1798 Belfast Rebellion Walking Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore historic sites of the 1798 Rebellion
- Learn about Belfast's rich history
- Visit key landmarks associated with the rebellion
- Engage with expert guides
- Immerse in Belfast's cultural heritage
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour of Belfast's 1798 Rebellion sites
- Expert commentary on historical events
- Visit to key landmarks associated with the rebellion
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Our guide will begin the tour with an introduction to the history leading up to the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798.
Discover the history of the library and it's most infamous librarian, the United Irishman, Thomas Russell.
Hear how the penal laws impacted on Ireland's Catholics, and how the chapel was established in the late eighteenth century.
A secret meeting place for the United Irishmen as they plotted their rebellion, and an amazing, historic pub.
Hear how the Presbyterians became wealthy merchants in Belfast, and the most famous members of this church.
Hear about the most important meetings to take place in the Assembly Rooms, from the court martial of Henry Joy McCracken to the failed proposal for a Belfast slaveship company.
The first church in Belfast stood on this site, which is also the location from where Belfast gets it's name.
Discover the influence of the Joy family on Belfast, and how these historic Entries in the oldest part of the city have now become an outdoor art gallery.
Finish your tour at the statue of Mary Ann McCracken, an abolitionist, educator, and United Irishwoman.
Meeting point
Start Location
Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square North, Belfast, UK
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; proficiency in the language is recommended.
- The walking tour covers approximately 2.5 hours; plan accordingly.
- Check the availability of the tour on your preferred date before booking.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day of the tour.
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the walk.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Traveler reviews
Great look into an interesting piece of history
Loved it, interesting and detailed. Really engaging and well presented. A good look at an underdiscussed bit of history
Colin’s 1798 rebellion tour
Colin was highly knowledgeable and well organized in his tour. He answered our questions with thoughtfulness and humor. Overall it was great craic.
Worthwhile Tour
Colin is a VERY knowledgable guide and friendly as well. Worthwhile to get beyond history of simply the 1900s conflict and understand a bit more about the troubles.
Don't miss this excellent tour.
Our tour guide, Colin, was excellent and really painted a vivid picture of life in Belfast around 1798 with a mixture of knowledge and humour. We learnt so much about the major players in the Rebellion and so much more! It was a really wet day but even that didn't ruin the experience. We would really recommend this tour.
Witness to a Rebellion
‘The 1798 – A Belfast Rebellion’ walking tour was absolutely fascinating with Tour Guide Colin Shaw. I’ve long been captivated by the story of the Joy family, particularly Henry Joy McCracken and his sister Mary Ann, so this tour was a must for me. Hearing Colin explain the story while standing in the very streets and entries where Henry Joy walked alongside his fellow United Irishmen and ultimately to the gallows—was a truly unforgettable experience. Colin’s knowledge, passion, and storytelling brought the people and events of 1798 to life with their philosophy of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. I almost felt I was a witness to this part of history, listening to the ideals and sacrifices these young men and women made, with a poignant twist at the end that stayed with me ever since. Colin explained the motivations behind the Rebellion and the lasting impact it had on Belfast and its complicated future. A truly remarkable story that deserves to be known and Colin is the perfect person to tell it. Well done DC Tours for another great tour and bringing this important chapter of our history so vividly to life. If like me you love your history, I recommend you book this tour now. M