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.
My wife and I found James' 2 tour remarkably informative, extremely balanced and very sensitively delivered. Next time in Belfast we will go on one of the other of the DC tours. Very highly recommended.
What made Mylie’s tour so exceptional was her ability to connect the different chapters of Ireland’s history across almost 850 years, rather than treating the Troubles as an isolated period of conflict. She intricately wove together centuries of political, social and economic history, exploring the legacy of colonisation, the imposition of political and religious power, oppression, inequality, identity and the struggle for self-determination. She demonstrated how decisions, divisions and injustices from generations before continued to shape the political and social landscape of Ireland, eventually contributing to the circumstances that led to the Troubles. It was fascinating to see how history, politics, religion, culture and economics were so deeply interconnected, and how the consequences of events from centuries ago could still be felt in the society of more recent generations. Importantly, Mylie approached this incredibly complex and sensitive history with insight and an appreciation of the different perspectives involved. She didn’t simply present dates and events; she explored the circumstances, motivations, experiences and consequences behind them, allowing us to understand the layers of history rather than just remember the headlines. Perhaps most remarkable was how she brought all of this history into the present. Walking through the streets of a vibrant, modern Belfast, she transported us back to a very different world, using the very buildings, streets and neighbourhoods around us as a backdrop to stories of division, fear, resistance, loss and resilience. It was a powerful reminder that the places we walk through today can carry generations of history that aren’t immediately visible to us.
Attended history of Terror tour, guide was Mylie - she was very informative and knowledgeable on the subject: She brought a mixture of old and modern history together into context and how that shaped the struggles. She brought together real life stories, broad history and was able to mix some of the terror with some light heartedness. Thoroughly enjoyable and interesting tour.
This was an exceptional tour. Our guide James was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and entertaining. He downloaded a great deal of detailed historical information in an easy to follow manner. Upon finishing the tour we felt that we had a much greater understanding of The Troubles and their impact on Northern Ireland’s history and society. It was also apparent that James is VERY well-connected in Belfast as it seemed that every second person who passed by our tour group knew him, which was a charming validation that we were in the hands of an authentic local expert on the city and its history. Very worthwhile experience.
This was an exceptional tour. Our guide James was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and entertaining. He downloaded a great deal of detailed historical information in an easy to follow manner. Upon finishing the tour we felt that we had a much greater understanding of The Troubles and their impact on Northern Ireland’s history and society. It was also apparent that James is VERY well-connected in Belfast as it seemed that every second person who passed by our tour group knew him, which was a charming validation that we were in the hands of an authentic local expert on the city and its history. Very worthwhile experience.
James was a great guide and with a degree in History from the local university he knew his stuff. He spoke at the right pace to ensure he could be understood and the messages/information he conveyed with clear
James was friendly, funny and engaging throughout the tour, his knowledge of the subject was impressive which made the whole experience enjoyable
Absolute wonderful experience with our guide James. Very knowledgeable and a great storyteller. I highly recommend this tour if you want to get to know the places where some of the major bombings happened and when you want to get a neutral perspective on the Troubles.
This was the best guided tour I have ever been on. Mylie was knowledgeable, responsive, empathetic and humorous when appropriate. She set out her stall to be impartial, and was impressively so. I learned a massive amount.
Mylie was one of the greatest tour guides i had the opportunity to hear, she deeply knows the history (1st time having a tour guide with so much knowledge and academic credentials), but what i loved the most is how she humanized everything. Telling history is hard, telling living history as she did, is quite impressive and an art.
This was a truly wonderful walking tour. Mylie was an exceptional guide - knowledgeable, thought provoking and informative. She kept us totally captivated for the entire tour. The headphones are brilliant in a busy city tour.
What an enlightening, fascinating tour with Roisin! The time flew by as we walked, stopping quite often to consider the personal impact of people's lives during the not-so-long ago time of troubles and how the city is moving forward. The book of photos helped bring the stories to life, and naming and telling the stories of many of the victims on both sides was especially touching. This tour has really stuck with us, even three weeks later.
A very high quality visit led by a very knowledgeable guide. It was obvious that she had done considerable research as preparation. We both felt that we learned a great deal about Belfast and its problems, known euphemistically as The Troubles. The way in which she linked these few years into a much deeper understanding of the history of Ireland and the influence of the English/British in the Island was important. She also finished in a very positive way by looking to the future.
A fantastic tour, I would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn more about the troubles, from a political, religious and civilian impact this was a really informative and interesting tour. Mylie was our tour guide and was a very knowledgeable engaging guide.
Mylie was our guide and she was absolutely superb. Her knowledge was amazing, but more than that her empathy brought the reality and impact of the Troubles to the fore. The accounts Mylie relayed became more than times, dates, and names, the importance of remembering and accounting for those lost was apparent. I thoroughly recommend DC Tours.
Superb! Easy to book with. Met Anne our guide easily. Anne - superb! Kind, funny, extremely knowledgeable (like a good history lesson), really knows her way round Belfast, clearly very popular as lots of locals said hello to her. Gave us a balanced view of the conflict. Now have a better understanding of why it all occurred. Bit cold on the day but she kept it interesting so we forget the weather. Going to bring some English pals to do the same tour. Would love Anne to take us around again. Belfast is a very interesting city. Very different from the one I was in 40 years ago. Now vibrant, great pubs and restaurants, music everywhere - like an optimism which is infectious. Best - the people make it - they are kind, chatty and funny. Thank you Anne, DC, Belfast - until the next time.
Great walking tour on a rainy cold day, Anne was a great guide, really balanced and really interesting background to the troubles. Well worth it. She also gave some great recommendations for places to go while here.
Jim was the best guide. So informative and he shared his experience (without showing any political views) Showed us how far Belfast has changed, the horror stories but the history that led to the terrible war. Loved this tour and would highly recommend
A really good insight to the story of the troubles in Belfast. Our guide was very well informed, and tackled this difficult subject with a completely objective view giving a good balance of how things were. The 2.5 hours was more than sufficient and in my opinion enough time to cover the subject and to walk. There were about 14 of us on this tour and with the ear piece provided to everybody it made it really easy to hear everything that was said and for questions to be answered. I would really recommend this tour.
Excellent. Very knowledgeable and impartial guide sharing some very intimate stories of loss and hope. Mylie was our guide.
Very good historic walking tour. Our tour guide was extremely well qualified for the topic as she had a PhD in history of the area. The tour covered the central area of Belfast where you do not find any historic markers indicating what happened there 50 years ago and she explained the reasons for that. Highly recommend this tour.
I took The Troubles tour, and our guide Mylie was not only extremely personable but extremely knowledgeable as well. Great value for a great experience.
A fantastic tour. Really knowledgable guide. We did e tours - s walking tour in City Centre and a cab tour of murals, including dropping off for a free prison visit. Had not realised until day before thsg prison access included in tour. Also guide kindly allowed me to stop at monastery. Incredible value for money both tours.
Excellent walking tour. Myle was very informative. Would highly recommend. Was carried out at a good pace and no issues with stops. Head pieces helped.
James did a fantastic job. He’s by far the best tour guide I’ve had in a long time. His knowledge of Belfast history is just impressive. He makes time fly by! Appreciated the fact that this tour of sensitive recent history is not biased at all. Great tour, will do it again when I come back!
Really enjoyed this tour, James was excellent. Very informative & balanced, covering a sweep of history that gave context to the content. Useful insiders’ guide to local refreshment venues.
I had wanted to do a ‘Troubles’ tour on my short visit to Belfast and I’m so glad I chose DC Tours. James was a knowledgeable and engaging tour guide who handled at times difficult and sensitive topics in a very appropriate way. He was open to questions and comments and I would highly recommend him and DC Tours to anyone who visits Belfast and is looking for this sort of experience. 👍👍
James was our tour guide, and he was fantastic! He was incredibly knowledgeable, unbiased in his presentation, and answered every question with ease. He provided additional background information that brought everything to life and added so much clarity. He was witty, charming, and absolutely delightful. We would have loved to buy him a Guinness at the end of our tour! One of my favorite parts of the experience was seeing the locals pass by and greet James with the warmth and camaraderie of a long-lost, trusted friend. It was clear that he was well known and genuinely loved in Belfast. More than one person told us we had the best tour guide in Belfast, and we couldn’t agree more! If you’re fortunate enough to have James as your guide, you won the lottery!
Our guide was Anne. Anne was a very nice person, she would not tell us her religion as she wished te tour to be un biased. I also did not tell Anne that I was ann ex soldier who served two tours of Ireland in the 1970s as I did not want it to effect her tour. I found her tour to be very informative and fair and the a very good history lesson. I would highly recommend Ann as she was very jovial but at the same time seriously informative. I did approach Ann at the end and told her I had served in Belfast. She was very nice and thanked me for my services. I couldn't tell what religion she was.
A fantastic tour that I would highly recommend. Our tour guide, Anne, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared her own experiences to provide a personal insight into Belfast’s history. A really engaging experience that offers a deeper understanding of the city’s history. Well worth doing if you are visiting Belfast.
Anne was an amazing guide who gave a balanced view of the troubles was in depth personal experiences shared with a touch of humour to A+
I was not born in Northern Ireland but I have lived in Belfast for over 30yrs. I consider it my home town and I thought I knew a reasonable amount about its history. Anne, our guide blew me away with her knowledge and passion for her city and it’s difficult past. She delivered the facts in with no bias and with a warm and compassion for lives lost and changed. A really engaging Sunday morning and the autumn sun shone for us too!
Thought this was truly remarkable and wonderful experience - our guide Anne was deeply knowledgeable not least from her own experience, warm, funny and generous - this isn’t really a sightseeing tour - it’s an account of the Troubles to the backdrop of the city centre - I do think maybe it should be renamed something like the Tour of Terror and Hope - that reflects the ethos of the tour and would be in keeping with its inspiring message - one eye to the past and one to the future - thank you Anne
Roisin was a superb guide- really informative and she talked with great sensitivity about difficult and traumatic events. She was so easy to listen to that the time on the tour flew by - despite the cold windy weather! Would highly recommend.
We had a fantastic tour with Chris during a weekend trip to Belfast. He was exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging, providing excellent insights into the recent history of the Troubles in a clear and balanced way. Chris also pointed out several other attractions and places worth visiting around the city, which really enhanced our experience. His enthusiasm and local knowledge made the tour both informative and enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Belfast
Guide Anne was born and grew up in Belfast and lived the period of ‘The Troubles’. Her world view was moulded by her experiences yet there were no clues as to which side of the fence her family occupied as Anne’s excellent narrative of the events of the time was factual without embellishment or opinion. The tour visited the sites of various key events and the commentary was delivered using a quality earpiece that made it easy to follow and understand. This tour delves deep into some of the major events that occurred in the UK within our time. If you are interested in how we got to where we are now in Ulster, this is unmissable and when delivered by Anne, from someone who has very deep personal knowledge.
This was an amazing tour. Mylie was extremely knowledgeable and detailed in her sharing of history!
Great walking tour, Mylie was so knowledgeable and enjoyable to listen to, she was friendly and kept us totally engaged. Highly recommend DC tours
Excellent tour, very informative and interesting! 2 and a half hour leisurely walk around Belfasts troubled past. The guide Mylie knew her stuff. Highly recommended 👌
Incredible, Mylie was exceptional and her knowledge second to none. Truly worth it.
Excellent tour with Mylie who has a PhD in Irish history. Well presented and clear with humanizing stories of some of the victims. I thought I had a good understanding of the troubles but I learned so much more. I would do the tour again!
Jim was a great guide. Great value. Very informative. Important history. Highly recommended.
James was a font of knowledge and it’s a great orientation on the history, culture and geography of the city.
A shout out to our guide Mylie. A really interesting tour. She was very knowledgeable on what is a really complicated and contested topic - the Troubles. Thoroughly enjoyable, very detailed and she showed us Belfast from the eyes of a local. Highly recommend
James was a great guide… Funny, and very knowledgable of the history. The tour was an easy walk and the group size wasn’t too big. We would recommend this tour.
Mylie was very knowledgeable and interesting and we really enjoyed the walking tour.
This tour was absolutely class. Tom was the most knowledgeable guide we have ever been with and we have been on a few! He told the history of The Troubles very clearly concisely, even handedly and sensitively. The details , names ,dates and explanations were amazing. Fantastic two and a half hours. Highly recommended
Miley was amazing! Very knowledgeable and we learned so much. Highly recommend!
Mylie provided an excellent tour, rich in history, anecdotes and very informative. Really recommend.
100% recommend the tour led by Mylie. Brilliant explanation and did not zone out once! (That’s pretty big for an ADHDer IYKYK)
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