Embark on a 2.5-hour walking tour of Belfast City Centre to delve into the history of ‘the Troubles’. Explore significant locations, hear personal stories, and gain a unique understanding of the recent past.
Embark on a 2.5-hour walking tour of Belfast City Centre to delve into the history of ‘the Troubles’. Explore significant locations, hear personal stories, and gain a unique understanding of the recent past.
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City Hall - In the grounds of Belfast City Hall your guide will introduce you to the tour and also give an introduction to the history of the Troubles. The introduction sets the scene for the rest of the tour, explaining the centuries old relationships between the British and the Irish and how and why the Troubles started in the late 1960s.
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- City Hall - In the grounds of Belfast City Hall your guide will introduce you to the tour and also give an introduction to the history of the Troubles. The introduction sets the scene for the rest of the tour, explaining the centuries old relationships between the British and the Irish and how and why the Troubles started in the late 1960s.
- Donegall Place - Today Belfast’s main shopping street may look like any other British or Irish city, but it hides a troubled past. Your guide will explain the story behind a bomb attack on a nightclub here in 1971, the tragic events which followed and the introduction of what became known as the ‘Ring Of Steel’.
- Castle Lane - Our next stop is in the heart of the pedestrian precinct. In what is now a bustling shopping street you will discover the realities of our lives at the height of the troubles, and the details of an event which still lives prominently in our minds to this day.
- Spirit of Belfast - The Spirit of Belfast is an artwork which is intended to evoke the resilience of the people of Belfast, but we just know it as ‘the Onion Rings’. As we stand in its shadow your guide will introduce you to a series of events which started in a bar nearby in 1971. These were to prove the catalyst in propelling Northern Ireland into a rapidly escalating spiral of violence.
- Cathedral Quarter - As you walk through the newly regenerated Cathedral Quarter, at the heart of our cultural and nightlife district, your guide will introduce you to the stories of more significant events while also discussing the beginnings of the path to peace. Today the streets and alleys of the Cathedral Quarter are home to fantastic examples of street art and some of our best bars and nightspots, but through the powerful story-telling of the guide you will be transported back in time and realise how far we have come since the dark days of the 1970s.
- Ann Street - Whilst standing beside the largest police station in Belfast you will discover how Northern Ireland was policed during the troubles, how it has changed since the peace agreement and the potential impact of Brexit on our borders!
- Nuala with the Hula - We end the tour by the Waterfront on the banks of the river Lagan and the Beacon of Hope, our favourite piece of public art which champions our resilience and regeneration. Here we will compare Belfast today with one of the darkest days in our history, explain how we achieved our fragile peace and discuss what the future may hold.
- Local guide
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Local guide
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
In a 150-minute tour, our expert local tour guides take you on a time-travel expedition to the heart of Belfast. They will narrate the inception of ‘the Troubles’, take you to the sites where pivotal moments transpired, and provide an overview of the journey towards peace and potential future hurdles. The insight into the realities of experiencing the…
In a 150-minute tour, our expert local tour guides take you on a time-travel expedition to the heart of Belfast. They will narrate the inception of ‘the Troubles’, take you to the sites where pivotal moments transpired, and provide an overview of the journey towards peace and potential future hurdles. The insight into the realities of experiencing the conflict and its ubiquitous presence will deepen your understanding. The narration is grounded in facts and historical accuracy to maintain impartiality. The guides, also being conflict historians, add their personal narratives to their guided tours offering you a living history experience, enabling you to visualise the 1970s Belfast and gain a special comprehension of the not-so-distant past. The tour commences every day at 10:30 AM.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved (1.5 miles)
- Minimum age is 12 years
- The tour will take place regardless of the weather. Please check the forecast and dress accordingly
- A waterproof jacket is recommended just in case of showers, as is warm clothing during the winter months
- Belfast City Center is completely flat, so no hills or steps are involved. However, comfortable footwear is advised
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.