One of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks, the Ulster Hall, will once again open its doors as part of European Heritage Open Days on Saturday 13 September 2025.
All three guided tours of the historic venue, one of the oldest purpose-built concert halls in the UK and Ireland are now fully booked, reflecting the public’s huge appetite to explore the building’s rich history and heritage. However, members of the public can call into the venue on Saturday between 10am-12pm without a tour guide and walk around the foyer and Grand Hall of this beautiful building.
Designed by William Barre, the architect behind Belfast’s famous Albert Clock, the Ulster Hall has been at the heart of the city’s cultural life for more than 160 years. Its stage has hosted world figures from Charles Dickens to the Dalai Lama, legendary political moments involving Winston Churchill, and musical icons from The Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin - who debuted their classic Stairway to Heaven at the venue in 1971.
As part of this year’s Open Day programme, visitors will step behind the scenes and hear some of the Ulster Hall’s best-kept stories, while celebrating the role the building continues to play in the city’s cultural life.
Pete McKevitt, Head of Entertainment at Waterfront Hall & Ulster Hall, said:
“We’re delighted to be taking part in European Heritage Open Day again. With the three tours being booked out, it shows just how much interest and pride people have in this historic venue. The Ulster Hall isn’t just a concert hall, it’s a living part of Belfast’s story, from politics and culture to world-class music and we are excited to share some of the incredible history of this iconic building with the public.”
The European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) programme, organised by the Department for Communities with the support of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, will see more than 260 venues across Northern Ireland open to the public free of charge over the weekend of 13–14 September 2025.
This year’s theme, “Architectural Heritage – Past Structures, Future Connections”, brings together historic landmarks and contemporary spaces through guided tours, talks, workshops, exhibitions, and performances designed to showcase Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage and architecture.
You can also read more about European Heritage Open Days in Time Out, where the Ulster Hall is featured just below 10 Downing Street in their list of the UK’s most iconic landmarks opening their doors for free this month.
Heritage Open Days Festival 2025: 10 Iconic British Landmarks You Can Visit for Free This Month
