1798 A Belfast Rebellion Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
“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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Belfast City Hall
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.
What‘s Included
Vox whisper set to hear your guide clearly at all times
Gratuities for your guide (optional)
Options
1798 A Belfast Rebellion Walking Tour
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
10/10 tour, very exciting and interesting, felt transported back to the time itself!
I2160NKhannahv,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took a 1798 walking tour with Colin on the 20th of December. All five of us throughly enjoyed the tour. Colin is a very knowledgable and engaging guide, I would recommend his tour to anyone. Colin brought Belfast in the 1790s back to life! Great characters in the story, and Colin’s a great character himself. Merry Christmas Colin and all the DC team!
A brief but amazing period in Irish history
paulmR9873NE,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A huge thank you to Colin Shaw our guide, who provided a wealth of information about the rebellion, in terms of its historical context, in Ireland and further afield (USA ,France).His knowledge& detail on the key individuals was fantastic. He brought them to life. Highly recommend this tour, looking at a fascinating period in Irish history. Paul
Interesting & Informative
heathero523,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very informative & interesting walk & talk by Colin. I didn’t know much about this period in history. I intend to read more about it.
A small Belfast, well intentioned wealthy Presbyterians. A sad ending.
hazelg505,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So enjoyed this informative tour with Colin. His knowledge was amazing and he brought the streets of Belfast of that era to life. Plus the many stories of the folk from Ireland who tried to change circumstances and ended up in the gallows. Who could you trust? So many names to remember. Would definitely do this tour again but on a warmer day. Loved it.
Highly recommended
H5637VVcatherinew,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So glad that we booked this tour, 1798 - A Belfast Rebellion. Colin was so informative and brought the past back to life by talking about key individuals from Belfast who became involved in the United Irishmen's quest for freedom in 18th Century Ireland. Colin skilfully related these Belfast stories to other key events happening in the American War of Independence and the French Revolution. A fascinating and highly enjoyable walk of historic 18th century Belfast
Enlightening tour
2reubenf,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My brothers and I attended a tour led by Colin. He was extremely well briefed and very enthusiastic about his subject matter, as well as engaging and open to questions. It was very very enlightening and in some ways overturned everything I thought I knew about republicanism in Ireland. Highly recommended.
The 1798 Rebellion - a tour not to be missed!
johnfG2379KH,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best and well informed tours that I have ever been on. Over 3 hours of pure ‘gold’ detailing background to origins of Belfast, setting the conditions in Ireland, USA and France for revolution, highlighting several of the leaders of the 1798 Rebellion and taking us to hidden parts of 18th century Belfast. Colin was a well informed guide who imparted his knowledge with outstanding enthusiasm. A tour not to be missed! Thank you.
1798
Y8035REsm,,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding. Enjoyable and highly informative. Colins knowledge-sharing on the subject was brilliant and I came away with so much I didnt know.
1798 Walk and talk
Companion58440239900,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I thoroughly enjoyed Colin's talk and our walk. Certainly inspired me to read much more about this fascinating time in Belfast's history.
Authoritative and Objective
kendD8330IV,,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a tour to be recommended. Colin, our guide, was clearly an authority on Belfast. Weaving events in the American colonies and revolutionary France into his account, the story of this unique period in the town's history was shared expertly and with humour. The colourful personalities were explained and the use of Colin's picture file to set the scene at various points added to the narrative. It was clear that Colin had a deep knowledge of the period. The context was set superbly at the start and the tour concluded with a thoughtful consideration of '1798 after 1798.' This was a skilled and nuanced tour which would suit anyone interested in the United Irishmen as well as those with no prior knowledge. No bias, no attempt to mislead or take modern political sides. If you are local this is a very worthwhile experience. If you are from the US you will see the American Revolution's influence writ large. Excellent value all round. You will never look at Belfast in the same way again.
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