European Heritage Open Days Old Shankill Graveyard Tour with the BelfastLad Francis J. Higgins
The old Shankill Graveyard has survived for over 1500 years yet it has seen desecration of its graves and has become a ‘tourist’ attraction on the dark tourism tour guide trail. This unique tour by the BelfastLad Francis J. Higgins whose family are buried somewhere in the graveyard will tell the true history of the graveyard. From the ancient Celts to King Billy to a Loyalist Catholic Priest this old graveyard has a history like no other. Today its history is under threat by dark tourism as its complicated history needs to be told by professional guides and historians to ensure its fascinating history is not simplified and then lost. Join Francis on a tour that is now part of a professional tour guide qualification and discover a history that is truly unique in Ireland.
Tour Guides Beware!
Please note guests will be fitted with the latest in VOX set whisper technology so you can hear Francis throughout the tour and needs to be returned at the end of the tour. BelfastLad reserves the right to refuse the VOX sets to tour guides who do not agree NOT to copy the content and route of this tour.
Why Choose Belfastlad?
Our tours offer a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure, tailored for all devices.
Mobile-Friendly Booking
Book your tour seamlessly on any device with our user-friendly platform Beyonk.
Expert Guides
Our Driver/Guides, Walking Guides and Academic Lecturers are Former Combatants and Soldiers.
Customizable Pickups/Dropoffs
We can pick you up/Drop you off from the Grand Central Train Station or Cruise ship for a small additional charge.
Murals, Murders and 'Say Nothing'
We take you to the locations that you have seen on TV or read in books in the company of those who survived.
What Our Customers Say
“The Conflicting Stories Tour was an incredible experience that truly showed what makes Belfast so unique. It helped us understand history from multiple perspectives with our two guides and genuinely widened our horizons. We didn’t feel like tourists, we felt connected, informed, and emotionally engaged. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to go beyond the surface and explore Belfast in real depth! Thank you!” – Carina from New York.
“We all enjoyed the tour immensely , very informative yet able to be understood. The drivers , Frank and Manuel ,were not only knowledgeable of the information but the personal information they shared about their lives. This experience was riveting yet heart felt.” Joe from Manchester
“Frank and Michael were amazing guides. Each with their unique take on the history but respectful of the diversity. We’ve travelled all over the world and had some fabulous guides – these guys were up there with the best..” Sharon from Canada .
Explore Our Prices
Conflicting Stories Black Cab Tour for up to 3 People
Two Hour Experience beginning in Castle Street Belfast- Black Cab Experience with one hour with Republican and one hour with Loyalist/British Army Driver Guide of the Murals, Peacewalls and sites of killings and riots. The driver guides are former Combatants who lived in the areas you will visit on your experience.
Coach Tour Student Academic Package for those studying the Conflict
Includes a pre-tour lecture and post tour follow up Q&A- For those seriously wanting to study the conflict from writers, lecturers, Loyalists and Nationalists who are former combatants and soldiers who lived or served in the areas you will visit. The package includes a pre-tour online lecture and an online follow question and answer lecture. Please note minimum numbers apply and you supply the coach, we do the rest.
'Two Sides One Story' Walking Tour with Locals who lived and Survived the Troubles
Two and a Half Hour Experience beginning in Castle Street Belfast- The only authentic tour of its type that sees writers and local activitists who lived in the areas you will visit tell their unique stories of the conflict from different perspectives. Nationalist, Loyalist and Front Line Troops who lived and fought on the very streets you will visit. You are fitted with VOX sets to hear every detail.