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Sunflower Public House

Belfast's authentic corner pub with Troubles-era charm, live music nightly, wood-fired pizzas, and a buzzing garden—where history meets hearty ales and eclectic vibes.

4.7

Tucked on a bustling corner in central Belfast, the Sunflower Public House stands as a no-frills gem preserving over a century of pub tradition. Recognizable by its iconic security cage—a remnant from the Troubles era—this venue blends historic charm with lively music sessions, craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, and a south-facing garden perfect for summer afternoons. Opened in its current form in 2012, it draws an eclectic crowd with traditional Irish tunes, folk nights, and comedy upstairs, all in the heart of the city's vibrant Smithfield area.

A brief summary to Sunflower Public House

  • 65 Union St, Belfast, BT1 2JG, GB
  • +442890232474
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 pm-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 pm-12 am
  • Thursday 12 pm-1 am
  • Friday 12 pm-1 am
  • Saturday 12 pm-1 am
  • Sunday 1 pm-12 am

Local tips

  • Catch live traditional Irish or folk sessions most nights; check social media for the weekly lineup to time your visit.
  • Head to the garden on summer afternoons for south-facing sun, pizzas from 3pm, and street art views.
  • Bring your dog—they're welcome inside and out, with water bowls and treats provided.
  • Book the upstairs room early for private events; it's equipped for gigs or meetings with a refundable deposit.
  • Pair local Hilden ale with weekend stew and wheaten bread for a true Belfast comfort meal.
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Sunflower Public House location weather suitability

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Iconic Corner Legacy

The Sunflower Public House occupies a site on the corner of Union and Kent Streets where a pub has stood for more than 100 years, right behind Belfast Central Library in the lively Smithfield district. Its most striking feature is the preserved security cage on the front door, installed during the 1980s Troubles as a protective measure against unrest. Though no longer needed for safety, this relic has been maintained as a poignant piece of Belfast's social history, transforming what was once a symbol of tension into a unique tourist draw that tells the story of the city's evolution.

Revival Under Passionate Ownership

The modern Sunflower opened in December 2012 under the vision of Pedro Donald, who breathed new life into the space previously known as a rougher dive. Pedro retired in 2024, passing the reins to original collaborators Richard McCallion and Bob McManus. This continuity has helped solidify its status as one of Belfast's most beloved venues. Free of gimmicks or themes, the pub emphasizes authenticity, offering a welcoming escape amid the urban buzz near the University of Ulster and media offices.

Music at the Heart

Live music pulses through the Sunflower nearly every night, featuring traditional Irish sessions, Appalachian tunes, gypsy swing, folk, and bluegrass. The upstairs room doubles as a versatile space for gigs, comedy clubs with big-name acts from Ireland and the UK, book launches, and plays. Capacity for 60, it includes a PA system, mics, projector, and screen. Scenes from the acclaimed Belfast film *Good Vibrations* were shot here, and its real-life inspiration, Terri Hooley, has been spotted enjoying pints at the bar.

Garden Oasis and Culinary Bites

Added in December 2014, the south-facing garden outshines the interior in size during warmer months, adorned with street art and housing a wood-fired pizza oven from The Boxing Hare pizzeria. Handmade pizzas bake in minutes, available daily from 3pm to 10pm without reservations—ideal paired with cold craft beers or local cider. Hearty Friday and Saturday stews with fresh wheaten bread complement Hilden ales, providing sustenance that keeps the night going.

Diverse Crowd and Pet-Friendly Vibes

Perched in the eclectic 'Pink Triangle' near Belfast's art college, the Sunflower attracts a rich tapestry of locals, students, media folk, and visitors who defy standard hours. This melting pot creates a constant buzz, even midweek. Four-legged friends are celebrated with water bowls and treats; patrons are invited to share photos of their dogs for the website. The unpretentious atmosphere fosters conversations with friends or strangers alike.

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