Belfast Troubles Tour: Walls and Bridges
5
Belfast Troubles Tour: Walls and Bridges
By Experience Belfast
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About
Gain insight into the complex history of Northern Ireland’s Troubles while also exploring present-day highlights of Belfast city center, during this walking tour which is ideal for first-time visitors. In the company of your guide, visit City Hall, Albert Clock, and more, as you learn more about the city’s fraught past from a Belfast native for a truly local experience.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 15-80, max of 16 per group
Duration: 160–180 minutes
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Get an overview of Belfast past and present during this city walking tour
- Enjoy local insight on the Troubles from your Belfast native guide
- Visit key landmarks like the Big Fish without the worry of getting lost
- This tour is private, so benefit from your guide’s undivided attention
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Private tour
- Entry/Admission - Belfast
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:
- Belfast BT1 5GS, UKOn the pavement outside the grounds of Belfast City Hall. The Meeting Point is between two large ornamental lamp posts. Across the road are shops. Look for a large green and white umbrella. Please come 10 minutes before the start of your tour so I can distribute Listening sets.
End:- Rosemary St, Belfast BT1 1QB, UKAt the First Presbyterian Church - within sight of Belfast City Hall
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 68715P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Minimum age is 14 years. This tour is not aimed at children. There is graphic content .
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 68715P1
From
£22.00
per adult
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Itinerary
- Belfast BT1 5GS, UKOn the pavement outside the grounds of Belfast City Hall. The Meeting Point is between two large ornamental lamp posts. Across the road are shops. Look for a large green and white umbrella. Please come 10 minutes before the start of your tour so I can distribute Listening sets.
- 1Pass bySpirit of Belfast
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7Pass byAlbert Memorial Clock Tower
- Rosemary St, Belfast BT1 1QB, UKAt the First Presbyterian Church - within sight of Belfast City Hall
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Mobile5277360 contributionsPolitical historic walking tourA fantastic walking tour with Arthur. He was so knowledgeable and made the experience truly memorable. We really can't recommend the tour highly enough.Written 15 October 2024
- Explorer6702500 contributionsExperience Belfast is a Must Do tourThe Experience Belfast walking tour is a Must Do to understand the politics and personality of Belfast. Arthur Magee has personal knowledge and experience to share along with original songs to give you a first hand account of Belfast’s complex history and present reality This tour is more easily accessed than other walking toursWritten 25 August 2024
- DayTrip471321758560 contributionsThe best troubles tour in Belfast!Thank you so much Arthur for this amazing tour! We were looking for a tour which covered Shankill road and Falls road so we could understand more of the troubles and this was perfect. Amazing value for money (coming from two students!) and we learnt so much. To properly understand this area a walking tour is definitely the way to go and we both felt very moved after walking through the murals, estates and peace walls. We have both been on a few walking tours in Belfast and other cities and my boyfriend declared that this was his favourite on he's ever been on! Couldn't recommend this enough if you are looking for an informative tour from someone who is very knowledgeable, friendly and a good laugh at times.Written 25 August 2024
- hugomI3145TU0 contributionsFantastic tourI went on the troubles walking tour today. It was a fantastic trip. Arthur, the tour guide, was very knowledgeable. Arthur was very engaging and brought the tour to life with his thorough knowledge, insights and witty remarks. I learnt a lot about Belfast's past and where it will hopefully go in the future.Written 22 August 2024
- rinam9750 contributionsA great walk!My husband and I did the Troubles Walking Tour with Arthur Magee. We found Arthur to be very informative and educational with a great sense of humour and a profound insight. I would recommend this to all.Written 2 May 2024
- 147st_phanec0 contributionsGreat Belfast ExperienceGreat experience in Belfast. It is full of details, all provided by a gentleman named Arthur. Arthur pays attention about people round him, he does the best he can to explain and he achieves.Written 3 January 2024
- sesiase0 contributionsWalking is better than Black TaxiI truly recommend this tour. Arthur is an amazing guide and blend up the tour with his personal stories. I also recommend the walking tour in front of the Black Taxi tours, this is absolutely more genuine. //Simon 🇸🇪Written 3 December 2023
- PengL1690 contributionsGreat tourVery comprehensive tour. The local guide Arthur knows a lot about the stories behind and he also experienced a lot. It is more then I expected and triggered my interest to learn more about the history during that timeWritten 5 November 2023
- briantI2087NR0 contributions‘The Troubles’ Walking TourIf you're on a trip to Belfast then this is an absolute must do! I genuinely can't recommend this tour highly enough!!! The 3+ hour walk around Belfast flew by, which was wholly down to Arthurs engaging manner, deep personal experience of the Troubles, the tragedy of the numerous story's he recounted, (thankfully balanced by the humour that interlaced his story-telling) and ultimately the enthusiasm and positivity he expressed towards the future of Northern Ireland and its people. Arthur is a born story-teller and the constant anecdotes, which reinforced his extensive local knowledge, made this a much more personal experience than I had expected. I was accompanied by my 4 teenage kids who before the tour knew very little of the Troubles. It's fair to say that it was an eye-opener for them, to the extent that its resulted in a number of meaningful dinner table discussions, La dramatic improvement on our usual Tictok distracted monosyllabic conversations !]Written 20 October 2023
- ginab1480 contributionsCannot recommend this enoughThis is one of the most interesting tours I've ever taken. You get a very detailed and personal history of the Troubles and much more from a master storyteller whose love for Belfast and the people in it shines through. After spending time with Arthur you'll gain a real understanding of Belfast from someone who embodies its spirit: sometimes funny, sometimes dark, sometimes poignant but above all resilient and compassionate.Written 17 October 2023
- A3221EZhowardl0 contributionsBook it!Arthur was incredibly warm and passionate, and obviously loves his job and hometown of Belfast. I had a very basic understanding of the history of the “Troubles”, but after spending 3 hours walking the streets of Belfast with him, I’ve gained a much deeper understanding of what took place. If you really want to learn about Belfast (and humans), book this tourWritten 13 October 2023
- 53elinm0 contributionsBook it - don’t hesitate!Arthur was knowledgeable and engaging throughout. No detail was left out and he answered every question. The subject matter was dealt with sensitively and because Arthur got to know his tour group before hand, he was able to cater the information in context for all backgrounds and nationalities. Best tour in Belfast - hands down!Written 30 September 2023
- TTimTT0 contributionsAmazing experience in BelfastGreat tour and very interesting. The guide is really knowledgeable and gives facts without being biased so that we can understand the complicated situation in Northern Ireland. I highly recommend this tour!Written 13 August 2023
- troyn6130 contributionsFantastic Tour - an experience that only a Local can giveIt's very common to think of things that happened in another country and things that happened before your formative years as ancient history. As a mid-twenties non-Irish citizen, that previously applied to me and the troubles to an extent. The ability to highlight threads that continue to flow from 'historical' events up through the present day is the hallmark of what makes historical sources and recounts truly great. Arthur did this in a spectacular fashion on the Troubles Tour, in a way that only someone who lived during the time can do. The tour was very informative and struck a great balance between serious discussions/topics and a levity that provides ample context, personality, and hope. The tour is much much more than just a walk down to a Peace Wall for a photo. It is a full account of the history, the climate, and major players surrounding the troubles. I would highly recommend that anyone visiting Belfast take this tour. You will be a better informed citizen of both your home country and the world due to the knowledge and context that Arthur is able to provide.Written 26 May 2023
- Biking_Mama_027190 contributionsGreat walking tour of BelfastI learned so much from my tour with Arthur about Belfast. I most enjoyed checking out the giant posters at "Solidarity Wall". Arthur is personable and has a wealth of knowledge to share. I appreciated hearing about the complexities of the Troubles from a local.Written 24 May 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
582 reviews
Excellent
570
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John D
2 contributions
Jul 2020
Great value tour that served as a fascinating introduction to the city of Belfast itself. Arthur presented the social history, politics and culture of the city in a way that was enriched by personal stories and thoughtful insights. He enquired after our interests and took care to address these in his tour. I found it very interesting and would highly recommend it as a couple of hours well spent to any visitor to the city.
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the fabulous review John. The core of the tour remains the same but where I can, I will illustrate points by reference to people's particular interests. It's always great fun to provide a walking tour, I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.
Written 29 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marc Abela
Tokyo, Japan19 contributions
Jul 2020
This was my very first time in Belfast, and I was very curious to learn and understand the location from various historical angles, and Arthur very elegantly introduced the depth of the social context and found a way also to rebuild at times the "socially incomprehensible" past of the city into a fascinating history of cultures, ultimately what Arthur brought to the table was a message of hope. I also particularly loved the way he bridged the past into the future, allowed plenty of room for the multiple viewpoints, a million thanks really for this brilliant experience and I highly recommend this if you have the chance (& curiosity) to dive into the substance and the details of this gorgeous and multiplex city. Note by the way that I did my tour "online" (yes!), as we were in the middle of various lockdowns, but still Arthur delivered so I personally recommend the experience, an immediate & obvious 5-star for me.
Written 27 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Marc, I really enjoyed our online tour and the fact that you could walk the tour later really helped. The tour is about Belfast obviously but I've tried these past 10 years to make the parochial universal.
Written 29 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gillian Q
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Couples
This tour went far beyond our expectations! Arthur is an absolutely fanscinating, friendly guide with a wealth of knowledge on the city. His humour was added entertainment that lifted the whole tour to another level! I am so glad we booked this over any of the bigger companies providing the service. It was intimate and informative, covering so much insight into the city, it’s past and it’s future! Thoroughly enjoyed it - thanks Arthur!
Written 30 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you. There are some very serious parts of the tour as I’m sure you’d confirm. That said, our aim is to inform and entertain and I think we get the balance right to ensure people have a fabulous experience. We all need a laugh.
Written 31 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James Goodbourn
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Couples
A really informative tour much enjoyed. Arthur is extremely knowledgable, articulate and very personable and funny without undermining some very key messages about Belfast, it’s history and most especially the ‘troubles’. Very well done. We unreservedly recommend.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, I've been doing this for 10 years and have worked hard to get the balance right. There are some very serious points on the tour, Belfast has had some very dark times but I'm also aware that most people on the tour are here on holiday. You've got to let the light in. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.
Written 2 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
eamon
Carrick, Ireland1 contribution
If you find yourself one day in Belfast with minimal time yet a desire to learn about this complex city I would highly recommend spending a morning walking the town with Arthur.
Arthur has a clear passion for his town and the people who live and have lived there. His anecdotes will particularly resonate with those who were alive and recall the tumultuous times of the 70s and 80s in Northern Ireland. I would suggest a quick review of the history of those times and the music of the era. Arthur assumes that his guests will have a certain background knowledge and his rapid fire recounting of events and musical references may leave you a little lost if you have not prepared.
At times Arthur’s tsunami of information can seem overwhelming but as the tour went on I gained an appreciation for his mission. He wants his guests to gain an understanding of not only the past but the present and future of Belfast.He only has 2 and a half hours to relay his urgent message. He is telling us that be you white or black, Catholic or Protestant, Irish or British we are all hurling through the universe on this tiny green globe and everyone’s journey will be less arduous if we focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.
Take the time for the tour. You won’t regret it.
Arthur has a clear passion for his town and the people who live and have lived there. His anecdotes will particularly resonate with those who were alive and recall the tumultuous times of the 70s and 80s in Northern Ireland. I would suggest a quick review of the history of those times and the music of the era. Arthur assumes that his guests will have a certain background knowledge and his rapid fire recounting of events and musical references may leave you a little lost if you have not prepared.
At times Arthur’s tsunami of information can seem overwhelming but as the tour went on I gained an appreciation for his mission. He wants his guests to gain an understanding of not only the past but the present and future of Belfast.He only has 2 and a half hours to relay his urgent message. He is telling us that be you white or black, Catholic or Protestant, Irish or British we are all hurling through the universe on this tiny green globe and everyone’s journey will be less arduous if we focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.
Take the time for the tour. You won’t regret it.
Written 14 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review. I am aware that I do ply guests with a lot of information. I am thinking of ways that I can simplify this but it's a difficult one because it invariably leads to dumbing down.
Written 15 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Purplemeercat
Aylesbury, UK36 contributions
Excellent tour around the city - Steve gave us a real insight into how things were at the height of the troubles and how they have changed over the years. The spirit of the people is core to this tour and the real unknown hero’s are mentioned. We loved hearing about the music of the city and how it inspired a generation of change.
Thank you so much for all the recommendations and local knowledge, really made for wonderful stay in a thriving city.
Thank you so much for all the recommendations and local knowledge, really made for wonderful stay in a thriving city.
Written 16 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the great review. You're correct, we've world class attractions in Belfastbut what really makes it are the people and we do our best to convey this.
Written 19 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Albtagliac
Naples, Italy136 contributions
May 2022
We booked this tour of 2.5 hours for our weekend in Belfast, hoping to approach the city in scarcely 48 h. Arthur gave us the best experience we could ask to a city guide, making us familiar with the city and the people. Arthur is extremely friendly and engaged with me and my partner well. He was highly accurate, knowledgeable and enjoyable, showing us the architectures of the city and the Story behind many corners of the city. With his witty and dry humour, Arthur gave us very interesting insides on matters about politics from the modern age to the troubles till the new Belfast of nowadays, but also telling many fun facts. He gave us many great tipps for places and pubs to visit, restaurants for our lunches and dinners, record shops. Last but nor the least, he impressed us with his experience and knowledge of the musical scene in Belfast and his enthusiasm for the most underground and punk rock side of the city. We couldn´t have asked for more and we strongly recommend this tour with Arthur.
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you
Written 15 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Georgina Morgan
7 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Arthur's tour is the perfect balance between fun, educational and insightful. Would recommend for anyone looking for in depth knowledge about Belfast, from it's history (and it's impact), to the music scene, to hidden gems around the city to maximise on your stay.
It was a professional and organised tour. You receive updates and a guide before the tour, headsets during the tour and all questions were answered.
It was a professional and organised tour. You receive updates and a guide before the tour, headsets during the tour and all questions were answered.
Written 10 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, the listening sets are important because it allows us to keep moving. The tour is largely about the Troubles but there are so many other parts to our story. I am so please you enjoyed the tour.
Written 13 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom Burge
2 contributions
Jul 2022
We picked this tour over other options as it includes visits to the most significant locations of the troubles (along Falls Road), whilst others only concentrate on the inner city. Arthur was very knowledgeable and gave a well balanced account of Belfast's history. The tour was well planned, a good duration/distance, and well worth the price. My partner and I really enjoyed our trip to Belfast and would highly recommend this tour to others who are keen to learn more about the troubles.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Tom. The tour starts at Belfast City Hall and walks to the Peace Walls which takes around 20 minutes. Psychologically, emotionally and in every other respect, it's a world away. My task is to link the disparate parts of Belfast and the Troubles into a complete story, to strip away veneers and look at what lies beneath. I'm so glad you enjoyed the tour.
Written 2 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bobjoshilson
Birr, Ireland6 contributions
Aug 2020
My wife and myself had a really enjoyable morning, Arthur our guide was a great laugh and also very knowledgeable. He took us to the known parts of Belfast, also down side alleys where you wouldn't think of going, with lots of history and unusual insights to this great city. We really enjoyed his company and we would not hesitate to recommend him. Best wishes Jo & Bob
Written 8 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Jo & Bob, the tour is about the Troubles and Belfast and there's a lot to the city that you don't often see at first glance which is why I'm here. So glad you enjoyed it.
Written 9 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello, is it possible to get this wall and bridges tour in the afternoon of 11th July for 2 people please? I have a friend coming from England in the morning.
Written 9 July 2022
Tried booking a few times for tomorrow, Oct 21 session but failed. Please call me at +447411045188. Thanks.
Written 20 October 2018
Do you only run your tour at 10 am or might you offer it in the afternoon too? We’re looking at sept 19. Tks!
Written 30 August 2018
Having trouble pinning down exactly when we will be in Belfast, headed to Dublin from the US first week of September. Will I be able to do this tour last minute when I figure out if a train ride up or car ride up will be our plan? Thanks Frank
Written 22 August 2018
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