Conflicting Stories - Understanding Belfast's troubled history, a political tour by Republican and Loyalist ex-political prisoners

The only authentic Conflicting Stories Walking Tour Experience in Ireland with expert former combatants who took part in the Troubles

British Army Saracen Armoured Vehicle on the Shankill Road during the Troubles

Authentic and Expert Conflicting Stories Walking Tour

Discover firsthand perspectives from both sides of Belfast’s conflicted past on a 3-hour tour. Walk through the city’s renowned murals, which highlight its complex social, political, and cultural history. Modern Belfast remains divided by 26 kilometres of wall up to ten metres high, separating two religious communities. “The Troubles” shaped the city for over thirty years, affecting nearly all residents.

BelfastLad at UVF Mural in Belfast on the Shankill Road
Peaceline Gates Opening and Closing hours in Belfast
UVF Mural Troubles Belfast Tour with BelfastLad

This is a unique opportunity to discover the real story you won't get from history books.

We invite you to hear first-hand accounts from both sides of this conflicted region, shared by people who were intimately involved in this turbulent period of modern history on this 3-hour tour.
Explore up close, on foot, the world-famous murals that depict the social, political, and cultural history of the city that earns its reputation as the largest, outdoor art gallery in the world and understand the stories behind them. Unknown to most, modern-day Belfast remains a divided city. 26 kilometres of a physical wall, up to ten meters high in some locations separates two religious communities living side by side. For more than thirty years, the controversial time is known as “The Troubles” has had a powerful impact on the city and its residents. Very few people, if any, were unaffected by the violence that plagued the area and everyone has a story to tell.

Upon arrival, you will be met by a Republican ex-political prisoner who will take you on a guided walk along the Falls Road where the history of world-famous murals will be explained.  The guides share their personal story and how the conflict affected their families and the community. Photograph the local murals and witness visible signs of his community’s desire to be part of an Irish Republic. We pass through the electronically-controlled gates leading to the predominately protestant area of The Shankill Road. We meet with either a Loyalist ex-political prisoner or an ex-member of the security forces that served during the troubles and grew up in the local area. They will accompany you through the streets of the Shankill while sharing their personal story.  You will witness the determination of the locals who wish to remain part of the United Kingdom. You will have the opportunity to sign the Peace Wall, leaving your thoughts alongside those of Bill Clinton and The Dalai Lama and with the thousands of visitors to the area.

* The recent period known as ‘The Troubles’ is a very contentious time and is still raw in many peoples minds and hearts, the purpose of this tour is to give the guest insight to why young men and women would voluntary involve themselves in a conflict knowing that it would ultimately lead to their imprisonment at best or potential death.  Any statements and opinions expressed on this tour by the guides are strictly their own and BelfastLad & Co Tours do not endorse any political view, the use of violence, and the promotion of any political agenda. The guides are free to share their own personal story of the troubles.

Bobby Sands and D Conpany IRA Murals on the International peacewall in Belfast
Peaceline Gates Opening and Closing hours in Belfast
Gusty Spence UVF Leader Mural at the International Peacewall in Belfast

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 .

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