Belfast Political Tour

We did the Conflicting Stories" walking tour and it was very interesting. However as others have pointed out the tour guides definitively were extremely partisan. This is off course by design. But you should definitively read up beforehand.As an foreigner to this conflict born in 1995 I'm not at all personally involved in this story. So the intensity that this conflict still has today

We did the Conflicting Stories walking tour. It was excellent! We started on the Republican side of the Peace Wall with Robert (former IRA political prisoner) before crossing through the gate to the Loyalist side to be handed off to Mark (former British military). Both guides were extremely engaging and respectful while recounting their respective experiences in The Troubles. Very informative and thought provoking.

Very knowledge guides...very interesting to hear...and see...both sides of the divide...Wear comfortable shoes!

Loved the first part of the tour. Brendan was a passionate and dedicated tour guide that went really deep into the historical tidbits of The Troubles from the Irish perspective. On the other hand the other tour guide focused on the emotional argument of the Unionist side. Found that to be off putting, but the contrast of views was worth witnessing.

These really were two completely opposing experiences. 1st half with Robert was incredible. He laid the foundation of how and why the Irish banded together to fight for equality and a better life. He did not shy away from his role in the Troubles and regrets. You came away with an understanding of how he’s working across the lines for a better community and healing. I was deeply impressed by his lived history and continued service to unite the neighbors and work with the youth of Belfast.2nd half with Mark couldn’t have been more different. This is a man so deeply fueled by hate. It felt as if most of his content was propaganda and not data driven. Comments like, “what were they fighting for?!?! Better jobs? Better houses?!?! WE ALL lived in the same houses, had the SAME jobs!”. He was utterly dismissive of the life the Irish had and why they stood up against the English. His comment about the MAJORITY of the Republic does NOT want a united Ireland was laughable. This is based on what data?He spoke a lot about things that had nothing to do with the Troubles. He got so dramatic & angry when talking about the Irish who were banished after fighting alongside the English in WW1. That was in the 1920s! How was that relevant to the tour other than to continue to push hatred and propaganda? He seemed really bothered that the Irish were flying Palestinian flags in solidarity of the humanitarian crisis happening. “Why are they flying other countries flags over there?!? That has nothing to do with us”.In the end, Mark provided insight as to why some people will not change and have no desire to work together for a better community or world.Robert provided insight as to how it all began, why it carried on and hope for the future.For those taking the tour, I hope you get Robert = 5 stars.If you get Mark, you’ll see what I’m saying = 0 stars.

What an amazing tour. Spent 2 hours driving to see mural walls, garden memorials, peace walls and learning the history of Ireland. Thanks to our amazing Tour Gudie Barry, highly recommended.

Emotive, passionate, personal, polarised, fascinating, appalling, sad, an unusual tour and unusual ow4spectives. Its not a studied educated history but is impactful personal experiential stories. Balanced by 2 opposing sides perspectives

The first part of the tour with the republican gentleman was very matter of fact, naturally people had less questions. The second part with the unionist gentleman was very inflammatory, repetitive and he made several contradictions.

Great tour! Having two guides tell you each of his story is really enriching. You will have a Republican guide in one side and a Protestant guide in the other.Fully recommend it!!!

Unbelievable tour! Our guide Jimmy was an excellent guide. I believe he presented the events as they were and how they played out without any bias. When in Belfast this is a must see! Belfast is such a beautiful city with friendly proud people. So glad we spent time in the city and taking the tour.