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Belfast Rebellion Tour: Discover 1798 History
5.0
31 Ratings
Belfast
Explore Belfast’s 1798 Rebellion on a captivating walking tour. Uncover hidden stories and historic sites that shaped Ireland’s quest for equality.
Explore Belfast’s 1798 Rebellion on a captivating walking tour. Uncover hidden stories and historic sites that shaped Ireland’s quest for equality.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- City Hall - The tour will commence with an overview of the events leading to the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798.
- The Linen Hall - Explore the library’s history and learn about its most notorious librarian, the United Irishman, Thomas Russell.
- St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church - Understand the impact of the penal laws on Ireland’s…
- City Hall - The tour will commence with an overview of the events leading to the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798.
- The Linen Hall - Explore the library’s history and learn about its most notorious librarian, the United Irishman, Thomas Russell.
- St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church - Understand the impact of the penal laws on Ireland’s Catholics and the establishment of the chapel in the late 1700s.
- Kelly’s Cellars - A historic pub and clandestine meeting spot for the United Irishmen as they planned their uprising.
- First Presbyterian Church - Discover how Presbyterians became prosperous merchants in Belfast and learn about the church’s most renowned members.
- Assembly Rooms Belfast - Learn about significant meetings held here, including the court martial of Henry Joy McCracken and the unsuccessful proposal for a Belfast slave ship company.
- Parish Church of St George, Belfast - The site of Belfast’s first church, which also marks the origin of the city’s name.
- Joy’s Entry - Uncover the Joy family’s impact on Belfast and how these historic Entries in the city’s oldest area have transformed into an outdoor art gallery.
- City Hall - Conclude the tour at the statue of Mary Ann McCracken, an abolitionist, educator, and United Irishwoman.
What's Included
- Vox whisper set for clear guide communication
- Vox whisper set for clear guide communication
What's Not Included
- Gratuities for your guide (optional)
- Gratuities for your guide (optional)
Additional Information
“1798 – A Belfast Rebellion” is a 2 ½ hour guided walking tour in the city center, exploring Georgian Belfast and the visionaries who aspired for a brighter future.
The tour begins and concludes at the gates of City Hall, narrating the story of the United Irishmen’s inception and development in Belfast, leading up to the 1798 Rebellion and its subsequent…
“1798 – A Belfast Rebellion” is a 2 ½ hour guided walking tour in the city center, exploring Georgian Belfast and the visionaries who aspired for a brighter future.
The tour begins and concludes at the gates of City Hall, narrating the story of the United Irishmen’s inception and development in Belfast, leading up to the 1798 Rebellion and its subsequent suppression. Participants will be guided through significant sites that still exist today and introduced to the individuals who ignited the Rebellion.
Discover what life was like for the Presbyterians of early Belfast, who were prosperous merchants yet lacked political power, and learn how and why they joined forces with the Irish Catholics to strive for a more equitable society for all on the island.
Join the tour to understand how these enlightened ideas sparked a movement that set Ireland ablaze.
Location
Belfast City Hall
Donegall Square North
We meet outside the front gates of City Hall, on Donegall Square North. Your guide will be wearing a blck jacket with the DC Tours logo on the left breast.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(31 Ratings)
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Manfredcolly
Jun 26, 2026
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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Willsi7493hw
Jun 21, 2026
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Whafsniffer
Jun 21, 2026
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariakz816zm
Jun 7, 2026
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guide289725
Jun 2, 2026
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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Backpacker828882
Apr 22, 2026
Insightful introduction to a complex period in Irish history, led by a wonderful and knowledgeable guide - Fantastic overview of the political situation in 18th-century Ireland and Belfast particularly. Colin provided an insightful background context surrounding the penal laws and other circumstances which brought about the formation of the Society of United Irishmen in Belfast in 1791. Colin's expertise on the subject was evident, yet what he shared was digestible, captivating and done so with a gentle and warm approach, while always encouraging questions. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone with even a passing interest in 18th-century Irish history!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jane
Apr 20, 2026
Absolutely brilliant tour - Had a brilliant tour with Mylie as our tour guide her knowledge and story telling were second to none a must do tour if you are in Belfast
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J2923ttjaner
Apr 19, 2026
The definitive tour of the 1798 rebellion in Belfast - I would like to thank Colin for such an engaging and well researched tour. I thought I knew quite a lot about the 1798 rebellion but I was wrong. Colin's depth of knowledge is phemonenal and it was fascinating to see the actual sites where so many important events took place. Thanks also to Colin for the handout he has produced which I will use to find out even more about such an important period in our history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
739charlie
Feb 7, 2026
What to do on a Saturday Morning? - Our Tour Guide Colin, was so enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge of this incredible time in Irish History, answered all questions and I now have a face and a bio on some of those names mentioned on the Blue Plaques around the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U4605ektg
Feb 7, 2026
Great walking tour - Excellent tour, Colin ( guide) was a mine of information on 1798 Rebellion and events leading up to it. I learned so much about the Presbyterian influence and Belfast of the time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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