If you've never heard of Kelly's Cellars the only way you'd find it is by accident. Hidden down behind Tescos and the side of the Castle Court shopping centre, Kelly's is a proper Irish pub. It is dark and dirty (not unhygienic, just dirty) in just the right way. You won't find any fancy cocktails or poncy gastro-pub lunches. You can have stew and like it. Or maybe a toastie, if you are lucky. If you are looking for a cosy spot though just off the beaten track to drink pints and have the craic it is perfect. read more

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As long as they keep the pints coming and at a fair price this will continue and forever be my go to spot in the city. As an American living in Belfast, Kellys Cellar is not only a great setup and with deep historical meaning, the people in there always in good spirits and it shows. Patio out back during the winter with heaters is perfection. See you tomorrow--I mean later today (probably). read more

Fun vibe! A bit crowded and grungy, but to be expected as they fill the pints to the top and people are always bumping into each other. Great vibe for a drink with friends, and they had some nice live music. read more

Old, traditional pub with a decent selection of draft beers (but no cask ales). Nice live music when we were in (just a jam session).

This might be the greatest bar on earth. I spent just under two weeks in Ireland the last two days of which were in Belfast. Prior to finding Kelly's I felt like everyone's favorite Irish rock star/activist regarding pubs in that "I still hadn't found what I'm looking for". Sure they had been fun but they were generally either too touristy, too crowded, too quiet, too rowdy or too family friendly... But I finally found the goldilocks pub I was looking for in Northern Ireland. Kelly's is unapologetically pro-Irish Republicanism in a way that you don't really find in the Republic itself. I suppose the authentic Irish rebel bar does have to be in the Irish city still under the administration of London; otherwise it would lose some of its rebel cred. Filled with a mix of punks, leftists and working class Irish Catholic locals it was a breath of fresh air from the tourist and frat boy filled pubs of Temple Bar and the family filled ones of Dingle. It is one of the only places in Belfast where Gaelic script is everywhere you look; seemingly in a to defiant "feck off" to England. There is not much food available here (just stew I think) but plenty of Irish beer, whiskey, sessions, people and the accompanying "craic". A must visit bar in Belfast if not Ireland or the world. read more

Kelly's Cellars is a lovely, traditional, Irish pub which is quaint, cosy and quirky serving a full range of beers and spirits. You'll find whitewashed walls, roaring fires, traditional Irish music, chatter, laughter, noise and plenty of atmosphere in Kelly's. They also serve food though I've never actually eaten here, I've only visited for drinks. There's outside seating which is nice to lounge in over the summer months. I have always found Kelly's to be very busy any time I've visited and thus sometimes unfortunately haven't managed to get a seat. Definitely worth a visit however to soak up the music, history and great ambiance. read more

Any place that's been in business since 1720 is worth the trip, and Kellys doesn't disappoint. Friendly staff and a clientele that keeps to themselves. They pull a good pint here too. Free wifi. read more

Kelly's Cellars - Pubs Near Me - Belfast, BFS

A traditional Irish pub hidden down a side street in Belfast city centre, its got the old world feel with low ceilings and open fires - it's always busy so if you manage to get a seat you are one of the lucky ones. There is a mix of locals and tourists as well as young and old so no-one should feel out of place here. There is plenty of outdoor seating and bank square had recently been renovated so is much nicer to sit outside on a summers evening. Definitely a pub to put on your bucket list if you want to know what the pubs were like in days gone by. read more

Located in the city centre Kelly cellars is one of the best bars in Belfast. It has a very tradional Irish atmosphere. Drinks are very reasonable and there is indoor and outdoor seating. I went with 3 people and had an amazing time, everyone was very talkative and there is a great vibe, would highly recommend this bar to anyone, we all had a great time read more

Kelly's Cellars - Fun outside - Pubs Near Me - Belfast, BFS

This is s great traditional city centre pub that is a must for anyone visiting Belfast for the first time The interior is everything that you would imagine a traditional Irish pub to be and the selection of local drinks is excellent - You can usually catch a tradition session here too The new outside area is excellent and a real sun trap with four large outdoor TV's for watching sporting events If you want a good pint of Guinness and a bowl of stew, this is the place for you read more

Kelly's Cellars has a very different character from the old school mirrored and panelled pubs I otherwise visited in Belfast - it's subterranean and a little more alternative. The staff were good and the whole atmosphere is friendly, although it's very loud so the old man I was with struggled to hear what was going on (is the old man me? maybe). Worth a visit if you're having dinner in Mourne's next door, or to hear some live music. read more

Not the most welcoming bar I have ever been in and it was a little bit intimidating the first time I was in there if I'm honest. The low ceilings and dark atmosphere, while being cosy, welcoming and familiar to the regulars, I found a little bit daunting and the clientelle and staff did little to really make me feel at home. There is Irish music on most nights which lightens the atmosphere a bit and I hear the food is excellent but this place just was'nt for me but I can see why people like it with its old Irishy charms and non-pretentious attitude. Well priced I guess, but there would be something seriously up if this place was overcharging. read more

Kelly's is a cute kittle bar with great history. Worth a stop and a pint. The staff is very friendly and the fire was a nice touch on a cool, rainy September day. read more

This place is great for outdoor drinks. I'm not a bit fan of the indoors but it's always a good spot to bring tourists for a more traditional Irish pub vibe. The upgraded outdoor area really adds to the place and they have installed TVs to show the Euros. Serves good pints - what more is there to say about a pub. It's dead on. read more

Kelly's Cellars - Pubs Near Me - Belfast, BFS

There's not much to add here that hasn't already been said. However, I would like to attempt to clear up a few things for visitors to Belfast regarding where the "oldest bar" in Belfast is - we wouldn't want a load of visitors returning to their home countries and claiming they'd all been to the oldest bar in Belfast, with some having been to Kelly's Cellars, some to White's Tavern, and others to McHugh's. So here goes... It depends on your definition. McHugh's is Belfast's oldest building, but it's apparently uncertain as to what year it actually became a pub - it's been suggested that this was in the mid-18th century. As far as I recall, the records don't go back far enough to verify that it's the oldest bar in Belfast, but it's the oldest building. White's Tavern has the oldest liquor license in Belfast but, as correctly reported by another Yelper, the business moved premises, presumably some time after Kelly's Cellars opened. - White's had the first license - McHugh's is the oldest building - It's probable that Kelly's is the oldest continuously licensed premises As I said, that's all to the best of my knowledge, and it will depend on you definition of the term "oldest bar". For my money, it's probably Kelly's, but visitors should have a pint in all three, just to make sure their bases are covered. read more

I visited this lovely quaint Irish bar and had a real nice pint of Guinness. I was speaking to the landlady and soaked up the atmosphere. There's plenty of original artefacts dotted around which all added to the ambience. Great spot.Also serves Irish Stew. read more

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Loved this pub in city centre Belfast because of the outdoor seating area, coziness and decor inside, live music and wonderful Guinness. Patrons were buzzed and jovial on a late Sunday afternoon, well into their Sunday Fundays when I went - and the ambiance inside was super fun. A host of musicians gathered on one side of the pub, but it wasn't just all traditional tunes. There was some folk music and singing that varied it up quite a big. Highly recommend going!! read more

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NOTE: The Yelp pinpoint flag is wrong for this location as of May 2016. Definitely worth locating this old (debatably oldest) Irish pub in the alleys behind a Tesco supermarket. We found it by entering the side alley next to Hercules Bar off Castle Street towards St Mary's Church (very nice old church). Kelly's is very welcoming and didn't feel too crowded like some other pubs in the downtown area. The locals were super friendly and liked to tell you stories about the town and this old pub. The outdoor seating is popular in good weather and the indoors is nice and shows the uniqueness of this old building. The Irish stew was fantastic, but they sellout normally quite early - by 6pm the time I visited. I would come here again next time I'm in Belfast. Thank you to the bloke who chatted us up and encouraged us to stay - he said his mother was born just up the street and went to the church up the alley. read more

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I was here for a pint recently meeting a friend after work. We were after a quick pint before going out. It was a sunny day so we sat outside. The crowd were a bit rough to be honest. I'm not one to judge but it did look like Kelly's has seen it's fair share of bar brawls. Inside is all low ceilings and very dark and dinghy. The bar woman had a no fuss attitude about her and they served Kopparberg so I was happy. We sat outside at one of the picnic tables. There were groups of men on their 40's downing pints of Guinness and playing old Irish tunes on a guitar. There were also some women who had really bad haircuts. I'm talking 80's mullets. I couldn't take my eyes off them. Luckily I didn't get beaten up. I can see how the place does have a certain amount of quaint Irish charm and it does remind me of some of those type of bars in Temple Bar down in Dublin, so maybe it was just the crowd on that particular day I was there. Oh and the ladies toilet was minging! read more

This is one pf belfasts oldest pups,the decor is warm and inviting, with a real fire place,it also has some great traditional irish musicians, a great place for a quite pint or a nite out,well worth a vist read more

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We came here after a few pints in town because we wanted to somewhere which had a bit of traditional music and some Guinness. To find a place like Kelly's Cellars which seems like it has been lifted straight out of Temple Bar in Dublin is a real treat, because you don't have to pay those prices. We were greeted by someone being thrown out. That always gives me a good feeling because sometimes staff can be accused of not caring about their patrons and not throwing them out when everyone else in the bar knows they should be. We sat outside with the smokers (which was lovely) and drank our pints (which were lovely) and had the craic (which again was lovely). We ended up staying longer than we had planned which I suppose is a good thing. Though there was a creepy old man who watched everyone as they walked past and paid particular attention to any person that was wearing a short skirt. That's a bit unnerving in my book and I suppose you can't be arrested for looking but if he did it to the wrong person then it could end up in a bit of an argument. Not to take away from the place, it is a great night out and the staff really make it an enjoyable place to be. read more

Strange one this. The bar itself has that low-ceilinged 'oirish' charm to it and there's definitely a no-nonsense approach to the service and drinking. However what lets the place down is that anytime I've been there the atmosphere always seems slightly tense and a bit 'down'. I know the cliché is for Irish bars to have a bit of a jolly, banter-led vibe to them but this is sadly lacking in Kelly's. Having said that, if you're in a larger group of people you can always make your own fun and the drinks are solid and well priced. I must admit I've never spent much drinking time in here, normally moving on next door for food or to another bar. Way back in the mists of time I did attend a gig in the upstairs where some brave soul was attempting to start a new 'indie club'. From what I recall the gig was a disaster and the club didn't catch on at all. Pros: Good drinks. Cons: Weird vibe. read more

Kelly's Cellars - Pubs Near Me - Belfast, BFS

Toastie + boozy coffee for a fiver? Oh yes. Grand central Belfast pub. Black inside, gold writing, pints of Guinness and Smithwick's and all. A good dirty boozer with tables outside for sitting in the rain. And they'll do toasties + a boozy coffee for a fiver. These aren't the best toasties, and only decent coffee, but it still goes down a treat, and the Paddy helps you forget the sandwich's lack of flavour. read more

A great pub with a good crowd of fun Irish folk! We stumbled upon this after dinner next door. Who knew Sunday evening in Belfast could be such a thrill. read more

My favorite pub in Belfast - maybe the oldest, and looks it. Its age is part of its charm, and you'll feel like you've stepped into history (pitchcapping!?!). Guinness and Smithwicks on tap. Nice "beer garden" in the square outside. Lots of locals, and the craic rolls on. Music most nights. Didn't try the food, but Mourne Seafood next door is excellent. read more

Went here due to a recommendation! Don't go their, it's too busy packed with long cues. the bar was half fulled with dirty glasses and there was glass on the bar which i cut my finger on! I made them aware. They wasn't bothered. i told them it shouldn't have happened they just shrugged it off as though it was nothing, they didn't even say sorry or offer to refund my drink! Appalling customer service. read more

One of the best bars in Belfast ! Such a good time , good music good people ! Great staff totally recommend this pub for anyone in the Belfast area ! read more

I loved Kelly's Cellars! Exactly the type of evening I needed for this short weekend in Belfast. And Smithwicks on tap??? It made my day (my evening, my weekend and the following Monday..) Smithwicks is definitely one thing that is missing in my life in France! A beautiful pub, friendly staff, a very Irish atmosphere, good live music on a Saturday night, this particular smell you can't find anywhere else in the world. I'll be back. read more

If you're looking for a traditional Irish pub in Belfast, then you need look no further than Kelly's Cellars! Situated just off Castle Street in the centre of town, 'Kellys' offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has customers at ease as soon they enter!! With live music on every night of the week(ranging from traditional Irish to rhythm and blues) Kellys is the personification of the Irish term 'craic agus ceol' which literally translates as 'fun and music'. No matter where you're from, or no matter what time of the day you visit, Kellys has something for everyone. If you're unfamiliar with the pub then your attention will automatically be captured by almost everything in the decor, from the low ceilings in different parts of the bar(mind your head!), to the pictures and paintings on the wall, or even the turf fire by the door, the interior is steeped with tradition and history that will provide more than enough ammunition for an active mind! Drinks and snacks are reasonably priced(£3 for the best pint of Guinness in town) and if you're hungry they offer a beautiful homemade Irish stew that will settle almost any stomach! Kellys Cellars is well worth the visit and you may find that the longer you stay the harder you find it to leave! read more

Great local bar with rough and ready Belfast craic. Locals love it as much as the tourists.

Can't beat Kelly cellars for a pint of guiness, traditional Irish music and the warm fire. Watch out for the low archway if you are tall..The improvements to the outside area is great with the new seating, added tvs and umbrellas incase it rains. I always recommend this place for tourists even if they just call in for a look. read more

Small and cosy and with God awful toilets.... But a bar im always content to be in....or outside of. Never a dull moment, great live music, eclectic mix of folks. read more

I love this little place whenever it's not that busy!!! It's a small bar so it can get very over crowded very quickly (which I don't like) but if it's quiet I could sit all night because of its good atmosphere . Can be very cold aswel so make sure to wrap up!! read more

Great bar! Plenty of atmosphere, not to pricey, pop up folk music, wonderful, definitely recommend!

I cannot avoid reviewing this fine establishment, if were talking about atmosphere and more importantly character then this place has it in spades. I first landed down here a year or so ago with a group of student journos and was pleasantly surprised. It's one of the oldest bars in the city and still has some of it's original walls remaining. I'd heard from one of the chefs in neighbouring Mourne Seafood bar that when they dug up the foundations they found lots of discarded oyster shells from the punters way back. Don't expect anything other than good solid pintage. I don't like getting needlessly anal about the quality of Guinness in a bar (the majority of which is down to proper and frequent keg management and clean lines) but the pints are 'bang on'. They also serve Irish stew and soup if you're feeling peckish during your stay. The walls have an interesting range of plaques and other assorted pieces of historical interest. Tourists also have a habit of flocking to this bar, it must be included in some of the 'guides to Belfast' but it's something I'm sure they love as far as the quaintness goes. read more

Great wee spot for a night out or a quick pint after work now with large summer area outside on the square

Trad Irish pub, great pints and hot toddies. Usual to find musicians playing away and it's warm cosy and old school inside. It gets busy and has a wonderful outdoor area. very central and welcoming. read more

This pub had wonderful music, friendly staff and the soup was divine on a cold November day. I liked the number of locals being more than tourists, felt real and fine to me. Everyone was nice to us and the atmosphere was cozy and charming. read more

This was our favourite pub in Belfast. Great atmosphere and cool, slightly hidden location. I'm not sure what drove one of the previous reviewers to suggest that it was unfriendly. We had no problem striking up conversation with regulars. Regular beer selection for Belfast, but fantastic vibe more than makes up for that. read more

Great traditional Irish atmosphere and music. Best bar in NI for a fun Saturday night.