3 hours
E-voucher
English
Overview
Learn about recent history and political struggles in Belfast during a walking tour of the city center. Meet your guide and set out on a city stroll that includes top landmarks such as the Cathedral Quarter, City Hall, and Ann Street. Hear stories about important events during the period of history known as The Troubles and gain a fresh perspective on Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Operated by
DC Tours
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.96
/ 5
2446 traveller ratings
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Very informative.
LordGrimthorpe, Apr 2025
Steve was informative and personable. I would have liked to do a bit more walking to get a flavor of the city and past events.
Very well-delivered tour
605stuartm, Apr 2025
An interesting and unbiased tour about the Troubles. James was an engaging and knowledgeable host. The tour looked at key moments in Central Belfast at the height of the Troubles in late 60s and early 70s. He was able to set the events with context. I thoroughly recommend this tour if you want to learn more.
Outdoor lecture tour
Jimbenben2, Apr 2025
Our guide was an American with a PHD in Irish history, so she is extremely knowledgeable. My complaint is that the tour was more of a lecture. We stood for 20 minutes listening at the start of the tour, and an hour later, we had not progressed a full block. The weather was rainy and windy, so it was miserable to stand out for an hour without moving. Maybe she could have found a covered spot out of the wind? Or talked while we were moving? For me, it was way too much historical detail. Also, if you want to see the gates and huge murals, then you need to take a black cab tour out of the city centre.
Excellent
Dream19811608068, Apr 2025
Excellent tour, full of interesting historical facts and political insights to a very delicate situation. Our tour guide Milie was unbelievable, knowledge and compassion for the subject. Absolutely blown away by her ability to keep everyone engrossed for 3 hours non stop . I would recommend this tour for anyone who wants to fully understand the history of Belfast, the troubles and the future peace.
Itinerary
Belfast 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.
20 minutesToday 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'.
15 minutesOur 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.
15 minutesSpirit 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.
15 minutesCathedral 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.
20 minutesWhilst 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!
15 minutesWe 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.
20 minutes
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Local guide
Exclusions
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.