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.
- City Hall - At the grounds of Belfast City Hall, the guide will introduce the tour and provide an overview of the history of the Troubles. This introduction sets the context for the tour, detailing the long-standing relationships between the British and the Irish, and explaining how and why the Troubles began in the late 1960s.
- Donegall Place…
- City Hall - At the grounds of Belfast City Hall, the guide will introduce the tour and provide an overview of the history of the Troubles. This introduction sets the context for the tour, detailing the long-standing relationships between the British and the Irish, and explaining how and why the Troubles began in the late 1960s.
- Donegall Place - Although Belfast’s main shopping street appears similar to those in other British or Irish cities, it conceals a troubled history. The guide will recount the story of a bomb attack on a nightclub here in 1971, the tragic events that ensued, and the establishment of what became known as the ‘Ring Of Steel’.
- Castle Lane - The next stop is in the heart of the pedestrian precinct. In what is now a lively shopping street, visitors will learn about life during the height of the Troubles and the details of an event that remains significant to this day.
- Spirit of Belfast - The Spirit of Belfast is an artwork symbolizing the resilience of Belfast’s people, affectionately known as ‘the Onion Rings’. Standing in its shadow, the guide will recount a series of events that began in a nearby bar in 1971, which acted as a catalyst for the escalating violence in Northern Ireland.
- Cathedral Quarter - As visitors walk through the newly revitalized Cathedral Quarter, the cultural and nightlife hub, the guide will share stories of significant events and discuss the beginnings of the peace process. Today, the Cathedral Quarter’s streets and alleys feature remarkable street art and some of the best bars and nightspots, but through the guide’s compelling storytelling, visitors will be transported back in time to appreciate the progress made since the 1970s.
- Ann Street - While standing beside Belfast’s largest police station, visitors will learn about policing in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, the changes since the peace agreement, and the potential impact of Brexit on the borders.
- Nuala with the Hula - The tour concludes by the Waterfront on the banks of the River Lagan at the Beacon of Hope, a beloved piece of public art symbolizing resilience and regeneration. Here, the guide will compare Belfast today with one of its darkest historical days, explain how peace was achieved, and discuss future prospects.

- 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.