Pat’s Bar

You know what I like about Pat’s Bar? They do that that thing where they collect foreign currency from tourists and stick it up on the wall behind the bar. It’s such a small thing, but it adds so much to the character of a place.
Not that Pat’s Bar needs any extra character. It’s a hokey wee place, slightly dilapidated, with low ceilings and a fireplace.
It’s also off the beaten track, so you won’t get any hipsters, or students or (worst of all) student hipsters! It’s just tucked away, un-​obnoxiously in the docks area of the city.
Diarmuid P called it right when he said to head down on St Patrick’s Day. You’ll be hanging from the rafters, but you won’t mind because the craic’ll be 90! And if you don’t know what that means, you should definitely head there and ask someone!

A great bar to check out on St Patrick’s day as it always has a great atmosphere and there is usually some great traditional Irish music going on. There is a good crowd, but not too many students or tourists so you get a really good sense and idea of what Belfast is about.
Not the best looked after bar and it certainly won’t be for those who like their bars trendy and up to the minute but it has a great vibe, plenty of character and won’t leave your wallet empty if you end up having more than just a quiet pint.
Really good and well worth checking out if you fancy a bit of Belfast atmosphere, some traditional music and a decent pint of Guiness.

My Mum and Dad’s old haunt when they were spring chickens apparently. Anytime I was dragged along here to have a glass of coke on a Sunday afternoon I always thought it was shabby and fusty and wondered why they liked coming here. Now that I’m older, and know what makes a good pub — I can totally understand the attraction of Pat’s bar. It’s still fusty, it’s still shabby, but it has SO much character and life about it — it’s the last hint at what life in Belfast’s Sailortown was like all those years ago, and I’m so glad that it is still there. I’ve been to some fantastic traditional music sessions here too — well worth a visit if you like that music and a hearty, welcoming Belfast atmosphere.