Duke of York
Belfast's vintage whiskey den in a historic alley, packed with memorabilia, live tunes, and rare stouts amid Cathedral Quarter's lively vibe.
Tucked away in Belfast's historic Commercial Court, the Duke of York is a beloved pub brimming with vintage charm. Its walls and ceilings overflow with antique mirrors, advertising signs, and memorabilia salvaged from the city's past, creating an immersive nod to local heritage. Rebuilt in the 1970s to evoke its 1950s heyday after wartime damage, it pours perfect pints of Guinness alongside rare stouts like Murphy's and Beamish, plus an unmatched array of Irish whiskeys. Live music pulses through cozy nooks most nights, blending lively craic with nostalgic allure in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.
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
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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 shelves—some bottles are one-of-a-kind collectors' items marked NFS, perfect for enthusiasts to admire.
- Opt for weekdays afternoons for fewer crowds and prime photo ops amid the memorabilia-packed interior.
- Sample the trio of stouts on tap: Guinness, Murphy's, and Beamish, a lineup few pubs match.
- Head to outdoor seats on Commercial Court for people-watching under the colorful umbrellas.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
Duke of York location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Duke of York
Historic Heart of Commercial Court
The Duke of York occupies a prime spot on Commercial Court, one of Belfast's oldest alleyways in the vibrant Cathedral Quarter. This cobbled lane, strung with colorful umbrellas and lights, has buzzed with activity for centuries. The pub itself traces its roots to the mid-1860s as a tavern, enduring through turbulent times including severe bomb damage during The Troubles in the 1970s. Reconstructed with meticulous care, it was designed to recapture the essence of its 1950s appearance, preserving fragments from demolished city establishments.Vintage Treasure Trove Interior
Step inside and you're enveloped by a visual feast: walls, ceilings, and every surface crammed with genuine relics of Belfast's past. Faded enamel advertising signs, ornate mirrors, whiskey bottles labeled Not For Sale, and eclectic antiques create a dense, storytelling mosaic. Dark wood paneling, stone and hardwood floors, and sturdy furniture enhance the timeless feel. This isn't mere decoration—each piece salvaged from historic hotels and pubs weaves a narrative of the city's industrious, spirited heritage.Whiskey Haven and Stout Specialists
The bar stands as a monument to Irish drinking traditions, renowned for its encyclopedic Irish whiskey collection. From everyday pours to rare editions and collector's items, it caters to enthusiasts of all levels. Beer lovers rejoice in the rare lineup of three stouts on tap: Guinness, Murphy's, and Beamish, each pulled to creamy perfection. The menu keeps things classic with hearty pub fare to complement these libations, all served in an atmosphere that favors good conversation amid the memorabilia.Lively Evenings and Cozy Corners
By day, sunlight filters through to highlight the intricate decor; by night, live music ignites the space most evenings, drawing a mix of locals and visitors. Spacious yet intimate, with plenty of nooks for quieter chats even during matches or performances, it balances buzz with comfort. Outdoor seating spills onto the lively court, ideal for people-watching under the alley's festive canopy. Open daily from 11:30am, it extends later on weekends, embodying Belfast's enduring pub culture.Enduring Spirit of Belfast
More than a drinking spot, the Duke of York encapsulates the resilience and character of Northern Ireland's capital. Its survival through reconstruction and its dedication to authentic elements make it a living archive. Whether savoring a rare whiskey, tracing stories in the artifacts, or joining the evening revelry, it offers an authentic taste of place where history meets hospitality.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
2-6 Waring St
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Albert Memorial Clock
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Numbers' Wall
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Castle Buildings
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Beacon of Hope
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Treasure Trails
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Queen Elizabeth II Bridge
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The Back Of Boots
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Donegall Square N & Donegall Square W
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Belfast's grand civic square, where Victorian architecture frames the city's industrial heritage and maritime history.
Mary Ann McCracken statue
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Bronze monument to an abolitionist, feminist pioneer, and social reformer who stood for justice across three centuries.
Belfast City Hall Tours
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Baroque Revival masterpiece and civic heart of Belfast, where industrial heritage meets contemporary culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Cathedral Quarter Belfast
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Belfast's creative heartland where Victorian grandeur meets contemporary street art and vibrant cultural expression.
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.
Commercial Court
0.0 km
Discover Belfast’s historic Commercial Court, a vibrant cobbled alley alive with colourful murals, lively pubs, and rich mercantile heritage.
Trade union mural
0.1 km
A vibrant mural in Belfast celebrating the city’s proud labor history and the enduring spirit of trade union solidarity.
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.
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.
Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
0.1 km
Explore Northern Ireland’s WWII history through immersive exhibits, family activities, and heartfelt remembrance in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
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.
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
0.1 km
Discover Belfast Cathedral’s Romanesque beauty, historic mosaics, and the soaring Spire of Hope in the heart of the city’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter.
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.
The Spirit Circle: Sensorium & Belfast by the Glass
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Interactive sensory cocktail experience in Belfast's heart, where taste meets discovery and every drink tells a story.
High St
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High Street Belfast: Where historic charm meets vibrant shopping and lively city culture in the heart of Belfast.
The MAC
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Belfast's vibrant contemporary arts centre blending theatre, galleries, and café culture in a welcoming modern space.
Whites Tavern
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Essential places to dine
The Muddlers Club Restaurant
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Michelin-starred modern European dining in Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter, blending local flavors with a stylish industrial atmosphere.
Waterman Restaurant
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Discover Waterman Restaurant, Belfast’s Michelin-recognized spot for seasonal European cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting with local charm.
The Thirsty Goat Belfast
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Discover Belfast's vibrant culinary scene at The Thirsty Goat, where delicious grilled dishes meet an extensive beverage selection.
Mumbai 27
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Experience authentic Indian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter at Mumbai 27.
Six By Nico Belfast
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Discover Belfast’s vibrant Six By Nico, where inventive six-course tasting menus transform culinary themes into unforgettable dining adventures.
The Northern Whig
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Experience the best of Belfast dining at The Northern Whig, where traditional flavors meet modern culinary art in an inviting atmosphere.
The Great Room Restaurant, Belfast
0.1 km
Experience Belfast’s finest Victorian dining beneath Ireland’s largest chandelier with exquisite local cuisine and impeccable service.
Dumpling Library
0.2 km
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.
Coppi Restaurant
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Modern Venetian-inspired Italian dining in Belfast’s Saint Anne's Square with vibrant cicchetti, fresh ingredients, and a lively atmosphere.
Academy Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience the best of Modern European cuisine at Academy Restaurant in Belfast, where local ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
Taylor & Clay
0.3 km
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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Step into Belfast’s Bootleggers for bold American flavors, original cocktails, and a lively speakeasy vibe inspired by 1920s Prohibition.
Roam
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Discover Roam, Belfast’s intimate Irish restaurant blending classic flavors with modern flair in a stylish, welcoming setting.
City Picnic
0.4 km
Savor award-winning burgers and a lively, family-friendly vibe in the heart of Belfast’s city centre at City Picnic.
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
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion while supporting vital services for the visually impaired at ForSight Belfast’s charity shop.
Petty Kingdom Vintage Clothing & Records
0.2 km
Discover curated vintage fashion and classic records in the heart of Belfast’s city centre at Petty Kingdom.
Young Savage - Vintage Clothing, Records and Books
0.3 km
Discover Belfast’s vibrant vintage gem offering unique clothing, rare records, and curated books in a welcoming, multi-floor cultural haven.
Fuzz Vintage
0.3 km
Unearth timeless retro treasures at Fuzz Vintage, where Belfast's Rosemary Street hides eclectic clothing from decades past in a shopper's paradise of sustainable style.
Carrolls Irish Gifts - Belfast
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Discover authentic Irish treasures at Carrolls Irish Gifts in Belfast's bustling Castle Place—a shopper's haven for Claddagh rings, Aran knits, Guinness gear, and gourmet hampers evoking the Emerald Isle's timeless charm.
Søstrene Grene
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Discover Scandinavian charm and creativity at Søstrene Grene Belfast, your cozy craft and home decor destination in the city center.
Urban Outfitters
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Discover Urban Outfitters Belfast on Ann Street — where cutting-edge fashion meets creative lifestyle in Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital.
Born and Bred
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Explore Born and Bred in Belfast for unique Irish gifts and souvenirs that capture the spirit of Northern Ireland.
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.
White Stuff Belfast
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FatFace
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The Name Shops - Belfast
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Build-A-Bear Workshop
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Tommy Hilfiger
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Dark Horse
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The Black Box
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39 Gordon Street
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The Spaniard
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Bert's Jazz Bar
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The National
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Ulster Sports Club
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Experience the lively atmosphere of Ulster Sports Club, Belfast's top sports bar, offering delicious food, live music, and an electric ambiance.
Monico Bars
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Classic Belfast pub on Lombard Street pouring pints, serving stews, and screening sports in a lively city-center haven.
Henry's
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A lively Belfast pub and restaurant blending historic charm with modern dining, live music, and a vibrant social scene.
The Jailhouse
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Historic Belfast pub blending vintage charm with lively cocktails and hearty fare in a character-filled setting at Joy’s Entry.
The Reporter. Bar
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A cozy, quirky, dog-friendly bar in Belfast with great bottled beers, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Sunflower Public House
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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.
The Tipsy Bird
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Experience Belfast's vibrant nightlife at The Tipsy Bird, where creative cocktails meet a cozy atmosphere, perfect for every traveler seeking fun.
Bittles Bar
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Revolución de Cuba Belfast
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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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Dive into Belfast's vibrant nightlife at Club Lux, the ultimate disco club and bar experience with electrifying music and great company.
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.
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.
Shoe Factory
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Experience the lively and inclusive nightlife at Shoe Factory, Belfast's top gay nightclub, where music, dance, and celebration come together.
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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The Art Department
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Experience the electrifying nightlife at The Art Department, Belfast's ultimate dance club with an artistic twist.
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
1.6 km
Experience Belfast’s vibrant nightlife at Scratch Nightclub, where diverse music and a lively atmosphere create unforgettable late-night memories.
Club Honey
2.4 km
Experience Belfast’s vibrant nightlife at Club Honey, where energetic music and lively crowds create unforgettable nights on Falls Road.
Saturday Night Nightclub
14.1 km
Experience the vibrant pulse of Newtownards nightlife at Saturday Night Nightclub, where music, dancing, and social energy come alive.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly