They say the Irish have a way with words, and Belfast’s comedians prove it nightly, turning everyday craic into side-splitting performances.
Whether you’re a local looking to chase away the Monday blues or a tourist curious about why Belfast folk can find humor in even the greyest of skies, read on!
Here, we give you the best comedy clubs in Belfast for a truly cracking night of fun and laughter!
What’s the average cost of watching a show at a comedy club in Belfast?
The average cost of watching a show at a comedy club in Belfast can vary depending on the popularity of the comedian or show, day of the week, and venue. But generally, tickets cost around £5 – £15 and sometimes come with a free drink.
If you’re ordering food and drinks separately, expect to pay around £4 – £10 depending on your drink and £10 – £15 for food.
How We Chose the Best Comedy Clubs in Belfast
1. Lavery’s Comedy Club
| Entertainment Quality | 5/5 |
| Venue & Facilities | 4.9/5 |
| Food & Drink | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Value & Pricing | 4.8/5 |
| Location & Accessibility | 5/5 |
Lavery’s Comedy Club, curated by the talented Colin Geddis, has quickly established itself as one of Belfast’s premier destinations for comedy. So if you want a night out with guaranteed fun and laughter, this is the place to go!
Comedy nights are held every Wednesday and Thursday, offering a mid-week pick-me-up for comedy enthusiasts.
One of the things we love about the club is the convenience of purchasing tickets online through their website. And we highly recommend securing your tickets beforehand as they tend to sell out quickly.
Ticket prices start from £14, which can be a bit pricey compared to others. For those looking to make an evening of it, there’s an option to get a ticket package that includes a pre-show meal with a complimentary drink at £34.
It’s also advisable to come at least 15 minutes early so you can settle in comfortably. If you purchased a ticket with a meal, it’s best to arrive at least an hour before the show.
Arriving early also increases your chances of avoiding the front row – unless, of course, you’re brave enough to risk becoming part of the show!
Apart from comedy, the venue also has a pool hall, bar, and live music the rest of the week. So Lavery’s is a great go-to place for a fun night out in Belfast.
Customer Reviews
Phenomenal atmosphere at the bar, the comedy club is a new level of good craic (thanks mostly to Colin and Mickey… Much love). And the pool room upstairs you could spend hours in. Cannot recommend enough! – Jack Bannon, Google Reviews
Great night at the comedy club and the woodworkers.. Great food.. excellent service.. amazing value for money.. highly recommended.. The pepper stack chicken burger is a must with any of the loaded fries. Comedy acts were class!! Gonna make this a monthly date night… Thank you – Jay H, Google Reviews
2. The Empire Laughs Back
| Entertainment Quality | 5/5 |
| Venue & Facilities | 5/5 |
| Food & Drink | 4.8/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.9/5 |
| Value & Pricing | 5/5 |
| Location & Accessibility | 4.9/5 |
Quality comedy at a beautiful venue every week? That’s exactly what you’ll find at The Empire Laughs Back, hosted in the historic Empire Music Hall in the heart of Belfast.
This long-running comedy club has become a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s comedy scene, offering a mix of established talent and rising stars every Tuesday night.
The venue itself is a major draw. Empire Music Hall, with its ornate Victorian architecture and rich history, provides a unique backdrop for comedy.
It’s great that the spacious layout ensures good visibility from most seats, though the balcony can feel a bit removed from the action.
The club’s reputation often attracts big names in comedy, giving audiences the chance to see well-known performers in an intimate setting.
However, take note that shows frequently sell out, making spontaneous visits challenging. So it’s best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Additionally, the bar area can get crowded during intervals, leading to long waits for drinks.
When it comes to ticket prices, we think they’re reasonable for the quality of entertainment provided, though drinks can be on the pricier side. Meanwhile, the central location is convenient, but parking nearby can be tricky, especially on busy nights.
Despite these minor drawbacks, The Empire Laughs Back remains a top choice for comedy lovers in Belfast.
Customer Reviews
Great place for a nice night out. Comedy or rock music, this is a cool wee place to visit. Great staff and it’s local to everything at Shaftesbury Square. Start the night off in here or end it with a song to rock yourself home to. Has that old bar feeling but inside looks brand new. Definitely a place to visit if you’re visiting Belfast City. – Dre Sto, Google Reviews
Absolutely Brilliant 1st time there and What a Night. Very nice, relaxed atmosphere, and very friendly surroundings. The comedians were rib sore funny from start to finish.
Get in early and make sure you sit in the front row. Can’t wait to head back again LOL. – De De Voyle, Facebook Reviews
3. The Sunflower Comedy Club
| Entertainment Quality | 5/5 |
| Venue & Facilities | 5/5 |
| Food & Drink | 5/5 |
| Customer Service | 4.8/5 |
| Value & Pricing | 5/5 |
| Location & Accessibility | 5/5 |
The Sunflower Comedy Club, nestled within the quirky confines of the Sunflower Public House, offers a refreshing take on Belfast’s comedy scene. This intimate venue is also a well-loved local spot for casual drinks and wood-fired pizza!
Just take note that the comedy shows are only held on the last Sunday of every month, but you can expect live music playing regularly at their beer garden.
This monthly comedy night has become a highlight for many Belfast residents and visitors alike. The limited frequency of shows adds an element of exclusivity, making each event feel special.
Tickets for the comedy shows can be purchased through Eventbrite, which is pretty convenient, plus, the prices are affordable, too. Just make sure to purchase your ticket early as they often sell out fast since it’s only a monthly event.
While the comedy nights are a draw, the Sunflower Public House offers much more. Their wood-fired pizzas have garnered a reputation for being some of the best in Belfast, providing a perfect pre-show meal.
What’s more, the bar’s impressive selection of craft beers and spirits ensures that there’s something to suit every taste.
Even though there’s only one comedy show per month, the Sunflower pub is worth visiting any night for the awesome vibes, delicious pizza, and great beer.
Customer Reviews
Extremely well run Comedy club in an extremely well run bar. – Ronan Diamond, Facebook Reviews
My first time visiting the Sunflower Comedy Club. Darren the MC was great with the audience, warmed everyone up and was so supportive of the acts. The comedians were excellent, with a great variety for everyone to enjoy. Oh and the whiskey was delightful!!! – Anne Marie Wallace, Facebook Reviews
4. Belfast Improv
| Entertainment Quality | 5/5 |
| Venue & Facilities | 4.8/5 |
| Food & Drink | n/a |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Value & Pricing | 5/5 |
| Location & Accessibility | 4.8/5 |
Belfast Improv has carved out a unique niche in the city’s entertainment scene, offering both captivating performances and enriching classes for aspiring improv artists.
Their performances showcase the group’s ability to weave compelling narratives and characters on the spot. Running anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours, these shows demonstrate the versatility and skill of the performers.
We love the group’s quick wit, seamless teamwork, and ability to create engaging stories from thin air, which amazes us every time.
Belfast Improv’s training program is another major draw. Their in-house training ensures a consistent quality across performers, which translates into reliably entertaining shows.
The beginner classes are particularly noteworthy, welcoming participants regardless of prior stage experience.
It’s awesome that this inclusive approach has garnered positive feedback from many first-time improv performers who found the classes both challenging and supportive.
Tickets to their shows can be purchased through Eventbrite and start from as low as £5. You can join workshops through the platform as well, but just take note that schedules and venues may vary most of the time.
Whether you’re looking for a unique night out or keen to explore your own creative potential, Belfast Improv offers a refreshing and dynamic take on comedy and theater.
Customer Reviews
I’ve had so much fun taking classes, attending shows and even performing with Belfast Improv. The improv community creates a very welcoming space for everyone, no matter your experience, to play and be creative! The shows are a hoot, and you never know what to expect—it’s joyful to see the performers take audience suggestions and create whole—often hilarious—worlds from these on the spot. The classes really helped me channel my own creative joy and I’ve met a bunch of wonderful, diverse people! – Natasha Ld, Facebook Reviews
Paul, Claire and the whole improv community go above and beyond to welcome you and make everyone feel valued at Belfast Improv. You don’t need to know anyone before you join, but joining a class opens up a new world of friends, fun and connection, which is something we all need a little more of in our lives! – Ciara Downes, Facebook Reviews
5. Monday Night Comedy at the Pavilion
| Entertainment Quality | 5/5 |
| Venue & Facilities | 4.8/5 |
| Food & Drink | 4.7/5 |
| Customer Service | 5/5 |
| Value & Pricing | 5/5 |
| Location & Accessibility | 5/5 |
Monday Night Comedy at the Pavilion has become a staple of Belfast’s comedy scene, offering a weekly dose of laughter to kick-start the week.
This long standing event, held at the iconic Pavilion Bar on Ormeau Road, has garnered a loyal following and continues to attract both seasoned comedy fans and newcomers.
We love the Pavilion’s intimate setting which provides an ideal backdrop for comedy. The venue’s friendly staff adds to the overall positive experience, making it easy for patrons to settle in for an evening of entertainment.
One of the main strengths of Monday Night Comedy is its diverse lineup. The organizers consistently bring in a mix of local talent and touring comedians, ensuring a fresh and varied show each week.
The affordable ticket prices are another huge plus, which we appreciate, as the caliber of talent often exceeds expectations for the price point.
However, on busier evenings, the venue can feel crowded, and latecomers might struggle to find good seats. Some also have mentioned that the sound quality can vary depending on where you’re seated.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Monday Night Comedy is one of the best comedy clubs to check out in Belfast because of the quality acts and great value for money.
Customer Reviews
Great club. Laugh away the Monday Blues with a nice beer of the month. – Darren Matthews, Facebook Reviews
Absolutely class craic on a Monday night with the Pavillion comedy club which has such a great roster, week after week. – Katriona Kirwan, Google Reviews