The MAC: A Cultural Gem in Belfast
Discover Belfast's vibrant cultural scene at The MAC, where art, performance, and dining come together in a dynamic atmosphere.
The MAC is a vibrant art center in Belfast, offering a fusion of artistic experiences including galleries, performances, and dining options. It's a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
A brief summary to The MAC
- 10 Exchange St, Belfast, West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ, GB
- +442890235053
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the schedule for performances and exhibitions before your visit to make the most of your experience.
- Visit the café for a local treat; it's known for its excellent coffee and homemade pastries.
- Take advantage of free workshops and events that are often held, perfect for families and art enthusiasts.
- Explore the surrounding area; the MAC is conveniently located near other cultural attractions in Belfast.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are starting from the Belfast City Hall, exit the building and head south on Donegall Square South. Continue straight onto Chichester Street and then take a right onto Victoria Street. Walk straight until you reach the end of the street, then turn left onto Exchange Street. The MAC will be on your right at 10 Exchange St, West, Belfast BT1 2NJ. This walk should take approximately 15 minutes.
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Bus
You can take the Metro bus service. Catch the Metro 10 or 11 bus from the nearest bus stop to your location heading towards the city center. Get off at the stop named 'Castle Junction.' From there, walk down Castle Place towards the City Hall, then follow the walking directions mentioned above from the City Hall to The MAC. The total journey may take around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
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Taxi or Rideshare
If you prefer a more direct route, you can hail a taxi or book a rideshare service. Provide the driver with the address: 10 Exchange Street, West, Belfast BT1 2NJ. The journey should take around 5-10 minutes depending on your starting point and traffic conditions.
Discover more about The MAC
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
2-6 Waring St
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Victorian banking masterpiece transformed into luxury hospitality on Belfast's historic mercantile street.
Albert Memorial Clock
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Belfast’s iconic leaning Victorian clock tower, blending Gothic grandeur with rich industrial heritage and local character.
Numbers' Wall
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A burst of colorful numbers and symbols celebrating Belfast's vibrant contemporary street art scene.
Castle Buildings
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Queen Elizabeth II Bridge
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A 1960s road bridge over the River Lagan, connecting central Belfast with the Titanic Quarter and offering quiet riverside views from its pedestrian walkways.
Beacon of Hope
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A soaring symbol of peace and gratitude rising 19.5 meters above Belfast's heart.
Belfastlad Tours
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Explore Belfast's rich history and vibrant culture with personalized tours led by passionate locals at Belfastlad Tours.
Treasure Trails
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Explore Belfast like never before with Treasure Trails, an interactive treasure hunt that uncovers the city's hidden gems and rich history.
The Back Of Boots
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Discover the serene ambiance of The Back Of Boots in Belfast, a pilgrimage site steeped in history and spiritual significance.
Belfast Free Walking Tour
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Discover the heart of Belfast with a free walking tour that unveils the city's history, culture, and hidden gems through the eyes of local guides.
If Buildings Could Talk - Belfast Walking Tour
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Belfast’s grand civic heart, where Edwardian architecture meets city history in Donegall Square’s green heart.
Giant's Causeway Experiences
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Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich mythology of Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, through guided tours and immersive experiences.
Carlisle Circus
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A historic North Belfast traffic circus with Victorian roots and a legacy shaped by war, industry, and community life.
DC Tours - Belfast Walking Tours
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Explore Belfast's rich history and vibrant culture with DC Tours, your premier walking tour agency for unforgettable sightseeing experiences.
Clifton Street Graveyard
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Two centuries of Belfast's history etched in stone—where Republicans, Unionists, and ordinary citizens rest side by side.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Spire Of Hope, Belfast
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A soaring 40-metre steel beacon of hope atop Belfast’s historic St Anne’s Cathedral, shining brightly across the city skyline.
Belfast Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Anne
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Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
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Harp Bar
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Harp Bar, Belfast's favorite pub for craft beers, live music, and authentic Irish hospitality.
Creative Tours Belfast
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Explore Belfast’s vibrant music scene on foot with expert guides, historic venues, and live performances in the UNESCO City of Music.
Trade union mural
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A vibrant mural in Belfast celebrating the city’s proud labor history and the enduring spirit of trade union solidarity.
Duke of York
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Experience the heart of Belfast's pub culture at Duke of York, a vibrant spot with rich history, local brews, and a warm atmosphere.
Commercial Court
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Discover Belfast’s historic Commercial Court, a vibrant cobbled alley alive with colourful murals, lively pubs, and rich mercantile heritage.
Cathedral Quarter Belfast
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Belfast's creative heartland where Victorian grandeur meets contemporary street art and vibrant cultural expression.
The Dirty Onion and Yardbird
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Historic Belfast pub with lively Irish music downstairs and Yardbird’s famed rotisserie chicken upstairs in a rustic, vibrant setting.
Cathedral Quarter Moural
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Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter blends historic charm with vibrant street art, world-class culture, and lively nightlife in a uniquely creative urban district.
Belfast Central Library
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The Cloth Ear
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A cosy, unpretentious hotel pub inside The Merchant Hotel, offering classic pub dishes, local beers and a snug atmosphere in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
Mural
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Discover Belfast’s vibrant mural at 1 Church St, a vivid testament to the city’s history, culture, and dynamic street art tradition.
St Patrick's Church
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A majestic Romanesque Catholic church in Belfast, famed for its soaring spire, sacred relics, and the celebrated artwork of Sir John Lavery.
Essential places to dine
Coppi Restaurant
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Experience vibrant Venetian-style Italian dining with creative cicchetti and fresh local ingredients in Belfast’s stylish Coppi Restaurant.
Dumpling Library
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Experience a vibrant Pan-Asian feast in Belfast’s unique Dumpling Library, where exquisite dumplings meet creative cocktails in intimate dining pods.
Buba
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Bold Eastern Mediterranean small plates, flame-grilled meats and creative cocktails in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
Mumbai 27
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Experience authentic Indian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter at Mumbai 27.
Academy Restaurant
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Experience the best of Modern European cuisine at Academy Restaurant in Belfast, where local ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
Waterman Restaurant
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Discover Waterman Restaurant: Belfast’s Michelin-recognized spot for fresh, seasonal European cuisine in a stylish, lively setting.
The Muddlers Club Restaurant
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Michelin-starred modern European dining in Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter, celebrated for innovative tasting menus and impeccable service.
The Thirsty Goat Belfast
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Six By Nico Belfast
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The Great Room Restaurant, Belfast
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Experience Belfast’s finest Victorian dining beneath Ireland’s largest chandelier with exquisite local cuisine and impeccable service.
The Northern Whig
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Novelli at City Quays
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Stylish Mediterranean brasserie on Belfast’s waterfront with stunning harbor views and all-day dining.
Taylor & Clay
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Award-winning Belfast steakhouse with a bespoke wood-fired Asador grill, serving premium local meats and seasonal dishes in a vibrant city-centre setting.
Bootleggers
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Bank Square Brasserie
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French bistro elegance meets Northern Irish ingredients in Belfast's most welcoming modern European brasserie.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Art Loves at The Merchant
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Discover a curated emporium of art-led gifts and homewares within Belfast’s iconic Merchant Hotel, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship.
Forsight Belfast
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Discover unique vintage fashion while supporting vital services for the visually impaired at ForSight Belfast’s charity shop.
Petty Kingdom Vintage Clothing & Records
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Discover curated vintage fashion and classic records in the heart of Belfast’s city centre at Petty Kingdom.
Fuzz Vintage
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Young Savage - Vintage Clothing, Records and Books
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Discover Belfast’s vibrant vintage gem offering unique clothing, rare records, and curated books in a welcoming, multi-floor cultural haven.
Top Gift
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Discover unique souvenirs and local treasures at Top Gift, Belfast's charming gift shop offering an eclectic selection for every traveler.
Carrolls Irish Gifts - Belfast
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Urban Outfitters
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The Name Shops - Belfast
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Personalised baby gifts and children's clothing with on-demand embroidery in Belfast's premier shopping centre.
Born and Bred
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Søstrene Grene
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White Stuff Belfast
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FatFace
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The Holy Shop
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Tommy Hilfiger
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
39 Gordon Street
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The Dark Horse
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The Black Box
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The Reporter. Bar
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The Spaniard
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Bert's Jazz Bar
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Sunflower Public House
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Ulster Sports Club
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The National
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Monico Bars
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Henry's
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The Jailhouse
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The Tipsy Bird
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Maddens
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Bittles Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Craics Ninety
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A compact, high‑energy clubnight in Belfast’s Common Market that celebrates 1990s music with DJs, themed entertainment and a pulsing dance atmosphere.
Club Lux
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Kremlin
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Belfast's beating heart of gay nightlife: dance floors ablaze, cocktails flowing, and community vibes till dawn on Donegall Street.
Boombox Belfast
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A lively and inclusive gay nightclub in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, renowned for drag shows, DJ nights, and a welcoming queer atmosphere.
Anthology Ni
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Shoe Factory
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Ollie's Belfast
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A compact, late-night nightclub beneath The Merchant Hotel — brick-vaulted interiors, VIP booths and a focused dancefloor for weekend clubbing.
The Art Department
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Voodoo
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Experience the electric atmosphere of Voodoo, Belfast's top night club, featuring live music, great drinks, and an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Cabaret Supper Club
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Discover the vibrant nightlife of Belfast at Cabaret Supper Club, where exquisite dining meets captivating performances for an unforgettable experience.
Thompsons Garage
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Belfast at Thompsons Garage, where music, dancing, and unforgettable memories await every night.
Alibi
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Energetic R&B nightclub with guest DJs, cocktails, and a lively terrace in Belfast’s vibrant Queen’s Quarter.
Scratch Nightclub
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Club Honey
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Saturday Night Nightclub
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