Belfast: ‘1798 – A Belfast Rebellion’ Walking Tour

Key Points

• History of the 1798 Rebellion: Explore Belfast’s role in this pivotal uprising.
• Visit iconic sites: St Mary’s Church, Linen Hall Library, Exchange, and Assembly Rooms.
• Expert local guide: Led by knowledgeable guides using Vox headsets for clear narration.
• Accessible and flexible: 2.5-hour tour, wheelchair friendly, with flexible booking options.
• Location: Starts and ends at Belfast City Hall on Donegall Square North.
• Schedule: Offered on the first and third Saturday each month at 10:00 am.

The Belfast: ‘1798 – A Belfast Rebellion’ Walking Tour offers a compelling look into one of Ireland’s most significant uprisings, all within a 2.5-hour stroll through Belfast’s city centre. It is ideal for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, or anyone interested in understanding Belfast’s complex past. Led by a local expert guide, the tour uses Vox headsets to ensure every detail is heard clearly, making the experience engaging and informative.

This tour is particularly suited for those who want an in-depth, yet manageable exploration of Belfast’s revolutionary history. It is wheelchair accessible and runs on the first and third Saturday of each month at 10:00 am, providing a regular opportunity to dive into Ireland’s past in a way that is both flexible and well-organized. The short duration and flat route make it accessible for most visitors, while the inclusion of key historical sites enriches understanding of Belfast’s turbulent history.

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Belfast’s Historic Roots at City Hall

The tour kicks off at the front gates of Belfast City Hall on Donegall Square North, where an expert guide welcomes participants. From this starting point, the guide paints a picture of Belfast over two hundred years ago, explaining how the city was beginning to develop through its shipping trade, linen production, and shipbuilding industries. Visitors learn about the city’s fascination with exotic imports like tobacco, rum, sugar, wine, and port, which fueled its economic growth.

The history of Belfast’s improvement efforts is highlighted through the story of the Linen Hall Library, originally the Society for Promoting Knowledge. The guide details how this library, later to become a cultural hub, was also the site where Thomas Russell, a key figure and former soldier, was arrested in 1796 to prevent the rebellion. This moment links Belfast’s cultural development with the political unrest of the era.

Visiting St Mary’s Church, Belfast’s First Roman Catholic Church

A short walk brings visitors to St Mary’s Church, opened in May 1784. This site is notable as Belfast’s first Roman Catholic Church, and the guide emphasizes its significance in representing religious progress during that period. Accompanying the visit is a guard of honor from the predominantly Presbyterian Belfast Volunteers, highlighting the close ties between religious and political groups of the time.

The church’s architecture and history provide context for understanding how religious beliefs influenced democratic church structures and fostered support among Presbyterian and Catholic communities alike. This site helps explain how communal bonds played a role in Belfast’s revolutionary activities.

Rosemary Street and the McCracken Family Home

A quick detour to Rosemary Street reveals the location of three large Presbyterian Meeting Houses and the family home of the McCracken family. This area illustrates the importance of Presbyterian beliefs in shaping political ideas, demonstrating how their democratic church structures supported supporting fellow Roman Catholics.

The guide discusses how these religious beliefs fostered a sense of community and support networks, which contributed to the rise of the United Irishmen—a key group in the rebellion’s history.

The Exchange and Assembly Rooms: The Court Martial of Henry Joy McCracken

One of the tour’s most striking sites is the Exchange and Assembly Rooms, where crucial town meetings took place. Here, visitors learn about Henry Joy McCracken, a prominent United Irishman, who was court-martialed following the failed Battle of Antrim.

The guide explains that McCracken was found guilty at this location, and his hanging later that day marked a significant moment in Belfast’s rebellion. Visiting this site offers a tangible connection to the fate of the rebellion’s leaders and the harsh realities faced by those involved.

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The Grisly End at High Street

A visit to High Street reveals the site of McCracken’s hanging, giving visitors a stark reminder of the rebellion’s toll. The guide discusses the final moments and the impact of this event, illustrating the brutality of the period.

This stop helps visitors grasp the consequences of rebellion and the sacrifices made by those fighting for Irish independence. It also provides insight into how these events are remembered or shunned in modern times.

Exploring Joys Entry, St George’s Church, and the Muddlers Club

Further stops include Joys Entry, a historic street that adds to Belfast’s bustling atmosphere, and St George’s Church, which has its own connections to the city’s religious and political history. The Muddlers Club is also highlighted as a significant place, contributing to Belfast’s cultural and political narrative.

Each site offers a glimpse into Belfast’s charged atmosphere during the late 18th century and how those tensions resonate today.

Reflection Back at City Hall and the Rebellion’s Legacy

Returning to City Hall, the guide encourages reflection on how the 1798 Rebellion has shaped Irish history. The tour discusses how this pivotal event is often misremembered or shunned, yet it once offered hope for equality, liberty, and fraternity long before these ideas became part of the Good Friday Agreement.

Participants are encouraged to consider the ongoing impact of the rebellion and its complex legacy in modern Belfast and Ireland.

Practical Details and Booking

This tour departs from the front gates of Belfast City Hall with local guides who are well-versed in the city’s history. It is a flat, less than two-mile route, making it suitable for most visitors. The duration is 2.5 hours, and the experience includes Vox headsets for clear narration.

The tour runs twice a month, on the first and third Saturday at 10:00 am, with options to reserve and pay later. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for travelers.

Final Words on the Belfast Rebellion Tour

The ‘1798 – A Belfast Rebellion’ walking tour delivers a focused, engaging look at a vital chapter of Irish history. It combines key sites with expert storytelling, making complex political and religious themes accessible.

While the short duration and location in city centre keep it manageable, the tour provides a rich narrative that helps visitors understand the legacy of rebellion and its relevance today. Perfect for those interested in history, politics, or Belfast’s cultural identity, this tour offers a meaningful and well-organized exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the front gates of Belfast City Hall on Donegall Square North.

Is the route accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the route is completely flat and wheelchair accessible.

How often does this tour run?
It runs on the first and third Saturday of each month at 10:00 am.

What sites are included in the tour?
Visitors see St Mary’s Church, Linen Hall Library, Exchange and Assembly Rooms, High Street, Joys Entry, St George’s Church, and the Muddlers Club.

What is the cost of the tour?
Prices are not specified here, but booking includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and options to reserve now and pay later.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly stated, the flat route and manageable duration suggest it is suitable for most visitors, including families, provided they are interested in history.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted in English.

Are there any other similar tours in Belfast?
Yes, several options include Black Taxi history tours, private murals taxi tours, and Giant’s Causeway day trips, which can complement this historical walk.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby