Welcome to Belfast: Private Half-Day Introductory Walking Tour

This half-day tour is a great way to discover beautiful Belfast, the largest city and capital of Northern Ireland. In the company of a knowledgeable local guide, you will learn about its complex political past, admire its historic buildings and enjoy its vibrant contemporary culture, giving you a feel for its unique energy and how it has transformed in recent years, captivating visitors from all around the world.

On your private tour, you will:

• Discover Belfast City's highlights, such as the City Hall and the historic Cathedral Quarter;
• See the Albert Memorial Clock - Belfast's very own 'leaning tower';
• Explore the surroundings of Victoria Square and climb up the dome to admire the view!;
• Visit St Anne's Cathedral, a pivotal place of Christian worship for over 100 years;
• 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;
• Find out about the moves towards peace and reconciliation as you discover a selection of the famous murals dotted around the city;
• Uncover the meaning behind the striking street art and other contemporary monuments signifying the city’s cultural evolution and vitality, and hope for a brighter future;
• End the tour outside one of Belfast's historic pubs, which you can visit for a pint after the tour!
  

Your tour will begin at Belfast City Hall, one of the most iconic and recognisable buildings in Northern Ireland. Located in Donegall Square at the heart of Belfast city centre, this magnificent Baroque Revival structure has been the seat of local government since its opening in 1906. You'll get acquainted with your local guide and admire its opulent architecture, stepping inside to view the interior of the Dome and modern stained glass windows, then wander over to the Titanic Memorial Garden, which commemorates the 1512 people who perished on that fated vessel, which was famously built in Belfast. From here, your guide will take you on a carefully curated selection of Belfast's most important landmarks.

You will visit Victoria Square, a modern architectural innovation where you can climb the distinctive glass dome to enjoy panoramic views over the city, and see the nearby 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. You'll wander charming pedestrian streets like Castle Lane before coming to the grand 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 some of the more turbulent parts of the city's history and what life was like during the period known as The Troubles. 

You will then make your way to the peaceful banks of the River Lagan, the river around which Belfast was built. You'll find out how the Lagan has had a crucial impact on the development of the city, with a natural harbour that eventually developed into one of the UK's major ports, as well as how the river was a driving force of Belfast's growth and prosperity during the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th Centuries. You'll pause by the Beacon of Hope, a moving piece of public art that champions the resilience and regeneration of the people and city of Belfast and find a wonderful sculpture by John Kindness, called the Big Fish. Inspired by the Irish myth of the Salmon of Knowledge, its 'scales' are made up of blue ceramic tiles depicting important events in Belfast's history. You'll soon understand how art has always been a powerful way to share the story of the city, and your guide can reveal the tradition of political murals that have adorned the city for decades.

Making your way back towards the city centre, you'll pass through the famous Duke of York pub and admire some of the more modern murals at Commercial Court, a testament to the city's thriving street art scene. Your tour will finish in the Cathedral Quarter, known for its cobbled streets, vibrant atmosphere, and artistic energy. You'll have the opportunity to step inside St. Anne's Cathedral, the impressive Romanesque church that gives the area its name, and find out how this district has transformed dramatically in recent years to become one of the city's most dynamic neighbourhoods. As your tour comes to an end, your guide can provide plenty of recommendations for things to do around the city, including the best local pubs to enjoy a pint or two after the tour if you wish. However you choose to spend the rest of the day, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of this fascinating city that is constantly evolving.

Please note: On weekends, St Anne's Cathedral operates with varying visitor hours. If the Cathedral is closed at the time of your tour, your guide will share its history and significance from the outside.