Pack Up Your Troubles

Step into the darkest era of Belfast’s bloody history known as ‘The Troubles’ - a simple non inflammatory term to describe a period that some people would call a war. It term glosses over the gravity of the conflict here. This 30 year conflict began in August 1969 and by its end over 3,700 had lost their lives. This tour explains why and where it started, why it lasted so long and the long and arduous hard won path to peace. Also how Belfast became divided physically, ideologically by 40 km of walls and steel structures know as the ‘Peace Walls’ which remain a fixture today Experience some heart-breaking stories and what life was like growing up in the dark shadow of the troubles. Visit local community memorial gardens. Feel the hope of this transformed city after leaving our troubles behind us in 1998 and how Belfast has flourished into one of the friendliest and safest capital cities in the world. The tour highlights the peace makers and the key events on the rocky road to a wonderful peace

This tour starts at the Europa Hotel, Great Victoria Street and there are 2 options Option 1: West Belfast Tour (approx. 4.5 miles, circa 3 hours, 15 minutes) - Divis Street/International Wall / Murals / Falls Road / Shankill Road / Peace Walls / Bombay Street / Clonard Monastery. Where, why and when 'the Troubles' started and the journey towards peace and the 'Good Friday' agreement. The tour finishes back at the Europa Hotel Option 2: City Centre Tour (approx. 2 miles, circa 2.5 hours)- this tour follows a route around central Belfast. We visit the major incident sites, memorialisations at Belfast City Hall, murals, the Ring of Steel. Why, where and when the troubles started and journey towards peace and finishes at the 'Beacon of Hope' Statue, Thanksgiving Square