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
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.
Options
1798 A Belfast Rebellion Walking Tour
What‘s Included
Vox whisper set to hear your guide clearly at all times
Gratuities for your guide (optional)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Don't miss this excellent tour.
mariakZ816ZM,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 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.
Witness to a Rebellion
Guide289725,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00‘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
Insightful introduction to a complex period in Irish history, led by a wonderful and knowledgeable guide
BackPacker828882,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic 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!
Absolutely brilliant tour
Jane B,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had 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
The definitive tour of the 1798 rebellion in Belfast
J2923TTjaner,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 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.
What to do on a Saturday Morning?
739Charlie,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 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.
Great walking tour
U4605EKtg,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent 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.
Demystifying the 1798 rebellion
Journey14227788496,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent tour with Colin Shaw who kept us entertained us as he traced the history of the 1798 rebellion through the streets of Belfast. A fascinating period of history was brought alive as we became familiar with the events and characters of the time. A most enjoyable few hours with a very welcome cup of coffee midway through! I can highly recommend this tour.
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
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