Private tour in Belfast Martin C

Belfast Hills and Castle - Walking Tour

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Martin C.

5.0

Guide rating

5

Reviews

Tours delivered

1 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello, welcome to Belfast! I am a former teacher of Irish literature and history, teaching at High School level and also lecturing at ICE - the Institute of Continuing Education - at Queen’s University Belfast in Irish Studies. I founded the ETAC project – Education Through Arts and Culture –placing artists, poets, writers, dancers, musicians and so forth in a number of schools; many as artists in residence. I have been involved in numerous cross-community projects- including Give & Take, a joint project under the auspices of Barnardos and local government. I also worked on a voluntary basis as a Youth Leader. As well as having lived in London in the late 60s, I have travelled extensively over the years, many as a solo traveller. The most recent was in 2023 when I, and a French friend, did a two-week road trip across Northern Europe. I have completed the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal: climbed Mount Fuji; white water rafting down the Urubamba River in Peru; climbed Mount Toubkal in Morocco and trekked the Sahara – with Berber tribesmen and accompanying mule train; stayed with the Uros Indians on the floating islands on Lake Titicaca; stayed in Japan and trained under the karate masters; studied yoga in Pondicherry, India; travelled by dug out canoe along the Mekong River in Vietnam; got lost in Hanoi; went on elephant back safari in Kerala; cut the lawns at the Taj Mahal on a buffalo driven mower. In total, at last count, forty nine countries – with more to come. I have also had the privilege of representing my country in a sporting capacity on countless occasions on the world stage. I have worked on many films/ TV dramas as a support actor including with Pierce Brosnan on The Last Rifleman ( he’s a gentleman); The School for Good and Evil for Netflix; numerous BBC & ITV dramas: most recenly as a nobleman in The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and all of series 7 Game of Thrones, where I was involved in transporting the cast and crew. As a professional guide, I have taken many people from across the globe on different tours around the province garnering 100s of 5* reviews in the process. I have conducted tours for, among others: the ERASMUS student exchange programme; the United Nations Australian delegation; staff from the American Embassy in London; the State Department Washington DC; Swiss Radio – who recorded and aired my tour and the Seatle Times, who published a glowing review of my tour. My goal, on my tours, is to involve my guests in an unforgettable experience which will last with them long after they have returned home.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Martin C.

Overview of your Belfast tour

On this tour, we travel with the locals by bus to the start point of our walk on a rarely used route over the Belfast Hills to Belfast Castle. We travel through ancient Hazelwood forest and around the old limestone quarries before crossing open moorland, heath and unpaved paths leading to the summit of Cavehill at 1207 feet, with its magnificent views over the city. On the way we will see a 6th century cashel, a medieval lookout and a neolithic tomb. We will rest at the historic McArt’s Fort, an Iron Age fortification before our final descent off the hill. During this, at times challenging walk, there will be a number of stops during which you can take in the magnificent views and listen to stories of Vikings, highwaymen, revolution, Gaelic chieftains and ancient rites, associated with the hill. Our return sees us dropping down through the woodland covering the old deer-hunting park, finishing up in time for coffee at the stunning 19th century Scottish baronial-style Belfast Castle.

Your Belfast tour itinerary

Meet up by the Belfast City Hall - Cavehill Country Park - Ballyaghahan - Wallace Quarries - Ballyaghahan cashel - Souterrain - Neolithic tomb - McArt’s Fort -The Caves - Devil’s Punchbowl - Hazelwood Forest - Belfast Castle & grounds

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This a walking tour, we will also use the public transport - bus.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Public Transportation
Tickets: Bus tickets are currently £3.50 for unlimited day travel. Credit/debit caards accepted.for unlimited day travel. Credit/debit cards accepted.
Meeting location

Donegall Square North, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland, BT1 5GS, United Kingdom

Front gates of Belfast City Hall. If this is unsuitable I am very happy to meet you at your city centre hotel / accommodation. As with all ToursByLocals tours, this tour is fully customisable and I will be happy to discuss alternatives with you.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Hiking
Off The Beaten Path
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Architecture
Adventure
Day Trip
History
Tour reference number
1399501
Languages
English
Activity level
High

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Belfast best suited for?

This private tour in Belfast is best suited for travellers who enjoy walking and exploring off-the-beaten-path locations. It's ideal for those interested in history, nature, and stunning views, as you'll be walking through ancient forests, quarries, and moorlands while learning about the area's rich history from Martin C. The tour's high activity level makes it suitable for those who are physically fit and enjoy a challenging walk.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Belfast be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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