If you want all the hens together, lots of laughs and drinks flowing, a guided pub crawl in Belfast is always a great idea! It takes you to the heart of a city’s nightlife without the hassle of planning it all yourself. We decided to test out the Belfast Bar Crawl on our weekend away and it was one of the best choices we made. Here’s exactly what we thought.
Why We Chose the Belfast Pub Crawl
We’d heard Belfast was brilliant for nightlife but with a hen party, you don’t always want to be wandering around trying to decide which pub is worth a stop. You can end up splitting up or wasting time in the wrong spot that doesn’t match your vibe. The Belfast pub crawl solved that straight away. It was good value for money, especially as it included five pubs, a friendly guide, some cheeky free shots and lots of lovely live music. It felt like the pressure was off us and onto someone else, which is exactly what you want when you’re in charge of keeping a group of hens entertained.
The crawl runs on Fridays and Saturdays and meets at the Albert Clock at 7.30pm. It’s a big, clear meeting point and right in the city centre so you can’t miss it. Once we got there, our guide gathered us together with other groups and individuals, gave a quick run-through of the night and then led us off on the first short walk. Already it felt easy and organised, but in a casual way that doesn’t make you feel bossed around or rushed.
Our Friendly Guide
Our guide really made the night. He was warm and bubbly, and she somehow remembered all of our faces after a fairly quick introduction. He kept the whole group together without ever making it feel strict. At every stop, he’d check that everyone was there, round us up before moving on and make sure no one had wandered off to the loo and been left behind. It sounds like a small thing, but it gave us peace of mind so we could just focus on having fun.
He also gave us some history behind the pubs we were in. At Kelly’s Cellars, he talked about how it had been around since the 1700s and had a role in the United Irishmen rebellion. At The Jailhouse, he explained how it used to be an old jail and had been carefully restored. Even when we were in the Cathedral Quarter, he gave us the background of Umbrella Street and why it’s become one of Belfast’s most iconic photo spots. These snippets were never long or boring, just enough to make us feel like we were discovering a bit of Belfast rather than just on a bender.
Kelly’s Cellars
We stopped off at Kelly’s Cellars, which had so much character with its low ceiling and creaky wooden benches. It’s one of the oldest pubs in Belfast and the kind of place where you can imagine locals having been drinking for centuries. The atmosphere was lively but relaxed with traditional Irish music in the background and plenty of craic going on at the bar. We grabbed a round of drinks, got our first free shots of the night and settled into that buzz that comes when everyone realises the evening has officially started.
The Jailhouse
Later on, we made our way to The Jailhouse, which has to be one of the prettiest bars in Belfast. The exposed brickwork, lights and ironwork make it feel so unique and it’s packed with little corners that are perfect for catching up with the girls. The cocktails here were amazing and definitely worth the stop. It’s also one of the most photogenic venues we visited, so we took full advantage and got plenty of snaps.
Umbrella Street and the Cathedral Quarter
No hen party in Belfast would be complete without a stop at Umbrella Street. The colourful canopy of umbrellas overhead in Commercial Court is iconic, and when you’re with a group of hens it’s basically essential to line up for group photos. The pubs tucked along those cobbled streets were buzzing with live music and packed with a mix of locals and visitors. The energy was contagious, and we found ourselves singing along with a live band in one of the bars.
The Cathedral Quarter itself is stunning at night, with lights strung overhead and the narrow alleys alive with chatter. Our guide pointed out some of the street art and gave us quick tips on where to head if we wanted to keep going after the crawl officially ended. It felt like being introduced to a secret side of Belfast nightlife that we might have missed otherwise.
Other Stops Along the Way
In between, we popped into a couple of other pubs that rounded out the crawl perfectly. One had live Irish music and dancing that had us clapping and stamping our feet before we’d even finished our first drink. Another was more modern and upbeat, with dancing and a DJ warming up the crowd for later. The mix kept things interesting and made sure the night never dragged. Each place had its own vibe and our guide timed the stops so we never felt rushed but never got bored either.
Free Shots
One of the cheeky extras of the Belfast pub crawl is the free shots at certain pubs. When you buy your first drink, you can choose a free shot, whether it’s Irish cream, whisky or apple sours. It adds to the fun and gives the night a celebratory feel. What could be better for a hen night?. We started making toasts with every free shot and it definitely got us all in the party mood.
Why Pub Crawls are Great for Hen Parties
What made the Belfast Bar Crawl so perfect for our group was the way it kept us together without feeling forced. Everyone got to enjoy themselves without worrying about logistics. There was enough variety to suit everyone, from the Guinness lovers to the cocktail fans, from those who wanted music and dancing to those who preferred a cosy corner and a gossip.
It also felt safe. The walks between pubs were short and well-lit, the guide always kept track of us and the venues were welcoming and lively. When you’re organising a hen party that mix of fun and safety is important and the pub crawl delivered both.
Tips for Hens Planning the Pub Crawl
If you’re thinking of booking, here are a few things we learned:
- Wear shoes you can walk in. The streets are cobbled and while the walks aren’t long, stilettos aren’t your friend.
- Eat before you go. The crawl is about drinks and atmosphere, not food.
- Bring a small bag. You don’t want to be juggling a big bag while dancing or squeezing into a packed bar.
- Book early. The crawl can fill up, especially on Saturdays, so secure your spot in advance.
- Don’t be shy. The fun is in chatting to the other groups on the crawl. We met some lovely people and it only added to the night.
Our Review of Pub Crawl Belfast
By the time we wrapped up at the final stop, we were buzzing. Some of us stayed on for more dancing, others headed back to the hotel, but everyone agreed it had been one of the best nights of the trip. The crawl gave us a proper feel for the city at night, showed us pubs that we might not have found on our own.This pub crawl in Belfast is fun, affordable, easy and full of surprises. For a hen party, it ticks every box. It felt lively, cheeky, a bit educational and very memorable. So, what are you waiting for? Get the girls together, throw on your party shoes and let the crawl do the rest.
