When it comes to a stag do, you want a proper night out that everyone remembers. It’s hard to beat pubs, pints and laughs with the lads. On our recent group trip, we decided to test out the Belfast Bar Crawl and it was a highlight. Let us tell you why.
Why a Pub Crawl Works for a Stag Do
Planning a stag do can be stressful. Everyone has different hobbies, tastes and energy levels. A pub crawl solves all of that. It gives structure without being restrictive, keeps the group together and shows you a range of awesome bars that you probably wouldn’t find wandering around on your own.
Walking between pubs means there’s time for banter and inside jokes. It also creates natural milestones with each pub feeling like a new adventure, keeping the energy high. You’ll join other groups and individuals on the crawl so you can expect a feel good atmosphere with lots of drinking and mingling. You never know who you might meet!
With a friendly guide leading the way, you don’t have to waste time figuring out where to go and there’s a built-in safety net. Nobody gets lost or disappears into the night, and you can focus on what matters most: having a laugh and celebrating the groom-to-be on his last night of freedom.
Kelly’s Cellars
On our Belfast pub crawl, we visited Kelly’s Cellars, one of Belfast’s oldest and most iconic pubs. Walking in, you immediately feel the history. Low ceilings, wooden beams and an open fire give it that old-school charm. We all felt instantly relaxed, sitting down and listening to live Irish music.
Our guide gave us some history of each venue which got us all into the spirit of things. This pub has been around since the 1700s and played a role in the United Irishmen rebellion. The atmosphere in Kelly’s Cellars is buzzing and it was very busy. You can sit on wooden benches, stand at the bar or just stand up and enjoy a catch. It’s the perfect icebreaker.
The Jailhouse
Next, we hit The Jailhouse, a pub that’s as unique as it sounds. The exposed brick, quirky corners and rustic decor made it feel like a proper lads’ venue. Located at 4 Joy’s Entry, it’s in a building believed to have been the last holding place of Henry Joy McCracken before his execution in 1798. The pub has been meticulously restored to preserve its original character, offering a cosy atmosphere with exposed brick walls and vintage decor.
The drinks menu is solid with lots of local beers, decent cocktails and a good whisky selection. It’s the kind of place where you start off with a quiet pint and end up in a full-on night of craic, swapping stories with other people on your pub crawl and taking a few cheeky photos.
The Thirsty Goat
We also went to The Thirsty Goat, right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. This pub and beer garden is famous for its live music, lively atmosphere and wide selection of drinks, the perfect place for a stag do in Belfast.
By this point, the group was fully relaxed and the banter had reached full throttle. The live music added a festival feel which was really fun. The Thirsty Goat is lively enough to keep energy high but comfortable enough that everyone can join in without feeling awkward.
Pubs Near Umbrella Street
From there, we wandered through the Cathedral Quarter, making our way to pubs near Umbrella Street. The umbrellas overhead make the area instantly Instagrammable and, yes, that meant lots of photos for the group. The cobbled streets, coloured lights and buzzing bars create the perfect backdrop for a stag do.
Here, the energy is contagious. Locals and tourists mix and live music spills out into the streets. Walking as a group through this part of Belfast is part of the fun and it’s jam-packed with pubs if you feel thirsty.
The Guide Who Kept Us Together
A stag night can go sideways if someone wanders off or gets lost. Our pub crawl guide was brilliant at keeping the group together, rounding everyone up at each stop and making sure nobody was left behind. They also shared interesting facts bout the pubs we visited without ever slowing the pace or feeling like a lecture.
Having a guide also keeps the night flowing. There’s a natural rhythm where you arrive at a pub, settle in, enjoy the drinks, laugh, take photos and then move on. You don’t have to plan a thing which means less stress and more fun with the stags.
Why The Belfast Pub Crawl is Great for Stags
- Structure Without Restriction: The crawl gives direction but still allows for spontaneous fun.
- Variety of Venues: Each pub has its own vibe, history and drinks menu so no one gets bored.
- Shared Experiences: Everything is done together, including walking, drinking and dancing to live music, creating stories for years to come.
- Safety and Ease: You can expect short walks, a clear route and a guide to make it easy for all of you to focus on the fun.
Tips for a Legendary Stag Night
- Dress Smart but Comfortable: You’ll be walking, standing and dancing so leave the stiff shoes at home. The pubs are very busy so you won’t always get a seat.
- Eat Beforehand: The crawl is focused on drinks and fun, not food. Our guide was kind enough to point out some good places to eat at the end of the crawl which was helpful.
- Stay Together: Keep close to your crew but still feel free to mingle with other people on the pub crawl in Belfast. The guide will make sure that no one goes missing.
- Get Involved: Chat to other groups on the pub crawl, try new drinks and take loads of photos for the group chat.
Our Review of Belfast Pub Crawl for Stags
By the end of the night, the group was buzzing. The Belfast Bar Crawl delivers exactly what a stag do needs with laughs, camaraderie and memories that’ll be laughed about for ages after. It’s structured enough to keep everyone on track, flexible enough to allow for lots of fun and full of venues that each add their own flavour to the night.
The Belfast pub crawl is the perfect recipe for a stag night done right. It’s a great way to explore the city at night without having to go to the hassle of researching where to go and when. Get the lads together, grab your pints and let the guide do the rest. Trust us, it’s a night you won’t forget.
