History is not confined to textbooks. It is written into street layouts, townland names, graveyards, old industries and the lives of people who shaped the places we know today. At Dr Tom’s Tours, I deliver lively, accessible local history talks for community groups, local history societies, U3A branches, libraries and care homes.
My talks are designed for general audiences: clear, well paced and full of stories that bring the past to life. Sessions typically run 45–60 minutes plus Q&A, but can be adapted to suit your programme, attention spans and venue needs. Whether you want an illustrated talk for a larger audience or an informal session for a smaller group, I can tailor the format and content.
What I offer
- Well researched talks grounded in local and social history
- Engaging and accessible delivery for mixed audiences
- Flexible duration and format (including Q&A)
- Customisable topics, including talks built around your town, neighbourhood or organisation
- Ideal for history groups, community events, care settings and lifelong learning
Examples of talk topics
A selection of recent and popular themes includes:
- Public health in Victorian and Edwardian Belfast
- Crime and punishment in 19th-century Belfast
- The world of work and the industrial revolution in Belfast
- Leisure, pastimes and everyday life in Belfast, 1798–1914
- The rise of the labour movement in Belfast
- Belfast and slavery including abolitionism and the visit of Frederick Douglass
- The Belfast Blitz
- Belfast cemeteries and remembrance including Balmoral and City Cemetery
- Irish soldiers in the Great War and life in the trenches
- Difficult women of Belfast and other hidden histories
Booking and availability
To enquire about fees and dates, please use the Contact page on Contact or email contact@drtomstours.com.
Updated: 21 January 2026