The black stuff, a pint of plain, pure stout, a pint of pure – whatever you call it, "Guinness is good for you!"

When Arthur Guinness was experimenting in brewing ales in St James’ Gate Dublin back in the 1700s, he knew what he was doing. Here, Guinness was born, where the roasting of the barley gives it its famous dark colour.

Now, Guinness is one of Ireland’s largest imports and a symbol of the nation, with advertising as one of their most important strategies. Guinness may not be a Belfast native, but you can sure get a perfect pint in this incredible city.

So, where is the best place to get a pint of creamy goodness? Let’s find out!

Bittles Bar – 70 Upper Church Lane, Belfast

If you discuss Guinness in Belfast, Bittles Bar should be the first words out of your mouth. Located just on the outskirts of Victoria Square Shopping Centre, this bar is a perfect location for a quiet, relaxed pint.

Don’t expect food, live music, or lots of room, because this bar is solely focused on serving their patrons Guinness. The owner has even commented that they serve over 700 pints per day! You’ve only to look this bar up on any social media platform, and you will find multiple videos of beer lovers voting this as their favourite pint of Guinness.

Maddens – 74 Berry Street, Belfast

This might be a hidden gem, almost all Tripadvisor reviewers include how great their Guinness is. This traditional Irish pub is located behind CastleCourt and is also famous for its live Irish trad sessions, which complement a creamy pint of Guinness perfectly. Expect a warm welcome from staff as you wait for your Guinness to set and you’ve only to ask anything about Belfast, and the staff will rhyme off the history!

Kelly’s Cellars – 30-32 Bank Street, Belfast

This bar in central Belfast is actually older than Guinness itself! Dating back to 1720, most of the original architecture remains in place which retains its traditional charm. You will find a mixture of locals and tourists, all looking for the perfect pint of Guinness. The curved, stone, white-washed walls, slate floor and worn wooden seats, all complement the traditional Irish pint of Guinness.

Honourable mentions – The Hatfield House and The Rose and Crown

For all the students, you really can’t go wrong with the famous student bars on the Ormeau Road. Students might get a bad reputation for partying, but remember, the more frequently Guinness is poured, the better the taste! So, I think the students of the Ormeau Road are actually making the Guinness taste nicer!

Find out more about nightlife in Belfast!

You will always find sport on, and The Hatfield also serves great food and has live music every night. If you are looking some atmosphere, friendly young faces, and a reasonably priced pint of Guinness, these ones are for you!

So remember, let your pint of Guinness set, don’t go hassling the barperson serving you and there’s nothing like a Guinness!

Find out more

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Erin McGrattan   PhD in Cancer Epidemiology | Postgraduate Student | Northern Ireland Hi, I'm Erin McGrattan. I'm from County Down in Northern Ireland and I studied for my undergraduate degree in Queen's in BSc Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition. I am now undertaking a PhD in Cancer Epidemiology, focusing on oesophageal cancer and I'm situated in the Centre for Public Health. I love Belfast and have lived in the city for a few years, so I am open to answering any questions regarding its history, nightlife, best food spots and student accommodation. I am an avid camogie player so I'm interested in any GAA or sports clubs in my area.