Belfast is a city of stories, fascinating characters, significant events and beautiful architecture. Step back in time, walk its historic
streets and see the sites with qualified, passionate local guides.
Walking tour
Get the ultimate Belfast experience on this sightseeing walking tour. This tour starts at Cotton Court in the heart of the historic Cathedral Quarter (opposite the Merchant Hotel) and finishes at the iconic Belfast City Hall.
This introduction tour is a great insight into the city’s historic past, vibrant present and exciting future. It showcases their favourite things to see and do in Belfast from their amazing architecture, awesome art, historic monuments and public realm. On route you will pass quirky museums (which document Belfast’s rich Whiskey, Music and Ulster Scots heritage), centuries old taverns as well as the more modern bars housed in converted whiskey warehouses.
Belfast City Hall is the ideal place to finish the tour, where you can enjoy lunch or coffee in the beautiful Bobbin Cafe before exploring the free, self-guided visitor exhibitions, the beautiful stained glass and opulent marble halls, which chart the history of the city from a quiet hamlet, to the vibrant, attractive city it is today, mapping the major political events along the way.
HIGHLIGHTS:
-Cotton Court (opposite the Merchant Hotel)
The tour starts at Cotton Court in Cathedral Quarter, the birthplace and historic heart of old Belfast and now the beating heart of the city’s arts & culture scene.
-Hill Street~Gordon Street
Stroll around these cobbled streets and take in the vibrant murals and poetic verses interspersed between the converted whiskey warehouses, now home to many lively bars and restaurants. Visit the most picturesque and photographed street in Ireland, with its floral wall displays and multi coloured neon umbrellas, beside one of the oldest taverns in Belfast. On this route we will pass 3 quirky, mini museums which celebrate Belfast’s rich musical and whiskey heritage as well as our Ulster/Scotch connections and migrations to North America.
-Queens Square~Donegall Quay
Visit the location where the settlement of Belfast (Béal Feirste) began and from where the city takes its name. Hear the story of the Albert Memorial Clock – Belfast’s very own leaning tower and one of our most recognisable landmarks. The “Big Fish” otherwise known as the ‘Salmon of Knowledge’ is one of the most visited new public art installations as is “The Beacon of Hope”, which celebrates peace and hope after years of civil conflict. Donegall Quay sits on ‘the Lagan’, the river which Belfast owes its existence to. Overlooking all are the famous cranes of Harland & Wolff – Samson & Goliath.
-Joys Entry~Cornmarket
These narrow passageways or ‘entries’ as the locals call them, are where Belfast began, they are forever linked with the social and economic growth of Belfast from the 17th century. Old taverns still trade from these locations and the names of the entries link to the prominent personalities of the day. On route we will visit one of the finest ornate Victorian warehouses in Europe.
-Donegall Place~City Hall
A final walk though the city’s main thoroughfare, with its historic buildings, constructed at the height of Belfast’s prosperity. Not just beautiful architecture but a story book of how Belfast developed from a town of insignificance to a city of vast importance. Pass 8 sculptured masts (with sails) which line the street and are a reminder of the city’s ship building heritage and some of the most famous ships ever built.
-Belfast City Hall
Belfast’s most iconic building and the architectural gem in the city’s crown. The tour will end at the Titanic Memorial Gardens. Get your lunch (or coffee) in the City Hall’s Bobbin Café before exploring its many free self guided exhibitions, which chart the history of the city from a quiet hamlet to the vibrant city it is today. Check out the beautiful stain glass windows which mark the significant events in our history and its opulent marble halls.
MAX 20 people per tour
SCHEDULE FOR 2023:
Daily, from 11:00hrs – 13:00hrs.
Tour lasts approx. 2 hours
DEPARTURE POINT: Cotton Court (opposite the Merchant Hotel), Belfast
