Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Belfast
“1798 – A Belfast Rebellion” is a 2 ½ hour walking tour within the city centre, uncovering Georgian Belfast and individuals who hoped for a better future. The tour starts and finishes at the gates of City Hall and tells the story of the origins and formation of the United Irishmen in Belfast, through to the 1798 Rebellion and its suppression. We will lead you through the important sites that remain today and introduce you to those who fanned the flames of Rebellion. You will learn what life was like for the Presbyterian’s of early Belfast, who were successful merchants and yet excluded from political influence, and discover how and why they allied with the Irish Catholics in an attempt to establish a more equal society for everyone on the island. Come and learn how these enlightened sparks lit a flame that set Ireland on fire.
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.
1798 A Belfast Rebellion Walking Tour lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 9 stops.
Prices start at $36 per person for this Belfast experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is 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.. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 25 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
We had a fantastic and very informative walking tour of the Troubles in Belfast. Jim Our guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and thoughtful, bringing the history to life while providing valuable insight into the events and their lasting impact. A fascinating experience that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Belfast.
Loved it, interesting and detailed. Really engaging and well presented. A good look at an underdiscussed bit of history
Hi, Thank you for your 5-star review. We're delighted you enjoyed Colin's 1798 tour, and really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. We hope to welcome you back on another tour in the future. Best wishes, DC Tours
Colin was highly knowledgeable and well organized in his tour. He answered our questions with thoughtfulness and humor. Overall it was great craic.
Hi, Thank you for your 5-star review. We're so pleased you enjoyed Colin's 1798 tour, and I'll be sure to pass your kind comments on to him. Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review. Best wishes, DC Tours
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.
Hi, Thank you for your 5-star review. We're delighted you joined Colin for our 1798- A Belfast Rebellion tour, and we'll be sure to pass your kind comments on to him. Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review. Best wishes, DC Tours
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.
Hi Maria, Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted you enjoyed the tour with Colin. His knowledge, humour and storytelling bring the events of 1798 vividly to life, so we're pleased you learned so much despite the Belfast weather! Thank you for the recommendation. Best wishes, DC Tours
‘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
Hi M, Thank you for such a wonderful review. We're delighted you enjoyed the tour and that Colin's knowledge and storytelling helped bring the events of 1798 so vividly to life. One of the strengths of the tour is exploring the story in the very places where it unfolded, and we're pleased it resonated so strongly with you. Thank you for your continued support and recommendation. Best wishes, DC Tours
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!
Hi, thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review of our 1798 tour—we’re really pleased you found the tour both insightful and engaging. Colin will be delighted to hear his approach and depth of knowledge made the subject so accessible. Best wishes, DC Tours
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
Hi Jane, thanks for the fantastic feedback—we’re delighted you had such a great experience with Mylie. She’ll really appreciate your kind words, and we’re glad you’d recommend the tour. Best regards, DC Tours
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.
Hi Jane, Thank you for such a thoughtful review of our 1798 - A belfast Rebellion tour—we’re delighted you found the tour so engaging and insightful. Colin will really appreciate your kind words, and it’s great to hear the handout will keep the exploration going. Best wishes, DC Tours
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.
Hi Charlie, Thank you for the lovely review. We’re delighted you enjoyed the 1798 tour with Colin and that his enthusiasm and knowledge helped bring the people behind the blue plaques to life. It’s great to hear the history now feels more personal and memorable. Best wishes, DC Tours
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1798 A Belfast Rebellion Walking Tour | 2h 30min | 5.0 (32) | $36 | |
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