From the late 1960s through the 1990s, Belfast became a focal point of political tension, violence, and military presence. On this guided walk led by authentic former combatants, Loyalists and Nationalists, you’ll hear the real stories of life during those years with those who actually took part.  You’ll learn of bomb scares that emptied shopping streets, British Army patrols and deadly gun attacks at major landmarks, and the impact of the conflict on ordinary people trying to live their daily lives.

As the crowds fade and the city lights come on, Belfast reveals a different side of its past. This evening walking tour explores the streets where the conflict known as the Troubles unfolded—right in the heart of the city centre.

From the late 1960s through the 1990s, Belfast became a focal point of political tension, violence, and military presence. On this guided walk led by authentic former combatants, Loyalists and Nationalists, you’ll hear the real stories of life during those years with those who actually took part.  You’ll learn of bomb scares that emptied shopping streets, British Army patrols and deadly gun attacks at major landmarks, and the impact of the conflict on ordinary people trying to live their daily lives.

Walking through historic streets, entries, and public squares, your authentic guide will explain the roles of the IRA, the British Army, and other groups involved, placing events in their historical and social context. The tour offers a balanced, respectful perspective on a difficult period that shaped modern Belfast yet covers the hard hitting real life and death ‘cat and mouse game’ that played on the bloody streets of Belfast as told by those who actually took part.

Tour highlights:

• Key city centre locations connected to Troubles-era incidents
• Stories of bombings, security operations, and political unrest
• The presence of the British Army in the commercial heart of Belfast
• The impact of the conflict on everyday life in the city
• Hidden entries and streets with powerful histories

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour is designed to inform rather than sensationalise. It offers an honest, thoughtful look at a complex chapter in Belfast’s history.

Perfect for:

• Visitors wanting to understand the Troubles beyond the headlines
• History and political history enthusiasts
• Dark tourism travellers
• Small groups and independent explorers

The company has always provided digital equipment and tour specific scripts and research information but the company has now strategically decided to train and accredit new inexperienced guides and upskill guides to industry standards with a training and qualification partnership with the Open College Network (NI) through Travel and Training Associates. The course director is Francis J Higgins who is a fully qualified Assessor and Verifier with thirty years experience in the training and qualifications sector.  He won the overall United Kingdom Training Award in 2000 along with other awards in following years.  This new twenty six week course will bring together professional guides, college professors, lecturers, authors and thematic experts and will include full practical training on coach and walking tours including ‘Dark’ Thanatourism.

For BelfastLad & Co the future is simple.  We don’t want to be the biggest like Carlsberg we simply want to probably remain the best independently rated experience delivery company in the UK. We will be investing in our guides and equipment to ensure they have the right tools to be what they are brilliant tour guides and storytellers.