Ching B.
Tom was magnificent! Extremely knowledgeable, and quite the authority on Belfast. It was a day well spent. Thank you, Tom!
Choose a currency
Private tour in Belfast Dr Tom T
Belfast Troubles Walking Tour: Peace Walls, Murals and Memory
5.0
(9) reviews
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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
Dr Tom T.
5.0
Guide rating
11
Reviews
Tours delivered
1 hrs
Avg. response time
Get ready to go back in time! My name is Tom and I specialise in walking you through Belfast's amazing and complex history. Belfast is an amazing city. Many tourists are drawn to the city because of the three Ts - the Titanic, Thrones (Game of) and the Troubles, the period of civil strife that ended in 1998. My tours seek to show you a different side of Belfast's history, its maritime heritage as a port and shipbuilding centre, its fine architecture and its story as the centre of the industrial revolution in Ireland. Originally from London, I moved to Belfast in 2014 to marry a local girl and have fallen in love with the city. People visit the city for many reasons, the food, the craic (Irish for fun, entertainment) and the culture, but what I love about Belfast's is its messy, multifaceted and magic past. I hope to share Belfast's amazing atmosphere and hidden history with you. I want to tell you about some of the lesser known aspects of the city's past; that the first republicans who fought for an independent Ireland free of British rule were Protestant not Catholic, that Belfast was the centre of the global linen trade for a century and that the city suffered the greatest loss of life in a bombing raid during the German bombing Blitz of the Second World War. If you are looking for a historical tour that aims to take a different perspective on the past of the city, I very much look forward to hearing from you…or better still…if I'm around and you're in town, book me! All the best, Tom I am a qualified professional Belfast Green Badge Tour Guide, certified to deliver walking tours in Belfast as an affiliate of the Institute of Tourist Guiding. I am also a member of the Northern Ireland Tourist Guide Association, a professional association of tour guides in the province. I am a published professional historian, holding a Bachelors and Doctorate in history from King's College London. I have also been involved in a number of local history projects such as The Men Behind the Glass project at Campbell College Belfast and Epidemic Belfast, a project about the medical history of the city. I also host and produced a weekly podcast that explores the history of the Great War. I am currently a Tutor on Queen's University Belfast Open Learning programme, have also been an Honorary Research Associate at Ulster University and Visiting Research Associate at Queen's University Belfast. I deliver walking tours around public areas in Belfast. Some historical sites don't permit external guides to guide on their premises (e.g. Titanic Belfast). I am not a driver; I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car/driver.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Dr Tom T.
A journey through divided communities and shared complex history
Overview of your Belfast tour
Explore Belfast’s Troubles through the streets, murals and peace walls of west Belfast on a guided walking tour led from a balanced, non-partisan perspective. Visit both nationalist and unionist communities and learn how civilians experienced the conflict and how Belfast has changed since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. This walking tour offers a clear and accessible introduction to the Troubles, focusing on how political violence and social division shaped everyday life in west Belfast’s divided communities. You will explore areas where neighbouring communities lived side by side yet remained separated by a 30 foot peace wall. Through murals, memorials and public spaces, the tour examines how different communities remember the conflict and how those narratives continue to shape the city today. The tour does not take sides but emphasises explanation over sensationalism and concludes by examining the peace process, reconciliation efforts and Belfast’s ongoing journey towards peace.
Recent Reviews
Sean C.United States
Totally enjoyed this walking tour with Tom! I learned so much and have a greater understanding of Belfast’s struggles. Meeting location was easy to find. The walking pace was ideal. I recommend this tour!
Helen P.Australia
Dr Tom was an outstanding guide who presented a balanced view of what was clearly a divisive and violent time. He was very prompt, personable, intelligent and an excellent communicator. Could not recommend more highly.
Randi M.United States
We were greeted with a huge smile from Dr. Tom who was flexible and accommodating to our last minute cruise related needs. Tom is very knowledgeable about Belfast - the culture, the history, the troubles. He was easy to understand, walked at a good pace, and took time to rest when needed. We have a much better understanding of the political situation in Belfast - past and present. We saw an assortment of wall murals, flags, and memorials. At the end of our tour, Tom graciously sent us to a lovely Irish pub for a pint and a traditional Irish lunch. It was brilliant.
Carly M.
Absolutely outstanding! Tom really knows his stuff. We were blown away with his knowledge and approach to educating us all on Belfast's history. Tom is not only very thorough, his attention to detail and his duty of care was second to none. Friendly, relaxed and approachable, Tom went above and beyond to make sure we could hear him and that everyone was happy. I can't recommend him enough. Thank you Tom, we'll never forget this day and will recommend you to everyone we know!
Sue B.United Kingdom
Excellent! Tom gave us a really good history as we went around, and explained the different perspectives. He went into a lot of detail and communicated the complexities of the troubles very clearly. A bespoke tour is a bit of a luxury, but we felt it was well worth it to have the personal attention and the chance to ask lots of questions. Thanks Tom!
Your Belfast tour itinerary
Falls Road – Nationalist community The tour begins on the Falls Road in west Belfast, a predominantly Catholic and nationalist area. Murals and memorials here focus on civil rights, imprisonment and international solidarity, offering insight into how this community experienced and remembers the Troubles. Peace wall crossing You will pass through one of Belfast’s peace walls, first built from 1969 to reduce inter-communal violence. These structures remain powerful symbols of division and form a key part of the city’s peace tourism landscape. Shankill Road – Unionist community Crossing into the Shankill Road, a largely Protestant and unionist area, the tour explores a contrasting narrative. Murals and commemorative sites reflect loyalty to the United Kingdom, experiences of loss and the impact of paramilitary activity.
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
None. This is a 5 mile walking tour; though it is on the flat this may not be suitable for people with mobiilty problems.
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Under the statute of Queen Victoria at Belfast City Hall, Belfast, BT1 5GS (or the main gates near Queen Victoria if the City Hall is closed. This is at the junction of Donegall Place and Donegall Square). The tour will return to this location at the end.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1226324
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Belfast best suited for?
This private tour in Belfast is ideal for travellers interested in understanding the complex history of the Troubles through a balanced, non-partisan perspective. It's perfect for those who want to explore the city's divided communities, learn about the peace process, and see significant murals and peace walls. The tour is also suitable for those who prefer a walking tour and are comfortable with moderate activity levels.
Where does the tour start and end?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
Is this private tour in Belfast suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?
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
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 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
More tours in Belfast by Dr Tom T.
Explore more of Belfast
Giants Causeway, Antrim Coast and Belfast HighlightsPolitical/History Tour of Belfast with a Historian & LecturerAward winning Giants Causeway and Antrim Coastal Luxury Private Tour from BelfastGiants Causeway and The Highlights of Belfast TourBelfast Sightseeing Half Day TourGiants causeway full day private excursionSmall group Private coach tour up to 15 passengersCounty Antrim Giants Causeway & Game of Thrones Locations – Private TourCauseway Coastal Route Luxury Full Day Tour Giant's Causeway and Rope BridgePrivate Full Day Giant's Causeway Tour from BelfastThe Giant's Causeway & Antrim Coast Private Tour From BelfastTitanic Belfast and Giants Causeway Combo Tour(4) Giants Causeway private shore excursionPrivate Giants Causeway Full Day TourCauseway Coast - Full day Private TourBelfast Cruise Ship Excursion/Giants CausewayHighlights of Belfast, 5 hour City Sight and Taste Tour with Local guide - Belfast Shore ExcursionBelfast Cruiseship excursion sightseeing and Titanic quarter Luxury private 1-7 people tour 4 hoursCauseway Coastal Route Full Day Shore Excursion Giant's Causeway and Rope Bridge(6) Giants Causeway And Belfast MuralsDiscover the Giants causeway, the 8th wonder of the world on a private tour from BelfastBelfast Sightseeing & Giant's Causeway Day TourWalk the Giant's Causeway Cliffs - full day tour from BelfastBespoke Giants Causeway & Full Antrim Coast Luxury Private Tour From Belfast 4-7ppPrivate Belfast city tour and Titanic BelfastPrivate Giants Causeway North Antrim Coast 7 Hour TourBelfast highlights and Political history tour(4) Causeway coast top 5 attractions full day tour “Half-Day Private Tour: Belfast to Giant’s Causeway”Belfast Full-Day Private TourVisit Belfast Half Day Sightseeing Tour(4) The 'Troubles' A personal Story of Life in ConflictGiants Causeway Coastal Tour Bespoke with Paul - Half day Shore ExcursionDiscover Armagh - Saint Patrick's chosen cityGame of Thrones Private Tour from BelfastShepherds life luxury Private tourDerry/Londonderry Private Luxury Full Day TourCauseway Coastal Route Private Multi-Award Winning TourBelfast city and political History TourLuxury Private Strangford Lough Ards Peninsula Saint Patrick and Pagan Tour from Belfast by Car Ferry
Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.