Northern Ireland venues

Northern Ireland might be a relatively small country, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to live music.

Many of its small music venues certainly live up to their descriptions, some even being labelled cramped – though we prefer ‘cosy’. However, as Culture Northern Ireland aptly put it, these venues stand tall as creative hubs in their communities.

Those at the heart of Northern Ireland’s thriving live music scene work tirelessly to ensure its aspiring artists are given a platform on which to launch themselves. For instance, The Sunflower Bar in Belfast hosts a live music event every day of the week.

Not only do these venues play a crucial role in the development of new music, but they have also moulded the stars of yesteryear.

Frank Turner performed at Black Box in Belfast while still relatively unknown, as did Two Door Cinema Club a year before releasing their debut album.

These examples alone highlight how invaluable Northern Ireland’s small venues are in raising the profiles of up-and-coming musicians.

To quote the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast, a small live music venue which was founded by a contingent which included Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol: “Music is a valuable agent in Northern Ireland, a catalyst that changes lives for the better.”

Discover Northern Ireland’s small music venues through our interactive map above.