The Points — Traditional live-music pub on Dublin Road
A warm, old-school Dublin Road pub with regular live music, a glowing log fire and an unpretentious atmosphere for evening sessions.
The Points is a characterful live-music Irish pub on Dublin Road in central Belfast, known for a roomy, wood-panel interior, glowing log fire and regular local musicians and dancers. The bar serves a straightforward range of beers and spirits in a lively, unpretentious atmosphere that suits evening sessions, casual groups and those seeking an old-style pub experience close to the city centre.
A brief summary to The Points
- 44 Dublin Rd, Belfast, BT2 7HN, GB
- Click to display
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 4 pm-1 am
- Tuesday 4 pm-1 am
- Wednesday 4 pm-1 am
- Thursday 4 pm-1 am
- Friday 1 pm-1 am
- Saturday 1 pm-1 am
- Sunday 1 pm-1 am
Local tips
- Evenings are busiest—arrive early if you want a seat near the performance area or the log fire.
- The bar focuses on drinks rather than food; bringing a takeaway is commonly accepted if you need a bite.
- Expect a cosy, sometimes smoky interior during busy nights—plan accordingly if you’re sensitive to smoke.
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Getting There
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Local bus
Public bus service from Belfast city centre — typical travel time 10–20 minutes depending on route and traffic; buses run frequently but check the local timetable for evening service frequency. Fares are payable by contactless card or local travel card and typically cost in the range of £1.80–£3.50 per single trip; services may reduce after midnight.
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Taxi or ride-hail
Taxi from central Belfast — typical journey 6–12 minutes depending on traffic; fares normally range from £6–£12 within the city centre. Taxis are a practical late-evening option when bus frequencies drop; availability is usually good but can be slower on very busy nights.
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Walking from nearby central hotels
Walk from central Belfast locations — typical duration 10–25 minutes on mostly level pavements; terrain is urban and accessible but may be wet or slick in poor weather. Walking avoids parking constraints and keeps the route simple for short trips within the city centre.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
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Seating Areas
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Sheltered Areas
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Information Boards
The Points location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Points
Historic building with pub-room character
The Points occupies an older, well-proportioned building on Dublin Road whose interior reads like a classic Belfast pub: dark timbers, comfortable seating alcoves and brass fixtures that catch the light. The layout creates separate nooks and a larger central bar area, giving the room both intimacy and space for music sessions and conversation.Live music and traditional performance
Music is central to the venue’s identity — expect a mix of local bands, singer-songwriters and occasional traditional Irish sets; short bursts of step-dancing or impromptu sessions are part of the pub’s rhythm on busier nights. The acoustics of the room favour close, informal performances rather than stadium-style concerts.Atmosphere and sensory detail
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and slightly smoky on busy nights; a roaring log fire is often a focal point in colder months, giving an orange glow to faces and brasswork. The scent of malt, polished wood and spilled ale blends with the low chatter of conversation; lighting is soft and comfortable rather than bright or theatrical.Drinks, service and practical quirks
The Points offers a modest, well-chosen range of draught beers, lagers and spirits aimed at a mostly local crowd rather than specialist craft lists. Service can be brisk and efficient when busy; because the place trades late there are times when ordering waits are longer and the pace accelerates as the evening progresses.Who it suits and how it fits the city
The pub suits visitors seeking an authentic, unpolished Irish-bar experience — couples, groups of friends and music lovers who prefer lively local character over styled cocktail bars. Its location on Dublin Road places it within easy reach of central Belfast’s cultural and nightlife strip, making it a natural stop for an evening session.Mood notes and visitor expectations
Expect a lively, sometimes noisy room when music is on; seating ranges from pew-style benches to low tables. The décor and programme favour tradition and conviviality over modern minimalism: if you want a straightforward, music-focused pub with personality, this is the kind of Belfast room that delivers it.Explore the best of what The Points has to offer
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