This is a wonderful 4 kilometres Belfast afternoon winter’s walk along the beautiful River Lagan from Cutter’s Wharf to the city centre and the promise of music, craic and much more in the oldest bar in Belfast, Kelly’s Cellars.  For a map and statistics go to https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=21357903

Start at the car park at Cutter’s Wharf, walk along Lockview Road to the roundabout at Stranmillis College and then follow the Stranmillis Embankment to where it intersects with the Ormeau Road.

Crossover and follow the Ormeau Embankment as far as East Bridge Street.  Cross again and follow Laganbank Road passing the Waterfront Hall to reach Upper Ann Street.  Walk down Ann Street, go right into Cornmarket, turn left into Castle Place and Bank Street and Kelly’s Cellars are directly in front of you between the Bank Buildings and Tesco Metro.

Kelly’s Cellars is Belfast’s oldest traditional Irish pub, often described as “a hidden gem that oozes old traditional values”. It’s famous for the best pint of Guinness in Belfast.

Built in 1720, it is situated in the heart of the city. Kelly’s Cellars has changed very little in 200 years and still has most of its original features.

The whitewashed walls and uneven concrete floor are in keeping with a traditional Irish bar. There is nothing plastic about this place – it is the genuine article. Unlike modern places, the bar is what you would imagine a few hundred years ago – low arches and an original open fire make Kelly’s Cellars feel like home from home and people singing a song or two is a familiar part of a vibrant pub.

Kelly’s has rich musical heritage and Irish musicians from all over Ireland and beyond often call in for a few tunes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Kelly’s is also known for its history – the United Irishmen used Kelly’s cellars as a meeting place and plotted the 1798 rebellion against English rule, which is still prevalent in today’s political climate. Henry Joy McCracken, one of the leaders, was eventually caught and executed 300 yards from the bar. He is buried in a local cemetery, ten minutes walk from the city centre.

The Irish language is spoken by the owner and most members of staff and Irish speakers flock to Kelly’s and are proud to speak their native tongue and hear it spoken. The Irish language is an important part of our rich culture and has taken pride of place in Kelly’s Cellars!

This is a great spot to end a lovely Belfast winter’s walk!