Welcome to Belfast: Private Half-Day Introductory Walking TourPrivate Tour

Things to know

What makes this tour special

Discover beautiful Belfast, the largest city and capital of Northern Ireland situated on the banks of the River Lagan. Learn about its troubled political past, admire its historic buildings and enjoy its vibrant contemporary culture, signifying a much brighter future. 

On your private tour, you will:

• Discover Belfast City's highlights such as the City Hall, Victoria Square Dome, and the historic Cathedral District;
• See the Albert Memorial Clock - Belfast's very own 'leaning tower';
• Explore the surroundings of Victoria Square and climb to admire the view!;
• Visit St Anne's Cathedral, with its founding stone set in 1899, it has been a place of Christian worship for over 100 years(Please note: on weekends, the cathedral's hours for visitors vary);
• Learn of Belfast's turbulent and often violent history during the partition of Ireland and more recently during the Troubles;
• Hear about the religious divisions in the city and the split ideologies that led to violence;
• Learn about the moves towards peace and reconciliation in the famed Murals Square Courtyard, and in art around the city;
• Admire the street art, and other contemporary monuments signifying the city’s vibrant contemporary culture, and hope for a brighter future;
• End the tour in one of Belfast’s most historic pubs, to enjoy a pint or hear stories about pub culture in Britain!

Starting at the city hall, admire its opulent architecture and step inside to view the interior of the Dome and modern stained glass windows, then wander over to the Titanic Memorial Garden, which commemorates the names of the 1512 people who perished on that fated vessel. Wander into St Malachy’s Church, and onto St George’s Market – the last Victorian-covered market in Belfast. 

Admire the wonderful view over the city from Victoria Square, and see the Albert Memorial Clock, Belfast's very own 'leaning tower'. At this historic spot, you will discover the reason for the tilting angle and also learn how Belfast got its name.

Your guide will show you an artwork called the Spirit of Belfast – meant to represent the resilience of the people – but locally dubbed the Onion Rings! 

Explore the heart of the pedestrian precinct at Castle Lane and Donegal 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. 

Just a ten-minute walk from the bustling city centre, you’ll wander along the peaceful banks of the River Lagan, the majestic river around which Belfast was built. It was immortalised in the song 'My Lagan Love' which was beautifully sung by Sinead O'Connor: the river like the city has been cleaned and revitalised. 

Here you’ll see the Beacon of Hope – a gorgeous and moving piece of public art that champions the resilience and regeneration of the people and city of Belfast. You’ll also see a wonderful sculpture by John Kindness dating to 1999, called the Big Fish, inspired by the Salmon of Knowledge based on an Irish myth.

Pass through the famous Duke of York pub, and stop for a photo at the courtyard Murals Square before a visit inside Saint Anne’s Cathedral, and a walk through Writers Square. 

Lastly, finish your fascinating and moving tour of Belfast at a historic pub to enjoy a pint or hear stories about pub culture in Britain!

What you'll see

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