Kelly's Cellars, one of Belfast's oldest pubs, has been serving patrons since 1720. It is known for its traditional music, hearty Irish food, and welcoming environment. The pub is a popular spot for both locals and tourists and is conveniently located in the city center. It is considered a great place to experience a taste of Irish culture, and is often busy with a lively atmosphere. The pub has friendly staff and is known for serving good beer.
What each source says
- Google 4.7 5,555
- Tripadvisor 4.5 531
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Authentic Irish Atmosphere Kelly's Cellars provides a genuine Irish pub experience with its historic setting dating back to 1720, offering a taste of Irish warmth and culture.
- Central Location Situated in Belfast's city center, Kelly's Cellars is easily accessible and makes a convenient stop while exploring the city.
- Excellent Guinness Kelly's Cellars is known for serving a particularly good pint of Guinness, often cited as the best in Belfast, making it a must-try for beer enthusiasts.
- Friendly and Welcoming Staff Many visitors have noted the friendly and helpful staff, contributing positively to the overall welcoming environment of the pub.
- Lively Traditional Music The pub frequently features live traditional Irish music, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere and offering an immersive cultural experience.
Criticised
- Can Get Very Crowded Due to its popularity, the pub can get extremely busy, especially during peak hours, potentially leading to a crowded and uncomfortable experience.
- Inconsistent Music Quality While live music is a draw for many, some reviewers have noted instances of non-traditional music or disruptive patrons affecting the atmosphere.
- Limited Food Options The food menu is limited, primarily featuring Irish stew, which may not appeal to all visitors or satisfy those seeking a wider variety of dishes.
- Potential for Unfriendly Patrons A small number of reviews mention encounters with unfriendly or erratic individuals, which may detract from the overall pub experience.
- Toilet Facilities Some reviews mention that the toilet facilities are small, basic and in need of upgrading.
The longer read
Kelly's Cellars is a historic Belfast pub dating back to 1720, offering an authentic Irish experience. Many reviewers describe a special atmosphere steeped in history, enhanced by original features like low ceilings and an open fire. The pub is known for its lively environment, often packed with both locals and tourists, creating a buzzing atmosphere. Live traditional Irish music is a frequent highlight, with reviewers praising the quality of the musicians and the overall ambiance it creates, with some reviewers describing impromptu jam sessions. The pub can be crowded, especially on weekends and evenings, so arriving early is recommended. Many reviewers appreciate the friendly and welcoming staff, who contribute to the pub's charm. Some reviewers note the staff's willingness to engage with customers and provide information about the pub's history. Kelly's Cellars is particularly renowned for its Guinness, described by many as the best in Belfast. Reviewers consistently praise the creamy texture and flavor of the Guinness, making it a must-try for visitors. While the drinks are consistently praised, food options are more limited. The Irish stew is a popular and frequently recommended dish, with many considering it a must-try. However, the stew is sometimes the only food available, and it can sell out relatively early in the day. Some reviewers noted that there is an upstairs restaurant, but others indicate that food service is limited to the stew. Some reviewers noted that customers are allowed to bring in food from nearby establishments. Kelly's Cellars has both indoor and outdoor seating, including a covered beer garden. The outdoor area allows patrons to enjoy their drinks while being sheltered from the elements. The pub's central location makes it easily accessible. While the majority of reviews are positive, a few mention drawbacks. Some reviewers mention that the toilets could use an upgrade. A few reviewers mention negative experiences with specific staff members or taxi services recommended by staff, but these appear to be isolated incidents. Some reviewers noted that the pub can be less welcoming to English visitors due to its Republican associations.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 28 9024 6058
- Website
- kellyscellars.co.uk
| Mon | 11:30 - 0:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Wed | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Thu | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Fri | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 11:30 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 0:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 against a median of 4.5 across the 7 venues we hold for City Centre, where the most-reviewed is Belfast City Hall.
Still deciding?
- What are the regular opening hours and peak times at Kelly's Cellars in Belfast?
- Does Kelly's Cellars feature live traditional Irish music and when are performances scheduled?
- Why is Kelly's Cellars considered historically important and what stories define its legacy since 1720?
- What Irish dishes and signature beers are most recommended for first‑time visitors to Kelly's Cellars?
- Is Kelly's Cellars accessible for wheelchair users and does it offer any facilities for visitors with mobility needs?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.