DC Tours

‘A History of Terror’ Walking Tour

Running daily at 10.30am, ‘A History of Terror’ starts at Belfast City Hall where your expert guide explains how and why the Troubles started. Over two hours and 15 minutes you visit seven locations in the city centre where some of the most important events of the conflict occurred. The tour allows you to explore and understand the most turbulent period in Belfast's recent past and what it was like to grow up and live here during the Troubles.

Whilst walking through the Cathedral Quarter and finishing on the banks of the River Lagan, the tour will also explain the peace-building process and demonstrate the reconciliation and regeneration which has taken place in the city since the ceasefires in the 1990s.

The tour is recognised as unbiased, objective and historically accurate. It is suitable for all visitors to Belfast, regardless of how much or little you already know of our troubled past.  DC Tours’ guides are among the most knowledgeable conflict historians in Northern Ireland and ready to answer all of your questions.

The tour is a way for you to scratch the surface and get a real feel for the history of the city. Many guests say they have felt transported back in time through the rich and detailed story-telling. You will witness how far the city has come since those dark days and see Belfast in a new light.

‘A History of Terror’ is rated as ‘5 Stars - Outstanding’ by Tourism Northern Ireland.  It was Highly Commended at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards in 2019 in the category ‘Authentic NI Experience of the Year’. Lead guide, Paul Donnelly, was named ‘Top UK Tour Guide’ at the Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2019.  The tour was named the No.4 Experience in the U.K. at TripAdvisor’s ‘Traveller’s Choice’ Awards in 2019 – the highest rated attraction outside London.

 

Best of Belfast Walking Tour

Starting daily at 10.00am and led by an expert local guide.  The Best of Belfast Walking Tour starts and finishes at the iconic City Hall and is the perfect two hour introduction to Belfast and its unique past.  Along the way you will discover fantastic street art, beautiful architecture, amazing history and the unique stories of Belfast’s citizens throughout the centuries.

From the point where Belfast first got its name over 1,300 years ago, to historic buildings such as the St. Anne’s Cathedral, the Customs House, Exchange Rooms and Kelly’s Cellars you will hear stories of some of the most intriguing people who called Belfast their home over the centuries.  Their goals, desires and their determination to make Belfast a better place during years of turmoil are powerful and enthralling; from the charitable 19th century baker to one of the most committed equal rights campaigners in our history (her story really is a favourite!).

The tour takes you through the cultural hub of the Cathedral Quarter and along the waterfront, with views of the river Lagan and Samson and Goliath, the iconic yellow cranes in the Harland and Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was built over 100 years ago.  You will then explore the historic Entries at the heart of the city centre and see how they have been turned into an outdoor art gallery.

Stops include landmarks such as the Salmon of Knowledge, the Beacon of Hope and the Spirit of Belfast where you can marvel at the best public art in the city and hear their hidden stories and alternative names.

Finishing your tour back at City Hall by the Titanic Memorial, the entire walk is less than two miles but features extensive experiences that will broaden your horizons, opens your mind and (if you take note of our favourite spots for food and drink) will satisfy your body too!

Private and group tours are available and DC Tours has an extensive range of tours and activities for schools and university groups.

 

Self-Guided Audio Tours

Available on the ‘DC Tours Belfast’ app, this range of free and premium self-guided tours are packed full of historical information, pictures, audio and video, with a GPS mapping system allowing you to take total control of your experience.

Start the tour and follow the directions on the map for a totally immersive Belfast experience with DC Tours as your personal guide.  Once downloaded to your phone you don’t need to be connected to the internet or have wifi to use the app.

You can access the tour from the comfort of your home without having to be at the location, making it a perfect guide to preparing for your trip too.

7 tours are available, from ‘West Belfast: Peacewalls, Murals and More’ and the ‘Best of Belfast City Trail’ to the ‘Titanic Quarter Trail on the Maritime Mile’ and a ‘Line of Duty Locations Trail’.  Prices range from free to £9.99.

Self-guided tours allow you to:

• Start and finish the tour at any time and any location you want.


• Explore the city in a private group or by yourself, without the need for a guide, public transport and proximity to other travellers.


• Access high quality, expert information at a much lower cost than a custom or private tour.


• Pause the tour at any point - to explore a museum, rest at a café, pick up a souvenir or just take a break and enjoy your surroundings for a while.


• Have a lasting memory of your trip which you can relive at any time.


• Be totally contactless while practicing social distancing.


• It never sells out, it won’t break the bank and you'll never be late!

Both ‘West Belfast: Peacewalls, Murals and More’ and the ‘Best of Belfast City Trail’ are also available in French and Spanish.

Tickets

Tickets for DC walking tours are available from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre. Alternatively visit deadcentretours.com for schedules and prices and booking.

For self-guided tours simply download the ‘DC Tours Belfast’ app from your app store and select a tour from the list.