Custom House Square is a renowned open-air events space located in the heart of
Belfast,
Northern Ireland. Originally conceived as part of
Belfast's ongoing urban regeneration efforts, the square is named after the adjacent Custom House, an iconic 19th-century building on the banks of the River Lagan. Since opening as an official events venue in the early 2000s, Custom House Square has evolved into one of
Northern Ireland's premier locations for live entertainment, particularly known for its vibrant summer concert series and as a key site for cultural festivals.
Its open-plan design allows for flexible event setups, accommodating audiences ranging from a few hundred to over 5,000 attendees. Rather than functioning as a traditional nightclub, Custom House Square offers a unique blend of outdoor concert venue and club-like atmosphere, especially during its highly anticipated annual music events, which often feature international DJs, rock bands, and electronic music acts. Culturally, Custom House Square has played a significant role in revitalizing
Belfast's city centre, providing a safe, inclusive, and energetic space for music lovers of all ages.
The venue has earned a reputation for seamlessly blending the historic character of its surroundings with cutting-edge stage production, sound, and lighting. Over time, its infrastructure has been further enhanced to improve accessibility, crowd management, and event experiences, reflecting
Belfast’s growing status as a cosmopolitan city and major musical destination. There has been no major change in its physical location, but improvements and temporary structures are regularly introduced to accommodate the ambitious scale of its concerts and festival events.
Notable artists who have performed at Custom House Square include internationally acclaimed acts such as Liam Gallagher,
The Chemical Brothers,
Nile Rodgers &
CHIC, Kodaline, and Bastille, as well as superstar DJs like
Carl Cox and
Armin van Buuren. Local Northern Irish talents including Snow Patrol, The Undertones, Two Door Cinema Club, and Foy Vance have also graced its stage. The square’s roster highlights not only contemporary chart-toppers but also legendary performers, showcasing the venue’s significance as a meeting point for global and homegrown musical excellence.