Belfast Political Tour - Belfast

Tom B.

I highly recommend doing the Conflicting Stories walking tour. Full disclosure; I did already come in with more sympathy for the Republican side, and it was very moving to hear about our former political prisoner guide’s experiences. When we switched over to the Loyalist side, our guide was a bit younger during the conflict but shared what it was like surviving IRA attacks and knowing other children who were killed. I was hesitant initially, but I think it was a benefit to see both sides, even if it didn’t really change my political beliefs. Neither side has really disavowed what they fought for, but it was inspiring and hopeful to see both sides committed to the difficult process of peace and reconciliation and learning to coexist as humans. And I think a lot of people in our tour group benefited from seeing these views, whether they were from the Republic, England, Australia, the US, or Canada.

T N.

We did the Conflicting Stories Taxi Tour with Mickey and Mark - we cannot recommend this tour enough! Hearing different sides was extremely eye opening and also really impactful that despite the differing sides and rawness of the Troubles - they are working together to tell the story. This was one of the highlights of our entire trip through Ireland! I would mention we went back to sign the peace wall, I'd encourage the tour to stop for that but outside of that - it was really an eye opening experience.

Cary N.

Michael our tour guide was excellent.
I have no political opinion but I was amazed at the history of the tour & seeing all the great paintings on the buildings.
Great People in a fantastic City of the UK

Karen D.

An excellent tour. The first half was led by a Republican. He was very passionate and from him we learned a lot about what the British news had (not surprisingly) not told us. We walked along the Falls Road, then through all the streets whose houses burned to the ground in 1969. We saw the wall. Some communities are taking it down and uniting. Sadly, some are afraid if it's not locking them in at night. Like the murals, some of the old ones have been painted over. People want to forget. There were several newer ones, some were political, about peace or some simply art.
The latter half was led by a Loyalist, a quiet, humble man. Shankill Road is almost bizarrely so Pro-British, it felt like we were walking into a King's Jubilee celebration. Sure it's just before VE day, but it was more than that. The wording of their wall art was, I felt, more about holding on to their anger than towards reconciliation. There were a few non political, newer murals.

Both guides had been active in the troubles, in prison and enemies. It was good to see that they had moved on and respected each other. A very informative and interesting tour, which gave a good sense of perspective.

Jeffery S.

Interesting 2 sides of the same coin. We thought Dave and Mark did a good job. A little long for us, but did help our understanding of the issue.

Louise M. O.

Emotive, passionate, personal, polarised, fascinating, appalling, sad, an unusual tour and unusual ow4spectives. Its not a studied educated history but is impactful personal experiential stories. Balanced by 2 opposing sides perspectives

Anna F.

These really were two completely opposing experiences. 1st half with Robert was incredible. He laid the foundation of how and why the Irish banded together to fight for equality and a better life. He did not shy away from his role in the Troubles and regrets. You came away with an understanding of how he’s working across the lines for a better community and healing. I was deeply impressed by his lived history and continued service to unite the neighbors and work with the youth of Belfast.
2nd half with Mark couldn’t have been more different. This is a man so deeply fueled by hate. It felt as if most of his content was propaganda and not data driven. Comments like, “what were they fighting for?!?! Better jobs? Better houses?!?! WE ALL lived in the same houses, had the SAME jobs!”. He was utterly dismissive of the life the Irish had and why they stood up against the English. His comment about the MAJORITY of the Republic does NOT want a united Ireland was laughable. This is based on what data?
He spoke a lot about things that had nothing to do with the Troubles. He got so dramatic & angry when talking about the Irish who were banished after fighting alongside the English in WW1. That was in the 1920s! How was that relevant to the tour other than to continue to push hatred and propaganda? He seemed really bothered that the Irish were flying Palestinian flags in solidarity of the humanitarian crisis happening. “Why are they flying other countries flags over there?!? That has nothing to do with us”.
In the end, Mark provided insight as to why some people will not change and have no desire to work together for a better community or world.
Robert provided insight as to how it all began, why it carried on and hope for the future.
For those taking the tour, I hope you get Robert = 5 stars.
If you get Mark, you’ll see what I’m saying = 0 stars.

Sameer H.

What an amazing tour. Spent 2 hours driving to see mural walls, garden memorials, peace walls and learning the history of Ireland. Thanks to our amazing Tour Gudie Barry, highly recommended.