About Activity
Troubles Tour: Walls and Bridges is one part walking tour, one part street theatre and 100% astounding. It entertains, engages and informs using original songs and lived experience to help you understand the day to day realities of the Troubles.
The tour brings history to life but not in chronological order — instead it builds an immersive picture of a city, its people and its conflicts through a powerful mix of education, storytelling and theatrics.
Participants will visit political murals on both sides of the divide, pass through heavily fortified security gates and stand at the Peace Walls. Along the way, an original song captures the turbulent reality of the times in a way that no history book can.
This tour goes beyond history. It reveals the culture, the humanity and the hidden stories that shaped this city — and the remarkable people who built bridges when others were building walls.
Ideal for anyone interested in history, culture and politics — and unforgettable for everyone.
Includes
- Personalised recommendations from your guide
- Local guide
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Visits to key areas including political mural sites, Peace Walls, Cathedral Quarter
Excludes
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal expenses
Departure Point
- The Meeting Point is on Donegall Square North, on the pavement outside the grounds of Belfast City Hall. Across the road is the main shopping avenue. Look for a large green and white umbrella. Please come 10 minutes before the start of your tour so I can distribute Listening sets.
Return
- At the First Presbyterian Church - within sight of Belfast City Hall
Stop At: Belfast City Hall We begin at Belfast City Hall — one of the most magnificent civic buildings in these islands. Built at the height of Belfast's industrial power and opened in 1906, it is a statement in stone of a city that was once among the wealthiest and most productive on earth. Belfast built the ships, linen and ropes that supplied the world — and City Hall reflects that confidence and ambition.
Walking along the front of the gardens we pause at the statue of Mary Ann McCracken — radical Presbyterian, abolitionist and humanitarian. She represents a hidden radical tradition at the heart of Belfast's story that will resurface at the very end of our tour.
From here we walk from opulence and civic grandeur into the heart of West Belfast's working class communities. That journey — from wealth to deprivation, from the centre of power to the margins — is not accidental. Class and economics are central to understanding the Troubles.
Stop At: Donegall Place Crossing to the Linen Hall Library — officially The Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge, founded 1788 — we encounter another product of Belfast's radical enlightenment tradition. A city that was thinking, debating and organising at the very moment revolution was reshaping the western world.
We move into Donegall Place and pause. All is not as it seems here. Look carefully and you will find echoes of a past that the city has quietly absorbed into its everyday surface. Streets that once felt very different. A city centre that bore the marks of a conflict that many would prefer to forget.
Your guide will help you see what others walk past without noticing — the traces of division that remain hidden in plain sight, written not in stone or bronze but in the ordinary fabric of the street itself.
In this city, it is rarely what you see that tells the real story. It is what you don't.
Stop At: Spirit Of Belfast The Spirit of Belfast sculpture stands at the heart of the city centre on Cornmarket — a striking and deliberately ambiguous piece of public art that invites interpretation. Known locally by rather more colourful nicknames, it sits at the junction of one of Belfast's busiest shopping areas, surrounded by the ordinary rhythm of daily city life.
But your guide will ask you to look beyond the sculpture itself to what surrounds it — because this unremarkable corner of the city centre holds a story that Belfast has never fully acknowledged. Adjacent to where you are standing, something happened that deserves to be remembered. That it has not been — and why — is a question your guide will answer here.
Sometimes the most significant places are hiding in plain sight."
Stop At: Madden & Finucane On the surface, the offices of Finucane Solicitors on Castle Street appear unremarkable — a modest, nondescript building on an ordinary urban street. But appearances can be deceptive, and this is precisely the point.
The name Finucane is central to one of the most disturbing and unresolved chapters of the Troubles — the issue of collusion between loyalist paramilitaries and the British state. It is a story that challenges comfortable narratives about the conflict and raises profound questions about justice, accountability and truth that remain unanswered to this day.
Your guide will explain the full significance of this building and why it matters — not just to Belfast but to our understanding of what the Troubles really were and how they were conducted.
It's a very ordinary office until it's not.
Stop At: Divis Approaching Divis, we encounter the first mural of the tour — a powerful statement of Irish identity in a community that was deliberately stigmatised and marginalised during the Troubles.
The mural depicts Gaelic sports, boxing and an Irish dancer — cultural symbols that represented defiance and pride at a time when that identity was under profound pressure. A reminder that the Troubles were not simply a political conflict but a battle over identity, culture and the right to exist on your own terms.
Towering above is Divis Tower — used as a military lookout post during the conflict, its upper floors occupied by the British Army for decades. For the community below, it was a constant reminder of the realities of living through the Troubles.
This area carries deep trauma — one such case being featured in the acclaimed Netflix series, 'Say Nothing'.
Stop At: International Mural Wall Divis Street The International Wall on the Falls Road is one of the most remarkable open air galleries in the world. Originally used by Irish Republicans as a political billboard to counter mainstream media narratives, it was designed to destigmatise and decriminalise the armed struggle — connecting Belfast's conflict to injustices across the globe.
The murals change constantly, reflecting local, national and international events and causes. No two visits are ever quite the same.
The wall represents a tradition of visual storytelling that goes to the heart of what the Troubles were about — the battle for narrative, identity and truth. Standing before it, you begin to understand not just what people were fighting for, but how they fought to be heard.
Your guide will help you read between the lines — exploring not just what is depicted, but what is deliberately left out. Sometimes what is absent tells you as much as what is there
Stop At: Passing through large, bolted security gates — effectively a border between Irish and British communities — you enter the Shankill Road, the heartland of loyalist, British-Protestant Belfast.
Here, powerful murals tell an entirely different story of identity, loyalty and loss. Depicted across the walls are defining moments of the loyalist tradition — the Battle of the Somme, the signing of the Ulster Covenant, and the Twelfth of July celebrations. The murals also reference the Bayardo Bar atrocity and loyalist paramilitary organisations — a reminder that this community experienced its own profound tragedy and conflict.
This is not a tourist trail. It is a living, breathing community with a story that deserves to be heard.
Stop At: Peace Wall These Walls divide the two communities in Belfast. They are approximately 16 metres high topped with mesh to stop petrol bombs. There is plenty of time to photograph and examine the Walls with detailed explanations provided.
Stop At: Bobby Sands Mural Leaving the Peace Walls, we pass back through new, imposing security gates — another no man's land — returning to the Falls Road. Your guide will explain the story behind their recent construction — a detail that tells you everything about where Belfast truly stands today.
Your guide will point out two landmarks that encapsulate the republican experience — the Republican Memorial Garden and the world famous Bobby Sands mural on Sinn Féin's headquarters. Time does not permit a full visit but context will be provided as we pass.
As we make our way back toward the city, the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes dominate the skyline — a reminder of a time when Belfast was among the most productive cities on earth.
The return journey is as rich as the outward one — economic forces, fractured communities and the bridges quietly built across the divide in boxing gyms, music venues and the unexpected common ground of punk rock.
Stop At: Hope Chapel Lane Back in Belfast City Centre, we pause at St Mary's Church on Chapel Lane — the oldest Catholic Church in Belfast, dating from 1784 and tucked away on a narrow lane just steps from the busy city centre streets.
Modest and easily overlooked, St Mary's rewards those who look closely. Like so much in Belfast, the surface tells only part of the story. Behind its quiet exterior lies a history that connects directly to the radical tradition you have encountered throughout the tour — and one that has remarkable and surprising links to the First Presbyterian Church on Rosemary Street where our tour concludes.
A connection that fundamentally challenges the standard narrative of division in this city — and that has been hiding in plain sight for over two centuries.
Stop At: Albert Memorial Clock Tower From High Street we can view Belfast's own leaning tower — the Albert Clock, standing 113 feet tall with a noticeable lean of 4 feet from the perpendicular.
But this is more than a quirky landmark. The Albert Clock stands on the exact spot where the original crossing point of the River Farset established the town of Belfast itself. Where the clock stands, the city began.
Look closely and you will spot the statue of Prince Albert at its summit — a reminder of the Victorian confidence and imperial pride that built this city. Film enthusiasts may recognise it from the iconic film noir Odd Man Out, starring James Mason, which captured Belfast at one of the most turbulent moments in its history.
Stop At: The Belfast Entries Belfast's Entries are narrow historic passageways threading through the city centre — hidden in plain sight, invisible to those who don't know where to look. We meander through them past the sites of revolution, intrigue and rebellion that shaped this city and its radical tradition. And yes, some rather fine pubs too.
Stop At: Frederick Douglass Statue On Lombard Street stands a statue of Frederick Douglass — one of the most remarkable figures in the history of human rights. Born into slavery, Douglass escaped to become one of the most powerful orators, authors and abolitionists of the 19th century, and his connection to Belfast is profound and personal.
Few visitors to Belfast are aware of that connection — or of the extraordinary story that links Douglass directly to the First Presbyterian Church on Rosemary Street where our tour concludes. It is a story that will surprise you and that speaks to a Belfast very different from the one defined by division and conflict.
His image appears earlier on the International Wall on the Falls Road — one of the murals you will have passed at the beginning of the tour. Standing before this statue near the end of your walk, that earlier image takes on a deeper and more remarkable significance.
Your guide will connect the threads.
Stop At: From the outside, First Presbyterian Church on Rosemary Street gives little away — a modest facade on a narrow city centre street. Step inside and you are transported back to 1783, into one of the most beautiful and unexpected interiors in Ireland — a magnificent elliptical space that once moved John Wesley to marvel from its pulpit.
But this is far more than a beautiful building. Everything you have encountered today — Mary Ann McCracken, Frederick Douglass, St Mary's Church, the radical tradition that runs as a hidden thread through Belfast's story — leads here. A congregation that made tremendous stands for civil and religious freedoms at a time when doing so carried real risk.
This is a Belfast that contradicts every standard narrative of division. A hidden history that points toward a better future.
There is plenty of time to explore and photograph. A wonderful conclusion, five minutes from where we began.
Public transportation options are available nearby Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness Adult, graphic content - not suitable for children under 14 High level of English required Operated by Experience Belfast For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
Excellent Troubles tourThomas_R
This tour is a great way to learn about the Troubles that contributed to the history of Belfast. Tour guide Arthur gave explanations of the causes and results of the violence and told stories of his own experiences growing up in Belfast during that time. I liked this walking tour because it is the best way to examine and read the many posters, billboards and messages on the Peace Wall and learn about the neighborhoods.
Arthur was excellent. Very informative. Enjoyed the tour
Great tourmatthewmI8202MW
A great day and thought provoking
Interesting tour with knowledgeable guideM7397CGestherr
Very interesting Tour with knowledgeable guide. Talk wasn't dumbed down or simplified. Arthur, the tour guide, grew up during the Troubles and is extremely passionate about sharing his stories which makes the tour recommendable.
Very informative and balanced tourladydanger
Excellent tour! Arthur was a terrific guide. Very passionate and knowledge, and had enough charm to make the tour quite fun despite the very heavy and grim subject matter. I learned a lot today and it’s been the highlight of my time in Belfast.
Heavy but highly enjoyable tour dgaretson
Oct 25, 2026, 10:17:10 AM Just got off the tour. The subject matter was very grim and sad, but the guide was lovely and made it a very enjoyable 3 hours even though it was an incredibly windy, chilly and sometimes rainy morning. A taxi cab tour may have been easier to do on a morning like this, but I’m glad I chose the walking tour as walking the streets and hearing the stories felt more real than I think they would have if I was driving past.
Highly recommend, may end up being the highlight of my time in Belfast. Highly recommend!
Great walking tourP3205AYhelent
Oct 20, 2026, 10:50:52 AM A welcoming and informative tour led by Arthur. We really enjoyed it. The 3-hour tour was filled with interesting local history and sights. This was recommended to us and we’d highly recommend too!
Fascinating tour, great guideC5799QUemilym
Oct 19, 2026, 12:41:49 PM This tour was honestly the highlight of my trip! Arthur was a wonderful guide -- he was well-versed in the fascinating and difficult history of the Troubles, incorporated his own personal stories of growing up during that time, and pulled us as visitors into the experience by connecting these issues to the present day and our home countries. He had a great sense of humor but balanced that with the weight of all that happened during the Troubles. There is no whitewashing, no avoidance of any topic; Arthur tells you exactly what he thinks. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in seeing all the important sites (which are scattered and somewhat hidden throughout the city, so I wouldn't have even noticed most of them on my own) and hearing an upfront, honest perspective of the Troubles. Thank you Arthur for a great tour!!
Understand the troubles in Belfast in the past and now.U1750RNkevinf
It unpacked the mystery of the differences between Catholic and Protestant in NI, with humour.
Crucial ExperiencevirginiadP505BA
Oct 17, 2026, 11:24:34 AM This was a powerful and moving tour. I could not recommend it more for anyone interested in history and human behavior. It was truthful—both devastating and inspiring.
This walking tour is a must if you’re visiting BelfastB9062QKranaa
Amazing tour - so informative and Steve was a great guide. Thank you so much!
Really interestingM7613ZGrs
Steve’s phenomenally detailed historical recount of the city’s past 800 years allowed him to tell a story from both sides. Super fascinating!
A Must-Do Belfast ExperiencemayacX6450HH
We greatly enjoyed this informative, moving, and authentic tour experience! Steve is an engaging guide with tons of knowledge and passion about the past and present of Belfast and Northern Ireland. We learned so much within the time we had (which flew by!) Although the topic is often heavy and traumatic, we were left with an appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the people of Belfast and a sense of hope for the future :)
Belfast troublesmartincM7748QV
Oct 14, 2026, 11:21:54 AM This was one of the most interesting tours, led by Steve our tour guide. This was a totally neutral tour that was seen from both sides. Living in England we didn't get the full story. An amazing half day spent in the company of our fantastic guide, Steve. Thank you very much.
A Day in Belfast.U1521PFteresab
Steve was very informative, giving us a more open perspective of the troubles
An asset to your company.
Trained historian’s feedbackJ3938HOstephenf
Steve managed to compress an unbelievably complicated, sprawling topic and still do it justice. The historiography of this subject and the place is so fraught, unagreed, contradictory and messy - I don’t envy him! Fair play for a brilliant time limited effort. Highly recommend and will be recommending to friends and family coming to Belfast. Nothing beats walking around a place, feeling it, and seeing it with your own eyes.
A compelling insight into the troublesmcfc1964
This tour is an absolute must when visiting Belfast .
Steve’s knowledge of the troubles is bordering on encyclopaedic and delivered in such a way that you can’t wait to hear the next chapter of this compelling history of Belfast .
Despite the awful weather we were thoroughly captivated and learnt so much along the way.
An excellent tour.
A phenomenal tourP9059BPbeths
Steve delivered a very insightful and thoughtful history of the troubles in Belfast, from the very origins of the conflict to the current day. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the area and was able to answer any questions the group had. He also provided a list of books and other resources that he referenced throughout the tour for us to find out more. We would highly recommend for anyone visiting Belfast.
Steve was very knowledgeable and educated me about the history of the troubles. His obvious love for his country and hope for its future was inspiring. Thanks so much Steve.
Belfast Troubles TourG6717DXmarcuss
Steve was an exceptional tour guide, his knowledge and delivery was second to none as he gave us a run through from 800 years up until present day! Plus followed up with a book and film list if you wanted to know more! I'd highly recommend!
Best tour in townemmafB8153ZS
Arthur was sincere, very articulate, funny and told us extra things we’d never know on a more traditional tour . He was thoughtful and involved everyone I’d recommend him 100 per cent and I loved his music knowledge and personal experience. Thanks Arthur you’re a gem !
Belfast Troubles Walking TourvickibY9783AX
Great tour with Arthur who was both knowledgeable and entertaining. He gave a really in depth, unbiased and realistic view of the ‘troubles’. Left us with hope and optimism for the future of the country. Tour was over 3 hours and never felt rushed. Did not constantly walk for 3 hours and did have a short comfort break. Everyone on tour was respectful of each other and of the locals as we walked the route. Highly recommend this tour.
Great tour to take in BelfastZ9915YOjohnl
The Walls and Bridges tour was excellent - very informative and educational. Steve was our tour guide. He spoke well and was very knowledgeable about the events and the area, including first-hand impressions and experience of one who grew up in Belfast during the troubles. I highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to understand the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland. Steve fittingly ended the tour on a promising note, so here's to continued prosperity in Belfast!
Belfast stories--both expected and unexpectedV4425HUannah
The Experience Belfast Troubles tour provides a thorough overview of the various factors (political, religious and socio-economic) involved in the development, progression, and implementation of control measures of the situation. The effects on the populations involved are presented in vivid detail. Some of the control measures are still in place, both overtly and in more subtle manners.
The murals are stunning to view an experience enhanced with an explanatory guide.
Arthur lived through the Troubles, and that's not the most interesting part of his life. He displayed a genuine interest in his guests, and a great lunch and sightseeing recommendations were made. Definitely a worthwhile tour, even if we had to rush to meet the group from the Dublin train.
Superb tourN5510OZandrewk
A truly excellent tour - Steve was so knowledgeable and although it was a sobering experience listening to the horrors of ‘The Troubles’ he did so with a sense of humour. A must do in Belfast!
Immersive IntensityC138UPpaulg
This was a fascinating and informative tour, encompassing many of the key historical and political locations within the city. Arthur was an excellent guide, well-informed and personable. I particularly enjoyed his sharing of personal experience and analysis of past events and the current situation. The three-and-a-half hours flew by and were excellent value for money.
Fantastic experience Hannah_W
So great. I’m going to contact Arthur after this to learn more! He was so interesting and balanced in his tales
Brilliant tour, so informative and dry sense of humour was brilliant. World 100% recommend. If your visiting Belfast definitely go
Knowledgeable and insightfulZ2110YRchrisw
Would thoroughly recommend this walking tour. Steven was a knowledgeable and insightful guide who taught me more about Irish history and the Troubles than I ever learned at school. A great way to spend the best part of 3 hours on a sunny October day. Thank you!
Very sobering, very informative.GrandTour52599331912
Very sobering but very informative. Steven did an excellent job describing not only the horrific things that happened, but also how the mindset on both sides basically contributed to the Troubles lasting as long as they did. Anyone interested in learning about the Troubles should not miss this tour.
Excellent, informative and insightful tour about such recent events, delivered in a balanced and engaging tone.
I would highly recommend to all ages.
Amazing guided tour31lotte
The guide was amazing. He had so much knowledge and was a very pleasant talker. It really helped me understand the history of the city.
Complete story.andrewpT635FL
Absolutely enlightening, great tour.
Really interesting tour with a lovely guide - thank you Steve!
Brilliant & comprehensive tour of Belfast914richiem
Sep 30, 2026, 12:32:46 PM Arthur was a fantastic guide. Right from the beginning he had us laughing and had 'broken the ice' amongst the group of 9 that us two were doing the tour with.
The variety was the initial reason we chose the tour, it gave great historic detail early on regarding the growth of the city. As we moved towards the Falls he even seemed to have the locals dancing to his tune, interacting with them to humorous effect, and always adding layers of information that an Irish person like myself wouldn't have even known that they didn't know!
He gave further brilliant insights on the Shankill part of the tour and as we walked back towards the City Centre for the final part, he tied it all in brilliantly and left me, a cold sort, genuinely emotional at the end.
Without ever looking to downplay the seriousness of much of the subject matter of the tour, he brought great wit and levity to proceedings. Interactive doesn't even begin to cover it!
We had a few highly inquisitive people in our tour and as a result of this it went very long over the allotted three hours. He gave food recommendations at the end and gave the impression that he had as much time as we wanted, even engaging some on our tour in an impromptu debate on the politics of other nations!
I couldn't recommend this tour highly enough, great thanks to Arthur.
Fantastic experiencedanni_atkins
Steve was very friendly and knowledgeable and although the subject matter was harrowing, we enjoyed the tour immensely. Steve gave a very nuanced and balanced view of the events and talked them through with the respect they deserved, sticking to facts and the opinions of all sides who were affected by the troubles. He answered our questions and was conscious of our safety when walking through busy roads. He even provided us with a list of further resources to read and research after the tour which we were grateful for. I would highly recommend the tour and indeed visiting Belfast as it’s an incredible place with important history.
A must do tour!AlisonD13836
Excellent tour—very well-balanced, informative, and engaging. Arthur was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing plenty of factual information along with a personal touch too. The pace was perfect, with plenty of time at each stop without ever feeling rushed. This is definitely a must-do tour, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in discovering the city and learning more about its history.
Don't Miss This!patricialZ1002PD
If you have time for only one experience in Belfast, this is the one to have. Our guide, Arthur, was knowledgeable, personable, and shared stories of the Troubles in a careful, honest, nuanced way. One of the best curated tours we've ever taken.
This tour delivers...Paul_S
This tour delivers insight with its sightseeing, great for anyone who travels to broaden their understanding of this complex world. Arthur’s impassioned delivery and well-informed opinions provide a perfect balance between Belfast history and personal experience.
The tour was an easy walk, very informative and balanced.karensD3533PV
We met our guide, Steve, at the meeting point and were instantly charmed by his friendly personality and genuine passion for his job. He was a really lovely bloke who spoke clearly and kept us all thoroughly engaged throughout the tour.
We saw many taxi tours stopping and continuing along the route, but personally, I felt our tour was much better. We were able to stop more frequently and easily to look at things along the way, giving us a real opportunity to take everything in. Steve also provided a holistic and balanced view of the troubles, helping us understand the different perspectives and experiences involved.
The exercise was good too! Steve kept a steady and comfortable pace and was very accommodating when it came to toilet breaks and stopping for drinks if anyone needed them.
The tour was an easy walk, very informative, interesting and well balanced. Steve was also easy to hear throughout the tour thanks to the headset provided.
I would definitely recommend this trip to others. A big thank you to Steve for making it such an enjoyable and informative experience!
Fantastic TourcindybN2149SM
Sep 22, 2026, 10:10:58 AM This tour was excellent. It was informative and our guide was so full of knowledge about everything. I would highly recommend the tour while in Belfast.
300 years of History in one morning - BrilliantClaudiaV9
I had an absolute amazing Tour with the luck of having Steve Malone as guide. The knowledge of the Irish history is beyond the best We could ask for. The speach, the stories, the stop, everything is really perfect. Will definetly recomendo a walking tour with him. In the end we do feel like we had 300 years of history in 2 hours and a half, totally booked on every word. Keep up with it Steve and thank you.
Claudia (Portugal)
Belfast Troubles Tour with Steve.colinb126
Amazing content and in-depth information. Something you wouldn’t get in a van or on a bus. We could stop and hear all the information through connected wireless ear pieces.
The best walking tour in BelfastNorthStar46577428667
Steven was a fantastic tour guide with a fountain of knowledge and lived experience. I’ve been on guided tours all around the world and this is probably the best for the detail, clarity, and delivery.
Amazing!! Very intriguing and informative.
Amazing, though provoking.E1252SZcharlottem
Such a brilliant tour, so thought provoking and informative whilst also have a respectful level of humour and laughs with Arthur.
All the person touches and stories really made the tour for us and it is something I will never forget. As someone with Irish family there was so much information I did not know, a tour that is a absolute must do if you visit Belfast xx
Learn about the troubles and the murals from a localKarenC51261
Arthur was very knowledgeable and provided a balanced perspective to the troubles of Belfast. He also had a wonderful sense of humour. A must do!
A credible insight into the troubles.Pennysnave
Sep 20, 2026, 10:28:27 AM What an amazing insight into Belfasts History. We were was transfixed! So much information, peppered with anecdotes and experiences of our guide Steve. His knowledge was astounding, it was especially interesting to explore both sides of the conflict.
Came away buzzing, feeling very moved and with the need for a sit down to digest all that we'd experienced. Thank you.
An experience not to be missed927seang
Essential if you want to know why Ireland is still a divided country. Asolutely riveting and eye-opening tour of the history of the troubles in Belfast.
Our guide Steve went above and beyond in thoroughly explaining the past, present and future of Northern Ireland. By physically waliking in the areas occupied by the divided communities, it makes the experience up close and personal in a very vivid way. While not shying away from describing the violence of the troubles, the tour also offers a glimpse of a brighter future for the people of both communities who have suffered so much over the centuries.Highly recommended
It is a long walk. Full...Noel_S
It is a long walk. Full of dialogue which is necessary for those needing Irish history to understand The Troubles.
