Private tour in Belfast Lorraine M
5.0
(7) reviews
4 hours
1
4 hours
1
Lorraine M.
4.9
Guide rating
202
Reviews
Tours delivered
8 hrs
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Hello fellow travellers I'm Lorraine, I'm 57 years old (I think) and a mother of two (that I'm totally sure of lol). I'm a seasoned guide with over a decade of professional experience showcasing the heart and soul of Belfast, my cherished hometown. Born and raised in one of the neighbourhoods most affected by "The Troubles, " an armed conflict which saw many people loose their lives from 1968-1998 and the war-torn streets divided into sectarian neighbourhoods, scars of which are still visible today, the iconic Peace-walls. Thankfully, I'm now blessed to witness the remarkable transformation of the city from conflict to a vibrant, cultural city with a confident future, a far cry from the days when such a transformation seemed implausible. The scars may still linger, but today, Belfast stands as a testament to resilience, offering a warm welcome to travellers from all corners of the globe. Growing up amidst the tumultuous strife, I developed a love for history and a fervent passion for politics. I will weave tales that seamlessly blend the past with the vibrant present but don't worry, I wont overwhelm you with too much information, you are on vacation after all. With more than 25 years in the tourism sector, my journey started in community development and gradually evolved into teaching and professional guiding. With a BA (HONS) Degree in Hotel & Tourism Management and a HND in Leisure Studies in my backpack, I've fine-tuned my understanding of hospitality and leisure to curate an experience tailored just for you. My OCN & Level 3 Diploma in Tour Guiding ensures that every step of your journey is infused with insight and enthusiasm. I've always enjoyed travelling myself and I've lived in many places like Dublin, London, Madrid and I've visited many more. I've cultivated a deep appreciation for exploration and the great outdoors. Now, I'm thrilled to share the rich heritage and breath-taking beauty of Ireland with you. As a local, I take pride in crafting personalized tours and tailored experiences that cater to all ages, abilities, and interests. My tours go beyond historical narratives, seamlessly integrating political and social insights with nature, sightseeing, and leisure. Picture strolls along rivers, hikes in the mountains, and evenings filled with the warm humour of locals in charming pubs, restaurants and museums. Let me be your guide to Belfast and Northern Ireland, offering an insider's perspective on cultural events, activities, and hidden gems. I'm not just here to showcase; I'm here to make your experience uniquely yours. Share your ideas and wishes, and I'll help turn them into memorable moments during your stay. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a delightful getaway, I'm here to ensure your journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Let's create memories that will last a lifetime. I look forward to hearing from you and being part of your Irish adventure! Warm regards, Lorraine I have a BA (HONS) Degree in Hotel & Tourism Management, a HND (Higher national Diploma) in Leisure Studies, an OCN & level 3 diploma in Tour Guiding. I have studied Spanish to Degree level and I'm currently studying 'A level' French. I am trained in First Aid and I'm world-host qualified and recognised by the N.Ireland Tourist Board, I'm also a certified PSV (Public Service Vehicle) Driver and I drive a 9 seat 2019 Ford Tourneo
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Lorraine M.
Belfast is infamous as an open-air gallery, with hundreds of murals painted on walls throughout the city, especially in the West. Let me take you through these once war-torn streets and tell you the history behind the murals and also my personal experience growing up in this neighborhood during its most recent troubled past and our journey to peace and reconcilliation We will visit the Peace wall which still divides the working class communities of the catholic Falls and protestant Shankill, and pass through it's gates, which are still opened and closed daily. I will show you the wall where President Clinton, and the Dalia Lama signed their names but more importantly Rihanna (joking) This tour is becoming the most popular tour in Ireland and has been featured on many TV programmes, like Lonely Planet and other media outlets. Highlights include The International Wall, Clonard Memorial Garden & Bombay Street, The Peace Wall, Falls & Shankill Murals and Crumlin Road Jail & Courthouse.
Lorraine was an excellent guide; full of knowledge of the area having grown up there and some fun antidotes. Thoroughly recommend as this is a must do in Belfast..... I learnt so much about the conflict and feel like I have a much better understanding of the times that I did watching the news in Australia growing up.
Lorraine was extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter of this tour, and was pleasant, punctual, and personable.
Lorraine was wonderfully informative, personable, and willing to work with our flexible schedule, and in horrible weather.. all of which he handled with remarkable grace. I highly recommend any tour she offers (we took the mural tour, fyi).
I can't rate Lorraine because she was unable to fulfill our tour due to a broken down car. However, she made sure we were taken care of & arranged for us to have a taxi driver named Sed who provided us with a fabulous tour. We started in the city touring the murals and neighborhoods, then headed to the coast to see the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Giants Causeway. It was a great shore excursion.
Great tour!! My 10 and 11 year old girls also enjoyed it by the way she brought it down to their level of understanding. I would highly recommend her as a guide. We were one step ahead of the other tours giving us great shot of the murals with minimal people. Thanks again. Eric
I cannot praise this tour - and the tour leader (Lorraine) - highly enough. Lorraine was knowledgeable, interesting and interested, an excellent communicator and totally impartial. We learned so much, and despite the cold weather this was a highlight of our stay in Belfast. Thank you Lorraine!
After pick-up, you will be taken to our first destination, Divis Tower, the site where the last conflict in Belfast started and the location of our initial mural. Next, we will journey a short distance to the International Wall, which features several murals that shed light on global political and social issues. A visit to the Republican Museum is scheduled (closes at 2pm). Following that, you will see the renowned mural of hunger striker Bobby Sands, reputed to be the most photographed mural globally. The tour will then lead you to Bombay Street, which was devastated in 1969, before you cross the Peace Wall into the Shankill area. At the Peace Wall, you'll have the opportunity to leave your own message, joining the ranks of President Clinton, the Dalai Lama, and hundreds of thousands of others. You will also view the Bayardo Memorial and explore the Hugh Smyth Peace Garden. As we move through the neighbourhood, you will observe various murals. Lastly, the tour includes a visit to Milltown Cemetery
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.
You will be driven in luxury in my 2019 Ford Tourneo. It has leather seats, air-conditioning, USB points and all mod cons. It is very spacious and comfortable. for larger groups suitable transport can be arranged however this will have an impact on price
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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