Belfast Nerd Pub Quiz: Proof That Northern Ireland’s Nerd Scene is Starving for More
During the Belfast Pokemon Pub Quiz held at the Botanic Inn in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A packed venue that had over 170+ people at it.
Belfast’s Nerd Scene is Underserved. The Pub Quiz Proved It.
You ever feel like Belfast doesn’t cater to nerds the way it should? Like, unless you’re willing to haul yourself down to Dublin for every damn convention, you’re stuck with crumbs? If you’re into anime, gaming, or anything that isn’t just generic pub craic, you’ve probably felt this.
Sure, we’ve got Q-Con, NI Comic Con, and a couple of other big names rolling into town once a year, but what about the smaller stuff? The local community-driven nerd events? The ones that give you a reason to leave your house more than once every twelve months?
That’s exactly why The Belfast Nerd Pub Quiz was born. And judging by the fact that it sold out in two weeks flat, it’s safe to say Belfast’s nerd community isn’t just alive, it’s starving for more.
So, What the Hell Happened to Belfast’s Nerd Culture?
Once upon a time (aka pre-pandemic), Belfast had more nerd events. Smaller cons, themed nights, niche gatherings, you name it. But then, like a bad sequel no one asked for, things started shutting down.
Cuckoo, Belfast’s one-time nerdy haven, closed its doors. Geek Retreat in Lisburn? Gone. A handful of gaming spots popped up and then disappeared faster than you could say “respawn.” If you’re into trading card games, movies, or anything even remotely geeky, you’ve probably noticed the struggle. Belfast doesn’t have the same thriving, dedicated nerd culture that Dublin does. And why? Because nobody’s putting in the effort to make it happen. Until now.
Enter: The Belfast Nerd Pub Quiz
So, what do you do when there’s a gap in the market? You bloody well fill it.
That’s exactly what Callum Janes (yes, that’s me) did. I wasn’t seeing enough community-focused nerd events in Belfast, so I made one. I threw a poll up on social media, asked the nerds of Northern Ireland if they’d actually show up for a dedicated nerd quiz, and the response was instant: YES. DO IT.
So, I did.
No sponsors, no major backing, just a load of nerds looking for a good night out. We found a venue, put the event together, and launched ticket sales. Within two weeks, all 70+ tickets were gone. That’s without paid promotion, without fancy marketing—just pure, organic demand. And that demand was screaming, “WE WANT MORE.”
Belfast Nerd Pub Quiz at the Pavilion in 2024
What Made It Work?
First off, we didn’t do some half-arsed general knowledge quiz where you have to remember who the Taoiseach was in 2005. No one cares. Well people do care, BUT NOT THAT NIGHT!
Instead, we built the quiz around what nerds actually love:
Movies (Not just Marvel. Proper nerd sh*t.)
TV Shows (Think Doctor Who, Stranger Things, no Love Island here.)
Comics (Yes, people still read these.)
Anime (Gatekeepers, stay home.)
Video Games (From retro classics to the latest rage-quitting nightmares.)
Science & Tech (A little something for the intellectuals.)
Picture Round (Because some people just want to vibe.)
And here’s the best part; it wasn’t just a quiz. It was a community event. It was proof that Northern Ireland’s nerds aren’t just a bunch of loners lurking on Discord servers. We’re out here. We’re social. We just need more places to go.
Cosplayer @agent.delta on Instagram shows us his Aku Aku cosplay during the Belfast Video Game Pub Quiz!
What’s Next for Nerdy Belfast?
The overwhelming success of this first quiz has made one thing crystal clear: Belfast needs more nerd events.
More niche gatherings outside of the once-a-year comic cons.
More 18+ events that aren’t just “drink until you forget your social anxiety.”
More places where nerds can connect in real life.
And the next Belfast Nerd Pub Quiz? Oh, it’s already happening! Halloween, Pokemon, Sonic the Hedgehog, Shrek for flip sake! We're taking all of the niche fandoms and letting people celebrate them!
So if you’re a nerd in Northern Ireland, keep your eyes peeled. The Belfast Nerd Pub Quiz isn’t just a one-off event; it’s a case study, a movement, and if we play our cards right, the start of something bigger.
FAQ: The Nerdy Bits You Probably Want to Know
1. When’s the next Belfast Nerd Pub Quiz?
Check out our events section, we’ll be posting every new event there! Or sign up to our newsletter!
2. Will there be more nerd events in Belfast?
If the demand is there (and it clearly is), we’re going to keep pushing for more. Watch this space.
3. What if I’m not a hardcore nerd?
Mate, if you’ve ever watched a Marvel film, played a video game, or argued about which Doctor Who was best, you’re one of us. Don’t overthink it. And we try to make sure that it’s still accessible to casual fans so there’s an equal challenge for everyone.
4. Where can I find out more?
Follow NerdyNI for updates, and keep an eye on social media for ticket drops.
5. What’s the best way to support events like this?
Show up. Bring your mates. Spread the word. And if you know a venue that would be perfect for nerd events, hit us up.
Your Turn: Want More Nerd Events in Belfast? Speak Up.
So here’s the deal: if we want more nerdy stuff happening in Belfast, we have to prove there’s demand. Share this article. Tag your mates. Show the organisers and venues that nerd events aren’t just a niche thing… they’re a necessity.
And if you missed the last Belfast Nerd Pub Quiz? Don’t worry. We’re just getting started.
Got a nerdy event idea? Want to see something happen in Northern Ireland? Follow us on socials, send a message, and let’s make it happen.
