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Discover the darker side of Belfast's history on this walking tour through the historic center, filled with stories of rebellion, smugglers, and public executions.

Discover the darker side of Belfast's history on this walking tour through the historic center, filled with stories of rebellion, smugglers, and public executions.

Secrets of Old Belfast

From Victorian-era crimes and executions to hidden passageways, mysterious alleyways, superstitions, and secret rebellions... We'll meet outside the old Crumlin Road Gaol to kick off this walking tour through hidden Belfast.

We'll start by taking a look at the facade of Belfast's most famous prison, Crumlin Road Gaol. This site once held some of the city's most notorious prisoners and witnessed a few truly wild escape attempts.

We'll walk through central Belfast to get a feel for the city's true spirit. We'll stop at the Albert Memorial Clock, a monument that not everyone loves, and talk about the Victorian era, a time of frequent crimes and public executions.

From there, we'll head to Writer's Square and Saint Anne's Cathedral, right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. Here, we'll see Belfast through the eyes of the writers and journalists who captured the city at its most authentic, and learn how this area went from being one of Belfast's darkest corners to becoming a cultural hotspot.

We'll pass by Bank Square, once the site of public punishments and unrest in Belfast, before stopping at Kelly's Cellar, one of Northern Ireland's oldest pubs and a former hotspot for conspiracies, secret meetings, and rebel movements that changed the course of the city's history.

Finally, we'll wander through the Entries, Belfast's oldest alleyways, uncovering hair-raising stories of smugglers, merchants, and sailors.

We'll wrap up this dark tour after 2 hours outside Belfast City Hall.

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More Information

Duration

2 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English. The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide

When to book?

You can book up until 12 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Sustainability conditions

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - What is the ETA?

    A - The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a mandatory electronic travel permit for certain nationalities visiting the UK for tourism, business, or transit. It’s applied for online, costs £16, and is linked to your passport.

  • Q - Who needs an ETA?

    A - Everyone needs an ETA to travel to the UK, except British and Irish citizens and those who already require a visa to enter the country.

  • Q - How do I apply for the ETA?

    A - You apply online through the official UK Government website or app. You’ll need a valid passport, a recent photo, your travel details, and a payment card. Approval can arrive within minutes, though it may take up to three working days. Once granted, the ETA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first).

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Viva's Tours Luxemburgo Corporate name: Vivas Group International LLC Registered Office: 3 Germay Dr Ste 4 # 1782, Delaware, United States Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): 30-1243473 Contact information Email: vivabrusselstours@gmail.com Phone: +32 492 47 08 83

  • Q - What happens if I travel without an ETA?

    A - If your nationality requires an ETA and you don’t have one, you won’t be allowed to board a flight to the UK—even for a layover.

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

    A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

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If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Where does the activity end?

Crumlin Road Gaol

Belfast City Hall

View map
Where does the activity end?

Belfast City Hall

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