“Have you ever seen the rain coming down on a sunny day?”
In Belfast, those lyrics glow in neon above one of the city’s most enchanting hidden gems, a vibrant umbrella-covered alley that feels straight out of a dream.
By day, the canopy bursts with color, transforming the street into a kaleidoscope overhead. By night, the umbrellas glow under neon lights, bathing the cobblestones in a warm, magical glow. Nestled between some of Belfast’s liveliest bars, this whimsical walkway has quietly become one of the prettiest and most photographed streets in the city.
Whether you stumble upon it after a night out or seek it out for that perfect photo, Belfast’s umbrella street is pure joy in technicolor.
Where to Find the Umbrellas in Belfast
Belfast’s umbrella street is located on Commercial Ct, home to the Duke of York Pub (one of the most well-known pubs in Belfast). Unlike its name suggests, Commercial Ct is an alleyway, not a court. Yet, this alley is the perfect setting for a display such as this. You can pass through this small alley underneath a canopy of umbrellas. And when the umbrellas are lit up at night, the moment is even more magical.
The umbrellas add to the beauty of this already picturesque street. Commercial Ct. is a small cobblestone-lined street with plants, and vibrant red benches line the street outside the Duke of York Pub.
The Duke of York, and thus the Umbrella Street in Belfast, is located in the Cathedral Quarter. The Cathedral Quarter is a lively neighborhood in Belfast situated around Saint Anne’s Cathedral, where you will find street art and nightlife.
About the Umbrellas in Belfast
This Belfast umbrella installation was commissioned in 2021 by the Duke of York Pub owner. This installation includes 21 steel umbrellas that are wrapped in neon lights. Commissioning this umbrella street in Belfast meant a beacon of hope while the pub was closed.
This art installation is a wonderful addition to the city and makes visiting this already notable street even more worthwhile.
Visiting the Umbrella Street in Belfast
There is no bad time to visit the Umbrella Street in Belfast. I visited the Umbrella Street twice during my time in Belfast to see it during the day and lit up at night.
During the day, you can see the vibrant colors of the umbrellas and are more likely to have the street to yourself before people start visiting the pub. Daytime is an excellent time to take photos of an empty umbrella street.
To capture the vibrant colors of these illuminated umbrellas, I suggest visiting just after sunset (blue hour) when the sky is dark enough for the umbrellas to be illuminated yet still bright enough to take great photos of the street.
For the best atmosphere, The Duke of York Pub and thus the Belfast Umbrella Street come alive in the evening. After grabbing a drink at the pub, enjoy an evening in Belfast under a canopy of illuminated umbrellas.
The Duke of York, Belfast Umbrella Street: Wrap-up
This wraps up the guide to visiting the Umbrella Street in Belfast. Visiting this vibrant and the iconic Duke of York Pub is a must-do while visiting Belfast. If you love umbrellas, you may want to check out this other incredible umbrella street in Dublin!