10 Best Places To Go Out In Northern Ireland

Making a trip north of the border any time soon? You should.

The land of the six counties has a plethora of nightlife hotspots that are definitely worth a bit of a road trip.

Whether it's a mad club night you want or just a few cocktails with friends, here are ten places we'd recommend...

1) Belfast

The Big Smoke. Belfast is rapidly growing as a hub of cool bars and clubs. It has a cracking pub scene including the likes of Kelly's Cellars, the John Hewitt and the Harp Bar, as well as loads of new bars-come-clubs such as Aether and Echo and Filthy McNasty's.

14435030 744178995720386 445587616859203080 O — Credit: Aether & Echo FB

2) Derry

The Maiden City almost beats Belfast in the nightlife stakes, and many of those from the city would argue that it is indeed better. You can see why this place hosted the All-Ireland Fleadh a few years ago, with loads of traditional pubs showcasing good music including the famous Peadar O'Donnell's.

3) Omagh

Omagh has slowly but surely built up an impressive array of pubs and clubs in the biggest town in Tyrone. Regardless of where you go beforehand, your night is sure to finish up in Sally's.

14138099 10154445444399731 5687513456305474359 O — Credit: Sally's of Omagh FB

4) Bangor

Just a short trip from Belfast, Bangor is buzzing these days with loads of bars to choose from. Head to Jenny Watts for a pint and then go for a dance at Cafe Ceol after the night reaches that point where you lose control of your limb movements.

14556754 1230240007019606 3295966963052479357 O — Credit: Cafe Ceol FB

5) Newry

Most of our brethren probably know Newry as that place across the border where you used to go to buy your booze and fags, but it actually has some lively bars and clubs. The Canal Court Hotel has a great cocktail bar, perfect for a Saturday night out in the town.

Cocktail Photo — Credit: www.canalcourthotel.com

6) Cookstown

This small Mid-Ulster town is always hopping on the weekends, with plenty of bars with live music. Time Bar Venue and Sense Nightclub compete for the party-seekers weekly.

14086483 1563167397326423 2815573996793009199 O — Credit: Time Bar Venue FB

7) Enniskillen

They're not so big on clubs in this town in Fermanagh but it does have a good bar scene catering for an older crowd. The Crowe's Nest is one of the best in this beautiful little town.

8) Portrush

With the students from Coleraine coming in and adding to those living in the seaside town itself, there's a good mix of punters in Portrush. Kelly's, one of the North's biggest dance clubs, is just outside and has been a favourite of ravers for years.

14494662 695888917230466 7406087459073886726 N — Credit: Kelly's Complex Portrush

9) Magherafelt

A great spot for those between 18 and 25, the bar-club previously known as Dormans was transformed into Secrets Nightclub a few years ago and is thronged every weekend.

14470420 898977873568839 1617412211336864810 N — Credit: Secrets Nightclub FB

10) Newcastle

A little different from its English alternative, this beautiful town on the coast is perfect for a lazy weekend of sipping pints, with a few bars offering impressive pub grub. The Anchor and Quinn's are always good for a few drinks and plenty of craic.

entertainment