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Duke of York

Belfast's whiskey-packed heritage pub, brimming with vintage relics and live craic in historic Commercial Court—a timeless toast to the city's resilient spirit.

4.6

Tucked into Belfast's historic Commercial Court, the Duke of York is a beloved pub blending over 200 years of heritage with a treasure trove of vintage memorabilia. Rebuilt in 1974 after bomb damage during The Troubles to evoke 1950s charm, its walls and ceilings brim with antique mirrors, whiskey bottles, and pub artifacts salvaged from city establishments. Savor perfect pints of Guinness, Harp, or rare stouts like Murphy's and Beamish alongside one of Ireland's most extensive Irish whiskey collections, from everyday pours to collector's rarities marked NFS. Live music pulses through cozy nooks and lively alley seating under colorful umbrellas, drawing locals and visitors for authentic craic in the Cathedral Quarter. Open daily from 11:30 AM, it's spacious yet intimate, with friendly service amid stone floors and hardwood warmth.

A brief summary to Duke of York

  • 7-11 Commercial Ct, Belfast, BT1 2NB, GB
  • +442890241062
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 11:30 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 11:30 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 11:30 am-12 am
  • Thursday 11:30 am-1 am
  • Friday 11:30 am-1 am
  • Saturday 11:30 am-1 am
  • Sunday 11:30 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Seek out the rare whiskey bottles marked NFS on display; they're collector's items not for sale, showcasing the pub's unparalleled collection.
  • Opt for weekday afternoons to explore the memorabilia in relative quiet before the evening live music crowd arrives.
  • Try the rare stout trio on tap—Guinness, Murphy's, and Beamish—for a true taste of Irish brewing variety.
  • Grab an outdoor table in Commercial Court to enjoy the umbrella-lit alley vibe while sipping.
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Historic Heart of Commercial Court

The Duke of York occupies a prime spot on 7-11 Commercial Court, one of Belfast's oldest streets in the vibrant Cathedral Quarter. This cobbled alley, alive with twinkling lights and umbrella canopies, has drawn revelers for centuries. The pub itself traces its roots to the mid-1860s as a tavern, evolving into a cornerstone of local drinking culture. Destroyed by a bomb during The Troubles in 1972, it was meticulously rebuilt in 1974 to recapture the essence of 1950s Belfast pubs, preserving authenticity amid modern resilience.

Vintage Treasure Trove Interior

Step inside to a visual feast: walls, ceilings, and even tabletops overflow with salvaged relics from Belfast's storied past. Antique enamel signs, mirrored whiskey ads, and bric-a-brac from long-closed hotels and bars create a nostalgic mosaic. Hardwood floors and stone elements ground the space, while cozy corners and varied seating—from snug booths to alley tables—cater to intimate chats or lively groups. The solid wood bar anchors it all, evoking timeless pub heritage without feeling like a museum.

Whiskey Wonderland and Pint Perfection

Whiskey aficionados find paradise here, with shelves groaning under Ireland's most comprehensive selection. Everyday drams sit beside obscure editions and ultra-rare bottles—the only known examples worldwide, displayed as NFS treasures for admiration. Classic pints shine too: creamy Guinness, crisp Harp lager, and a rare trio of stouts including Murphy's and Beamish on tap. Prices remain reasonable for the city center, making it accessible for savoring slowly or sharing rounds.

Lively Craic and Live Sessions

The atmosphere pulses with good craic, blending locals, tourists, young crowds, and seniors. Weekday afternoons offer relaxed vibes for lingering over decor details, while evenings erupt with live folk music, guitar strums, and sing-alongs. Spacious despite the buzz, it accommodates game-watchers and conversationalists alike. Outdoor alley seating amplifies the street's energy, perfect for people-watching under the colorful canopy.

Enduring Belfast Icon

More than a pub, the Duke of York embodies Belfast's spirit: resilient, characterful, and unpretentious. Its reconstruction safeguarded heritage pieces, turning tragedy into a living tribute. Open from 11:30 AM daily (until midnight Sunday-Wednesday, 1 AM Thursday-Saturday), it welcomes all for everything from quiet whiskeys to raucous nights, cementing its status as an essential Cathedral Quarter stop.

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