Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is the kind of place you stumble into and end up staying longer than planned.
The old-fashioned cobbled streets, as seen below, the hidden bars, the old buildings mixed with bold new ideas, it’s all here.
Just a short walk from Belfast City Hall, this pocket of the city is built around St Anne’s Cathedral, and over time it’s grown into Belfast’s unofficial cultural and nightlife district.
A Walk Through History
Once the heart of Belfast’s linen and trade industries, the Cathedral Quarter is now a mix of the old and new. You’ll find beautiful 19th-century buildings sitting beside buzzing bars, galleries, and performance spaces.
The area is full of stories, from industrial boom to cultural revival. Its cobbled streets and historic facades reflect Belfast’s past while embracing an exciting, creative future.
St Anne’s Cathedral
The centrepiece of the Quarter is St Anne’s Cathedral. Built from 1899 onward, it’s a masterpiece of Romanesque design, known for its soaring stonework, colourful stained glass, and the Spire of Hope. A stainless steel spire rising 40 metres above the city.
Belfast’s Cultural Canvas
The Cathedral Quarter is a living gallery, where art spills onto every wall. From large-scale murals to subtle stencils, the streets tell Belfast’s modern story.
Sculptures like the "Son of Protagoras" and installations across Commercial Court and Hill Street make this area a photographer’s dream.
Events like the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and the Festival of Fools bring music, circus, and theatre to the streets every year, celebrating local talent and international acts alike.
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Just off St Anne’s Square you’ll find The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), a world-class venue for theatre, exhibitions, and creative workshops.
Also nearby, the Black Box hosts everything from live gigs and comedy to spoken word and experimental nights.
Don’t miss hidden gems like the Oh Yeah Music Centre, which celebrates Northern Ireland’s musical roots, or the Golden Thread Gallery, showcasing bold contemporary work from emerging and established artists.
Top Pubs & Nightlife
The Quarter is home to some of the most iconic pubs in Belfast. Grab a pint at the Duke of York, famous for its memorabilia-lined walls and whiskey collection. Enjoy traditional live music under the exposed beams of The Dirty Onion, or step into history at McHugh’s, dating back to 1711.
Where to Eat
From artisan coffee to Michelin-starred dining, the Cathedral Quarter has it all. Dine at The Muddlers Club for locally inspired modern cuisine, relax at Coppi for rustic Italian flavours, or enjoy breakfast and brews at Established Coffee.
How could I forget? The Merchant Hotel, a stunning bank from the 1800s restored and fit for a king as seen above.
Why Visit the Cathedral Quarter?
It’s more than just a neighbourhood, the Cathedral Quarter is where Belfast lets its hair down. From street art and live music to historic pubs and some of the best beer gardens Belfast has to offer, there’s always something happening.
Whether you’re here for one night or a few, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to wander, linger, and come back to.
Discover Cathedral Quarter Belfast
Step off the bus and straight into Belfast’s creative core, the Cathedral Quarter. From buzzing beer gardens and colourful street art to tucked-away pubs and live music spilling into the lanes, this is where the city comes alive. Disembark at Stop 19 on the Belfast Hop on Hop off Tour.
