A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour
Description
Over 2 hours and 30 minutes, our local expert guides will take you on a journey back in time through the city centre of Belfast. You will discover how 'the Troubles' started, visit the locations where some of the most important events occurred, and learn about the path to reconciliation and eventually peace (and the challenges the future may hold). You will discover the realities of growing up and living your life during the conflict, and how it touched everyone. The tour is factual and historically accurate to ensure it is unbiased, the guides are conflict historians, who also weave their own stories into their tours to bring history to life, transporting you back to the Belfast of the 1970s and giving you a unique understanding of the recent past. The tour starts each day at 10.30am.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important 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
Reviews(3,070)
This tour was a highlight of our time in Belfast! Mylie was a phenomenal guide - and we felt lucky to have such an expert on this topic leading us through the city. We loved how story-forward this tour was; making it accessible to learn about the Troubles, and honor the memory of those who lost their lives. Well worth the time spent taking this tour!
This tour was an absolute highlight of our time in Belfast We joined a tour with Mylie and it was genuinely fantastic. If she had spoken for six hours, we would have happily listened to every single minute. Mylie has an incredible amount of knowledge. It never felt like a lecture and she was, at times, quite funny even though the subject matter is grave and serious It felt like being guided through Belfast by someone who truly understands the many layers of the place. The tour gave us so much extra context and helped us understand Belfast in a much deeper way. An absolute recommendation for anyone visiting the city.
This walking tour was fantastic. Very engaging and we learned a ton about this period of history. Coordination was simple and the tour was in the heart of the city.
Jim the tour guide was perfect. I gained a new appreciation of Belfast after his 2.5 hours tour, if it had been all day I would have stayed. I would recommend his tour to anyone with an interest in the history of this wonderful city.
Roisin’s walking tour of the Troubles is exceptional. She’s knowledgeable and articulate, covering an incredible amount of history in just 2.5 hours — all handled objectively and sensitively. What really set this tour apart was Roisin’s warmth and humor, and knowing she grew up here in Belfast added a depth and authenticity you can’t get from a textbook. This tour won’t disappoint — highly recommended for anyone wanting to understand this city’s history.
Hi, Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review. We're delighted the tour exceeded your expectations, and we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I'll be sure to pass your lovely comments on to Roisin. Thank you again for your recommendation. Best wishes, DC Tours
Very knowledgeable guide explained in great and easy to understand details highly recommend
Hi, Thank you for your 5-star review. We're so pleased you enjoyed the tour, and we really appreciate your recommendation. Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review. Best wishes, DC Tours
My wife and I have done many walking tours around the the world, but this was the best we have experienced . Our guide, Eugene, was informative with just the right balance of humour and gravitas appropriate for this tour. He not only provided a detailed narrative of several atrocities committed during The Troubles, but gave a very relatable history of Ireland and the forces leading up to the deadly conflict. Just as importantly, he covered the peace process which, so far, has held together since 1998. I highly recommend this tour and congratulate Eugene on a job very well done.
Hi, Thank you for your fantastic 5-star review. It means a great deal to hear that, after so many walking tours around the world, ours stands out as your favourite. I'll be sure to pass your lovely comments on to Eugene. Thank you again for your recommendation, and for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. Best wishes, DC Tours
Eugenes Guided Walking Tour Was Great. Interesting & Informative. Being A Local & Growing Up During The Troubles He Was Able To Give Real Insight On This Subject. & Cheers ! Eugene I Had A Very Tasty Sunday Lunch At The Whites Bar In Belfast City Centre. One Of His Places To Visit Mentions.
This is truly an insightful tour of Belfast during the Troubles period. My tour guide, Anne, who is an excellent storyteller/ narrator, show us how events during The Troubles unfolded and the consequences of them. Anne shared the macro and micro effects of how events during the Troubles affected the daily lives of local residents. She also shared personal stories of people who were affected by events, which really help put faces behind the statistics people/ the general public read/ hear about The Troubles. Highly recommend.
Hi, Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review. We're delighted you found the tour so insightful and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I'll be sure to pass your kind comments on to Anne. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Belfast. Best wishes, DC Tours
Eugene was very informative. He answered questions easily. Spoke clearly. At times humorous. Would do this again.
