With 1st Klass City Tours
Explore the turbulent history of Belfast with the Belfast Conflict Political and Historical Tour. This tour offers a comprehensive look into the city's tumultuous past, bringing to life the complex political environment that has shaped Belfast today.
As you visit various iconic murals, the Peace Walls and Gates, and key sites of the conflict, you'll gain an immersive understanding of the struggles and ongoing challenges in this post-conflict city.
Belfast Troubles (The Conflict)
The Belfast Troubles, beginning in the late 1960s, have left an indelible mark on the city. Although peace has largely been achieved, undercurrents of the past still resonate in the present environment. This tour takes you across South, East, West, and North Belfast, offering a comprehensive narrative of how the Troubles impacted every corner of this vibrant city.
Belfast Politics and History Tour
Our tour is a deep dive into how Belfast’s historical conflicts continue to influence its current political scene. From the high-level politics of Stormont to the grassroots tensions in local communities, we offer insights that bridge historical context with today's realities.
Experience first-hand the power of Belfast's murals as they artistically capture the city's journey through decades of conflicts. Join us to understand not just the events, but the stories behind them, in a tour that combines political and historical perspectives for a truly enlightening experience.
Belfast Troubles Tour Details
Length: 8 Hours
Passengers: Up to 8 (We can accommodate larger groups upon request.)
Belfast Tour Guide Expertise
Our tours are enhanced by the invaluable presence of local guides, offering an authentic and deeply informed perspective on Belfast's history and political landscape. These guides, with their personal connections to the city, provide rich insights into both recent events, like riots, and pivotal historical moments still vivid in the community's collective memory.
What Will You See on the Belfast Troubles Tour
Embark on a comprehensive journey across Belfast with our political and historical tour. From the South to East and North to the West, we aim to provide you with an extensive overview, capturing the essence of Belfast's political and historical landscape.
Belfast Murals and Peace Walls and Gates
As part of our tour, we will visit a selection of Belfast's iconic murals and significant Peace Walls and Gates. These stops offer a visual exploration of the city's history and contemporary struggles.
The Peace Walls that remain in operation serve as both historical markers and current symbols of the city's journey towards reconciliation. Each of these sites offers a unique lens through which to understand and appreciate Belfast's complex narrative.
East Belfast
In East Belfast, you'll encounter significant sites of the Troubles. Notably, the Newtownards Road, known for being a frequent flashpoint of conflict and the Short Strand area where the first gun battle took place between Loyalist and Republican residents of the Lower Newtownards Road and the Short Strand along with St Matthews Chapel were often caught in the crossfire between both communities.
North Belfast
North Belfast, a pivotal area during the Troubles, offers a deeper understanding of the conflict. The nationalist neighbourhood of New Lodge Road and Ardoyne, a hotspot for sectarian violence and major conflicts like the marching season riots, encapsulates the intensity of the period.
Belfast Interfaces
The Shankill and Crumlin Road Interface, marked by its location between unionist and nationalist communities, was a regular site of tension and unrest. Similarly, Loyalist Tiger's Bay and Nationalist New Lodge underscore the stark divides, as their proximity frequently led to significant unrest and marked them as key conflict zones.
West Belfast
West Belfast, deeply impacted by the Troubles, is home to several locations that played a significant role in this historical period: The first peace wall in Northern Ireland was constructed in 1969 as a temporary measure during the Troubles in West Belfast.
Initially intended to calm tensions, it has since been reinforced. It now spans over 0.6 of a mile. Remarkably, despite its original six-month lifespan, this peace wall still stands today, 55 years later.
Residents are adamant about preserving it without alterations if we were to put all the peace walls in the North together they could run for up to 30 miles, with most located in Belfast, The majority of these walls have been constructed since the 31st August 1994 PIRA Ceasefire.
The Peace Lines
The Peace Lines along Lanark Way and Cupar Way stand as prominent landmarks in West Belfast. These barriers, which were erected to diminish conflict between nationalist and unionist communities, have borne witness to many tense incidents.
Bombay Street
Bombay Street holds a particularly poignant place in the history of the Troubles. Known for the devastating Bombay Street Burnings of 1969, this area was one of the early and significant flashpoints, marking the escalation of the conflict.
Springfield Road
Springfield Road, often a hotspot for unrest, was a frequent site of clashes, especially near police and army barracks.
Divis Flats Area
Near Falls Road, the Divis Flats Area was once a high-rise complex that became a symbol of the urban struggle during the Troubles. The area was witness to numerous violent incidents through the years. A young boy Francis Rowntree was murdered by a British soldier at 11 years old. Francis was shot in the face with a rubber bullet and at a recent enquiry into his death, the Soldier who shot Francis said he had no regrets.
Ballymurphy
The Ballymurphy area is etched in history due to the tragic Ballymurphy Massacre in 1971, where 11 civilians lost their lives over three days and dozens were injured. The families of the bereaved settled their case against the British Ministry of Defence in 2023 for an undisclosed settlement. This area is a stark reminder of the brutal realities of the conflict and its impact on local communities.
South Belfast
South Belfast, while often seen as quieter during the conflict compared to other city areas, still experienced significant conflict:
Ormeau Road
A key site in South Belfast, Ormeau Road was a frequent scene of sectarian tension. This area bore witness to numerous violent incidents, which included clashes between community groups. This community also bore the brunt of police brutality when their streets and homes were sealed off by the Police and Army to allow Orange Order Marches and parades down the Catholic part of the Ormeau Road, which saw the Catholic Nationalist residents staging a sitdown protest. They were then attacked by Police and British Soldiers dressed in full riot gear, the confrontations with security forces were fierce.
Sean Graham Bookmakers the scene of a loyalist murder squad attack on the 5th February 1992 saw 5 people lose their lives and 9 more injured.
The Village Area
Known as a predominantly unionist neighbourhood, The Village in South Belfast experienced its share of strife. The area saw episodes of sectarian violence and rioting, reflecting the broader tensions of Belfast during this era.
The Markets Area
Close to the city centre, The Markets, a mainly nationalist area, also experienced significant unrest. The neighbourhood saw several confrontations, particularly with the police and the British Army, especially during times of increased tension in the city.
Belfast Conflict Political and Historical Tour
Are you ready to delve into Belfast's political past and see how it has shaped the city today? Our Belfast Troubles Political and Historical Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the significant sites and stories integral to Belfast's history.
Belfast Conflict Political and Historical Tour Details:
Length: 8 Hours
Passengers: Up to 4 and 8 (We can accommodate larger groups upon request.)
Prefer the coach tour? Check with us for the availability “Our Coach Tour”
Book a corporate bespoke coach tour excursion
Build your own tour
Belfast Conflict Political and Historical tour price: for up to 4 passengers - £460.00 / 5 to 8 passengers - £680.00.
Executive and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, mini buses from 11 seats and coaches up to 53 seats are priced separately on request.
Passengers numbers that we can accommodate for on private shore excursions as follows: 4, 8, 11, 16, 22, 32, 49, 53 Passengers (we can accommodate larger groups upon request.)
What's Included In The Belfast Political and Historical Tour:
Private Transportation
Air Conditioned Vehicles
Free Onboard WiFi
Fuel, Fuel Duty
Road Tax, Tolls, Parking, Insurance
Tea, Coffee, Scone
Soft Drinks / Bottled Water
Pack Lunch and Fruit Basket
A full e-program of your tour
A full copy of my e-book (388 pages A4 on the Northern Irish Conflict 1969 - 2019).
Here’s How You Can Book Your Tour:
Phone Booking: Reach out on +447831336950 for immediate assistance and to secure your spot on the tour.
Email Booking: For queries or bookings drop us an email at : info1stklasscitytours@gmail.com We’ll respond promptly to help you with your booking.
Online Booking: Prefer the convenience of online booking? Visit 1st Klass City Tours for a straightforward and efficient reservation experience.
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