals and fellow travelers. It’s a great way to extend your night if you’re eager to experience Belfast’s nightlife beyond the pubs.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Guided Walk Through Belfast’s Streets

Walking through historic cobbled streets and alleyways, guided by someone who knows the city well, makes the experience more than just pub-hopping. You’ll learn light history about Belfast along the way, giving context to the sights and stories behind each pub.

Authentic, Local Pubs

The curated selection of pubs is key. These are places loved by locals—some historic, some modern—that offer a genuine taste of Belfast’s drinking culture. The atmosphere is lively, friendly, and unpretentious, ensuring you feel like a local for the night.

Live Music and Irish Dancing

The inclusion of live Irish music and, on Saturdays, Irish dancers, elevates the experience beyond mere drinks. Music is the heartbeat of Irish pub culture, and watching dancers perform up close is a special treat.

Value and Flexibility

For around £30-£40 (pricing varies), you get a guided tour, four pub stops, two drinks, and entertainment—making it a good value compared to independent pub visits. The tour also allows flexible cancellation, making it a less risky choice.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With most reviews highlighting friendly groups and engaging guides, you can expect a small to medium-sized group that’s perfect for mingling without feeling crowded. The guides’ enthusiasm and local insights make this a personable and memorable night.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: 3.5 hours, making it manageable for most evening plans
• Start Time: Check availability for starting times; often in the evening
• Age Restriction: Not suitable for children under 18
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible
• What to Bring: Just your passport or ID, especially if you want to enjoy the drinks legally
• Clothing: Dress comfortably; Belfast’s streets can be cobbled and uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers who enjoy music, socializing, and authentic local culture will find this tour a perfect fit. It’s especially ideal if you want a lively, guided introduction to Belfast’s pub scene with a friendly crowd and engaging guides. If you’re not a drinker, keep in mind that the main focus is on the atmosphere and music, rather than extensive tasting.

Who Might Not Find It Perfect?

Those seeking a culinary-focused experience or historical walking tour might want to look elsewhere, as this is primarily about the pub culture and entertainment. Families with young children should also consider other options, given the adult-oriented nature of the experience.

The Sum Up

This Belfast pub crawl offers an enjoyable, sociable way to experience the city’s lively nightlife. With knowledgeable guides, a mix of historic and modern pubs, traditional Irish music, and Irish dancers, it captures Belfast’s spirited essence.

Travelers who value authentic local experiences and want to meet fellow travelers will find this tour rewarding. The inclusion of two drinks and the opportunity to enjoy Irish music and dance makes it a memorable evening that’s both fun and culturally enriching.

For those short on time but eager to get a genuine taste of Belfast’s pub scene, this tour strikes a great balance between entertainment, insight, and value. It’s a fun, lively way to start your Belfast adventure—especially if you love music and good company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention meeting new friends and enjoying the social atmosphere, making it perfect for solo travelers looking for a friendly group setting.

How long does each pub stop last?
Each pub is visited for approximately 40 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy drinks, listen to music, and soak in the atmosphere.

Are drinks included in the tour price?
Yes, you receive two drinks—either Irish whiskey or Irish cream—at the start of the tour, enhancing your experience with local spirits.

What is the start and end point of the tour?
The tour begins at the Albert Memorial Clock and finishes back at the same location, simplifying logistics.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all travelers.

What is the best day to take the tour?
Saturday tours include Irish dancers, adding an extra cultural element. Fridays offer the chance to stay on for Belfast’s clubbing scene.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, the tour is not suitable for those under 18 years old.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking along Belfast’s cobbled streets and alleyways.

Will I learn about Belfast’s history during the tour?
The focus is on pub culture, but guides do share light history and interesting stories about Belfast and its pubs along the route.

This lively pub crawl promises an authentic and fun way to see Belfast’s nighttime scene, blending music, local spirit, and good company into one memorable evening. Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, it’s a fantastic way to start or end your Belfast trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: