Belfast Empire

Top choice in Belfast


A converted late-Victorian church (reputed to be haunted) with three floors of entertainment, the Empire is a legendary live-music venue. Look out for stand-up comedy and quiz nights too.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Belfast attractions

1. Queen's University

0.27 MILES

Northern Ireland's most prestigious university was founded by Queen Victoria in 1845. In 1908 the Queen's College became the Queen's University of Belfast…

2. Palm House

0.33 MILES

The centrepiece of Belfast's Botanic Gardens is Charles Lanyon’s beautiful Palm House, built in 1839 and completed in 1852, with its birdcage dome, a…

3. Lord Kelvin Statue

0.38 MILES

Just inside the Stranmillis Rd gate of Belfast's Botanic Gardens is a statue of Belfast-born William Thomson – Lord Kelvin – who helped lay the foundation…

4. Tropical Ravine

0.38 MILES

In the Botanic Gardens is the unique Tropical Ravine, a huge red-brick greenhouse built in 1889. It was designed by the gardens' curator Charles McKimm to…

5. Ulster Museum

0.42 MILES

You could spend hours browsing this state-of-the-art museum, but if you're pressed for time don't miss the Armada Room, with artefacts retrieved from the…

6. Botanic Gardens

0.42 MILES

The showpiece of Belfast's green oasis is Charles Lanyon's beautiful Palm House, built in 1839 and completed in 1852, with its birdcage dome, a…

7. Crown Liquor Saloon

0.46 MILES

There are not many historical monuments that you can enjoy while savouring a pint of Guinness, but the National Trust's Crown Liquor Saloon is one of them…

8. St Malachy's Church

0.48 MILES

Catholic St Malachy's was built between 1841 and 1844 by Thomas Jackson and extensively renovated in the past decade. Its exterior resembles a Tudor…