A journey through divided communities and shared complex history
Discover Belfast’s tumultuous past on our “Belfast’s Troubles Unveiled” walking tour. Explore the Troubles from two opposing west Belfast communities’ unique perspectives.
Over three decades, these neighbourhoods were deeply affected by violence and strife. Journey through distinct areas: one staunchly Protestant, the other Catholic. Despite their proximity, they were worlds apart during the Troubles, with most residents leading segregated lives separated by a 30-foot-high peace wall.
Gain insight by interpreting murals, memorials, and plaques revealing each community’s perspective. Unbiased, we explore both sides and trace the conflict’s roots back 500 years to the English and Scottish colonisation in the ‘Plantation of Ireland.’
Learn how the Troubles ended in 1998 with the Good Friday Agreement, leading to the start of peace and reconciliation. Discover stories of those involved and their impact on the city. Presented neutrally, this tour offers an introduction to Belfast’s history.
As you journey through these areas, you’ll gain insight into the Troubles by interpreting the murals, memorials, and plaques that tell the gripping narrative of each community’s perspective during this period of civil conflict. Our aim is to provide an unbiased account of the Troubles, delving into the experiences of both sides and tracing the conflict’s roots in the region’s complex history, dating back 500 years to the English and Scottish colonisation during the so-called ‘Plantation of Ireland’ in the later sixteenth century.
Learn how the Troubles ultimately came to an end in 1998 with the historic Good Friday Agreement, setting Northern Ireland on the path to peace and reconciliation. Discover the stories of the people who were directly involved in the conflict, their roles, and the profound impact of their actions on the city and its residents. We present all of this from an entirely neutral, civilian perspective, offering a balanced and comprehensive understanding of this troubled period in Belfast’s history.
Our tour also sheds light on the remarkable progress Belfast has made since the ceasefires and the Peace Process, showcasing the city’s transformation towards a brighter and more peaceful future. Whether you’re well-versed in the city’s complex history or just beginning to explore it, this tour is suitable for anyone visiting Belfast. Join us on this enlightening journey through Belfast’s troubled past, its compelling narratives, and its path toward reconciliation and healing.
Itinerary
The tour begins at Belfast City Hall, the iconic heart of municipal government. It starts with an overview of the politics, terminology, and context of the Troubles, beginning with the story of Protestant King William III, who visited Belfast in 1690 on his way to confront his Catholic father-in-law, King James II, starting a long history of controversy and conflict on the island of Ireland.
The tour then moves on to the Shankill area in west Belfast, whose residents are largely Protestant, support the union of Northern Ireland with Great Britain, and regard themselves as British. You will then see and pass through the famous peace wall, a separation barrier built by the British Army in 1969, to try and prevent inter-communal violence.
Transitioning into the Falls Catholic neighbourhood, you’ll find a different approach to remembering the Troubles. The residents here would regard themselves as largely Irish, with many wanting Northern Ireland to be part of the Republic of Ireland. The tour then concludes at City Hall, placing you in the heart of Belfast for further shopping, eating, or drinking.
DETAILS
START: The tour is 2.5 hours. Exact times will be arranged in advance.
LANGUAGE: All tours are delivered in English.
MEET: Under the statute of Queen Victoria at Belfast City Hall, Belfast, BT1 5GS (or the main gates near Queen Victoria if the City Hall is closed. This is at the junction of Donegall Place and Donegall Square). This is the location the tour will also finish.
END: Under the statute of Queen Victoria at Belfast City Hall, Belfast, BT1 5GS.
COST: 25.00 GBP per adult (16 and over); minimum group is 5 adults, maximum is 15.
INCLUDED: tour guide.
EXCLUDED: refreshments/transport.