Cathedral Quarter, Belfast

What you will find

Streets such as Hill Street, Donegall Street and Waring Street, and narrow alleys like Commercial Court, are lined with bars, beer gardens, restaurants and colourful murals. St Anne's Cathedral anchors the area, while the MAC stages theatre, music, dance and art. Smaller venues include the Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast Exposed, Craft NI and the Oh Yeah Music Centre, and the Northern Ireland War Memorial museum covers the region's role in the Second World War.

Pubs and evenings

This is where Belfast comes for a night out. The Duke of York, tucked down cobbled Commercial Court, is known for live music, and the Dirty Onion occupies what is described as the city's oldest building. Afternoon tea at the Merchant Hotel, under its domed ceiling, is a more sedate option. Restaurants cluster around St Anne's Square.

Festivals and tours

The quarter hosts the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, the Festival of Fools street-performance festival and Culture Night, and venues here take part in the Belfast Film Festival and the Belfast International Arts Festival. Walking tours start in the area, and the Discover Ulster Scots Centre offers free genealogy help. Come in daylight for the street art and architecture, then stay on for music.

Highlights

• Cobbled lanes and former warehouses around St Anne's Cathedral
• Street art throughout the quarter
• The MAC arts centre and several galleries
• Traditional pubs with live music
• Home to the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and Festival of Fools

Good to know

• It is a neighbourhood rather than a single venue; most streets are free to wander
• Busiest on weekend evenings and during festivals
• The Discover Ulster Scots Centre offers free genealogy research

Frequently asked questions