Begin your music journey in Belfast at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, a long-established institution for musicians and music lovers alike. Part resource hub, part rehearsal space, the centre offers a café, recording studio and workshop facilities—making it an ideal place to explore Northern Ireland’s contemporary music scene and local industry resources.
From Belfast, take the Belfast Music Tour bus north to Derry-Londonderry, a historic walled city with a vibrant live-music culture. Derry hosts the annual IMBOLC International Music Festival, a celebrated folk and world-music event inspired by the ancient Celtic midwinter tradition. The festival typically draws large, enthusiastic audiences and showcases both established and emerging artists.
Continue along the Causeway Coastal Route, which features iconic sights such as the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the old Bushmills Distillery and Rathlin Island. This scenic drive is also home to the four-day Atlantic Sessions festival in autumn, a showcase for original songwriting and diverse musical styles. If your trip doesn’t coincide with a festival, you can still craft a memorable musical itinerary by visiting local pubs and venues. Stop at Mary McBride’s in Cushendun or The Harbour Bar in Portrush to enjoy live sessions by the fire with a pint and a welcoming local atmosphere.