The Cathedral Quarter in Belfast was once the beating heart of the city’s commercial and logistics industry, which was fuelled by Belfast’s roaring linen trade.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Belfast Cathedral Quarter is now the city’s creative and cultural hub, boasting beautiful buildings, exquisite restaurants, and brilliant bars.
In this guide, you’ll find a map of the area along with advice on things to do and where to eat, sleep and sip. Enjoy!
Some quick need-to-knows about the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast
Take 20 or so seconds to review my Cathedral Quarter map above, as it will give you a quick sense of the location and its relation to key landmarks like City Hall.
1. Location
The Belfast Cathedral Quarter is centred around St Anne’s Cathedral in the middle of the city. It’s a:
- 10-minute walk from Belfast City Hall
- 15-minute walk from Crumlin Road Gaol
- 25-minute walk from the Belfast Peace Wall, Titanic Belfast and the SS Nomadic.
2. A quick history
The Cathedral Quarter in Belfast was the pulse of the city’s linen and shipbuilding industries. It was here, during the 18th and 19th centuries, that warehouses lined the streets, merchants traded goods, and the economic foundations of modern Belfast were laid.
3. A great base for Belfast
In our guide on where to stay in Belfast, you may have seen us rave about the Cathedral Quarter. In my opinion, it makes a great base to explore the city, as it’s close to all the main attractions, and boasts plenty of great pubs and restaurants.
The history of the Belfast Cathedral Quarter
Although many people associate Belfast with the Titanic, few fully appreciate how significant the city’s shipbuilding industry was.
Many are also unaware of the prosperity that Belfast’s now-famous linen industry brought, helping to transform what was once a town into the Belfast City we now know.
The ‘Linen Capital of the World’
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the linen industry thrived in Northern Ireland’s capital.
Belfast was one of the world’s foremost producers of linen, and this success led to the transformation of Belfast from a town to a city.
By the end of the 19th century, Belfast was known as the linen capital of the world. Warehouses and traders were plentiful in what we now call the Cathedral Quarter.
Shipbuilding Success
Belfast was one of Ireland’s key ports during the 18th century, and the proximity of the Cathedral Quarter to the River Lagan made it a strategic location for trade.
In 1861, Harland and Wolff was formed. The shipyard is famous for building the Titanic, but it was far from a one-hit wonder.
Harland and Wolff constructed numerous ships that contributed to Belfast’s global reputation as a leading shipbuilding center.
Recent History
The Belfast Cathedral Quarter became dilapidated during the last century. However, in recent years, it has been rejuvenated and has become the city’s cultural quarter.
Home to many of Belfast’s oldest buildings, it’s here that you’ll find the colourful Commercial Court, the MAC, plenty of street art and several art galleries and cultural-based organisations.
Things to do in the Belfast Cathedral Quarter
One of the big attractions of this corner of the city is that it’s home to plenty to see and do, with a bit of something to tickle most fancies.
Below, you’ll find our favourite things to do in the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast, from historical buildings to colourful street art.
1. St. Anne’s Cathedral
St Anne’s Cathedral, AKA ‘Belfast Cathedral’, is one of the city’s stand-out architectural marvels.
Located on Donegall St., this Church of Ireland cathedral had its foundation stone laid on September 6th, 1899.
Designed by Sir Thomas Drew, it was built around an older church dating back to 1776 and it took over 80 years to complete, with construction occurring in stages.
It boasts a distinct Romanesque Revival architecture, defined by its impressive towers and rounded arches.
While it’s impressive from the outside, you’ll only truly appreciate its brilliance on one of the guided tours.
2. The Merchant
While there are many hotels in Belfast, none can compare to the grandeur of the 5-star Merchant Hotel on Skipper St.
Built during the 19th century and used as the Ulster Bank headquarters, The Merchant was designed by James Hamilton and completed in 1860.
The exterior, which boasts an outstanding Italianate style, only barely prepares you for the interior, which makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The pièce de résistance is the Great Room Restaurant. Here you’ll find a finely preserved Victorian interior that feels more like a lavish time capsule than a restaurant.
3. Street art galore
Although there’s plenty of street art in Belfast (not to be confused with the political murals in Belfast), you’ll find some of the best of it in the Cathedral Quarter.
The works range from small, like the ‘Son of Protagoras,’ to large, like the ‘Duel of Belfast.’
Here’s where you can find the main street art:
- The Duel of Belfast (left): Located here
- The Son of Protagoras (top right): Located here
- Deep Love: Located here
- Blurry Eyed: Located here
4. Commercial Court
If you’ve seen photos of the Belfast Cathedral Quarter online, the chances are they showed the Commercial Court.
Yes, this is where the colourful neon umbrellas hang above the ancient cobbled streets.
It’s in Commercial Court that you’ll find the Duke of York – arguably one of the best bars in the Cathedral Quarter.
On a fine day, you can grab a seat on one of the benches that line the walls outside and watch the world go by. When it’s cold, the interior of the Duke of Yoke is nice and cosy.
5. The Game of Thrones Doors
If you’re a GoT fan, you’ll likely know that there were several Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland.
But did you know about the 10 intricately carved doors, each showcasing a scene from the television series?
While the doors are now scattered around Northern Ireland, you can find one in the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast.
At the Dark Horse Restaurant tucked down the same street as the Duke of York pub, you’ll find Belfast’s Game of Thrones door.
Depicting an overview of where everything stands at the end of season six, it’s meant to represent all the filming that took place in the city.
6. The MAC
The MAC opened in the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast in 2012, having been designed by Hackett Hall McKnight.
One of the area’s main creative hubs, it’s here that you’ll find performances running throughout the year.
The MAC also boasts art exhibitions, tours and talks along with a busy cafe.
Bars in the Cathedral Quarter
If you’ve read our guide to the best pubs in Belfast (trad pubs, that is!), you’ll know that there’s stiff competition for the top spot.
However, the bars in the Cathedral Quarter pack a punch and there are several that I’ve found myself returning to over and over again.
1. McHugh’s
Housed in one of the oldest buildings in the city, McHugh’s is a fine spot to whittle away an evening.
The building, which dates back to 1711, feels every bit its age, with exposed brick walls, ancient wooden beams and a wonderful, old-world feel to it.
Famous for its traditional music sessions, McHugh’s also pours a great pint of Guinness.
On fine days, there’s a large outdoor seating area out front. Also, few bars in the Cathedral Quarter due pub grub as good as McHugh’s.
2. Duke of York
The Duke of York is the most famous of the many pubs in the Cathedral Quarter.
Tucked down a cobbled alleyway, the first thing to greet you will be the hum of chatter from those sitting on the benches outside and standing around.
Then you’ll see the hanging baskets, traditional pub signage, and colorful umbrellas. However, it’s what’s inside that counts here.
The Duke’s interior is filled with mirrors, pictures, posters, and pub signs, creating a unique and memorable experience. As you sip, you’ll find yourself craning in every direction to take it all in.
3. The Dirty Onion
Situated inside a former warehouse that traded in everything from whiskey to tea, the Dirty Onion sits inside Belfast’s oldest building, dating back to 1680.
This lively pub features a massive beer garden and a cozy interior, complete with a roaring peat fire during the chillier months.
I tend to recommend the Dirty Onion to most people looking for pubs with live music in Belfast, as they hold sessions 7 nights a week.
4. The Spaniard
Located just across from the Merchant Hotel, The Spaniard is one of the more unique bars in the Cathedral Quarter.
Although it opened relatively recently in 2006, the interior of this self-proclaimed rum bar looks and feels much older.
Known for serving up tasty cocktails, The Spaniard also excels in live music, boasting live tunes on the weekends.
Restaurants in the Cathedral Quarter
Now that we have the pubs out of the way, it’s time to have a nosey at what restaurants in the Cathedral Quarter are worth exploring.
Below, you’ll find some of our favourites, like Coppi, the Muddlers Club and what’s arguably one of the fanciest restaurants in Belfast.
1. Coppi
Inspired by the Cicchetti bars of Venice, Coppi on St. Anne’s Square is run by husband-and-wife duo Andrea and Chef Tony O’Neill.
The menu is packed with contemporary Italian-inspired dishes, featuring starters like feta fritters with truffle aioli and duck arancini (crispy duck and rice balls).
During my last visit, I opted for the slow-braised beef shin lasagne, which was sensational. Additionally, they offer a variety of pizzas.
2. The Muddlers Club
The Muddlers Club is one of a handful of Michelin-star restaurants in Belfast, and it was named after a secret society that met there over 200 years ago.
This swanky spot offers fine dining in a dark yet warm post-industrial-style room.
Head chef Gareth McCaughey combines the very best of homegrown produce with exceptional culinary skill to create dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
3. The Great Room
The most unique of the many restaurants in the Cathedral Quarter is the Marchant’s Great Room Restaurant.
Here, you’ll find a meticulously preserved Victorian interior that feels more like a lavish time capsule than a restaurant.
You can enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or a popular tasting menu here while savouring the exquisite interior and its opulence.
FAQs about visiting the Cathedral Quarter
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from what is the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast famous for to where’s best for a bite to eat.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
What is there to do in the Cathedral Quarter?
The main things to do in the Cathedral Quarter are to see St. Anne’s, marvel at the Merchant, see the street art, ramble through Commercial Court and visit the MAC.
What are the best bars in the Cathedral Quarter?
In my opinion, the best bars in the Cathedral Quarter McHugh’s (for live music), The Duke of York (for its sheer uniqueness), The Dirty Onion (for a lively atmosphere) and The Spaniard (for cocktails).
What are the best restaurants in the Cathedral Quarter?
The best restaurants in the Cathedral Quarter are The Great Room (magnificent interior), The Muddlers Club (Michelin-star), and Coppi (Italian fare).
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Mr Jamie mulholland
Monday 10th of January 2022
Hi.. even more excited to get over to Belfast!! Great reviews were coming over from Liverpool on 21st jan for my wife’s birthday.”