The Harp Bar
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The Harp Bar was a public house and live music venue located on Hill Street in Belfast's City Centre, Northern Ireland. It was known for showcasing punk rock and local music, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s.
From 1977 to 1984, the Harp Bar was owned by Patrick "Patsy" Lennon, who also built and owned the Limelight nightclub and Dome Bar.
The Harp Bar opened as a music venue and bar during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.[1] Despite the ongoing political unrest in Ireland, the venue remained a site for the developing punk scene in Belfast.
The Harp began hosting punk bands in early 1978. On 21 April 1978, Victim, supported by The Androids, played the venue’s first punk show.[2] Bands such as Rudi made their debut at The Harp in May 1978,[3] and Stiff Little Fingers played at the venue three times: in May, July, and August in 1978.[4]
The Harp was a relatively small venue, but it experienced a steady increase in popularity. The venue suffered structural damage during the Troubles.[5]
The bar’s city-center location experienced limited foot traffic at night, largely due to safety concerns during the Troubles. Despite this, it developed a reputation as a relatively neutral venue where both Protestants and Catholics could gather to watch local punk bands perform. Terri Hooley later noted that “at a time when the religious divide in Northern Ireland was most pronounced, we had kids from both sides of the community coming together in the name of music.”[6] Brian Young of the band Rudi similarly recalled, "It really was the first time I can remember that significant numbers of young people from all sections and classes of the community, and from both sides of the sectarian divide, were able to meet up and get to know each other, initially drawn together by their enthusiasm for this new music and lifestyle."[7]