Belfast Cultural History and Exploration Tour

-An Exclusive Tour for the more discerning traveller
-Experienced/Qualified Professional Guide
-All entance fees/costs covered
-Skip the line fasttrack entry
-Max of x15 per tour
-Fully wireless audio earpieces (if requested)
-Excellent for Family groups.
Belfast offers a unique blend of history & heritage & culture. The Queens University area is a bustling hub with centuries of rich history seamlessly merging with contemporary life. Explore & enjoy the Botanical Gardens to savour its beauty, its Palm House & Tropical Ravine. Then exclusive access to the 5th century 'Ancient Graveyard of Friars Bush' Enjoy the award winning Ulster Museum that tells the story of Ireland.
This tour has something for everyone with chic cafés and lively pubs for 'apres un verre' that pulse with energy. Join our award winning guides on a cultural journey in the heart of Belfast, that invites exploration, celebrates its past, embraces the future while offering the charm of a welcoming, walkable metropolis.

Meeting Point

Queen's University

Belfast BT9, UK

Please meet at the front entrance of the University at the metal gates to the front of the main building

What's included:

• Fast track no queuing and exclusive private access to sites.
• Visit the Victorian splendour of The Tropical Ravine and Palm House in the Botanical Gardens
• Exclusive access to protected 5th Century Ancient Graveyard Site.
• Visit the fabulous Ulster Museum, that tells the story of Ireland from mythical druids to modern day
• Tour is led by an experienced, qualified and professional academic and local historian tour guide.

Not included:

• Gratuity

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours

Queen's University

University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NN

Queen's University Belfast is one of the leading universities of Ireland with a distinguished heritage and history. Founded in 1845 as Queen's College Belfast.
The Lanyon Building (Iconic Main Building) was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon in the mid-19th century, this Gothic Revival masterpiece is one of Belfast’s most photographed buildings. With its dramatic red brick, arched windows, and stone detailing, it's a jaw-dropper for fans of architecture and history alike. Behind the main façade, travelers will find a peaceful, open courtyard surrounded by cloisters, a quiet haven that feels like stepping back in time. Visit the Naughton Gallery a contemporary art space located within the university that features rotating exhibitions from local and international artists. Small but stylish, a creative dimension to the experience.
Visit the historic 'Great Hall' filled with portraits of former chancellors and stunning stained-glass windows. It’s a grand setting often used for many events.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Botanic Gardens

College Park Ave., Botanic Ave., Belfast, BT7 1LP

Botanic Gardens in Belfast opened in 1828, is one of its most popular tourist destinations. You enter a serene, visually stunning, and culturally rich experience.
The Palm House, a Victorian Glasshouse is one of the oldest examples of a curvilinear cast-iron glasshouse in the world. Inside, you'll find exotic tropical plants, seasonal floral displays, and a warm, humid oasis that contrasts beautifully with Belfast's weather.
The Tropical Ravine is a newly restored Victorian building with a lush, jungle-like interior. Visitors can wander through raised walkways and admire rare and ancient plant species, including cinnamon and banana trees.
In spring and summer, the gardens burst into color with meticulously maintained flower beds, rose gardens, and tree-lined paths perfect for strolling or relaxing.
With historic trees Travelers can explore a wide range of native and non-native trees, some dating back over a century, adding depth and history to the walk.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Friar's Bush Graveyard Cemetery Tours

12 Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AA

At Friar’s Bush Ancient Graveyard in Belfast, you'll discover one of the city’s oldest and most mysterious historical Christian burial sites — a peaceful, atmospheric gem. It blends history, folklore, and a touch of the macabre in the best possible way. Dating back to 5th Century with its weathered stone crosses, moss-covered slabs, and intricately carved headstones line the paths, many with Gaelic inscriptions. See the “Friar’s Stone” said to mark the grave of a medieval monk, this stone is wrapped in legend. According to local folklore, it gave the graveyard its name — and standing before it, travelers can almost feel the weight of centuries.
There is a mass grave from the Famine era. Known as Plaguey Hill. This haunting section of the graveyard contains the remains of 1000's who died during the Great Hunger- Famine and cholera and typhoid outbreaks between 1830-50. Explore elaborately designed family plots and stories of Rebellion and the intrigue of the body-snatching in the 1800s.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Ulster Museum

Stranmillis Road, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB

Ulster Museum in Belfast, they’re in for a dynamic, all-ages experience that weaves together art, history, science, and natural wonders — all under one roof. Located in the heart of the Botanic Gardens, it’s one of the city’s top cultural attractions, making it a must-see for anyone exploring Belfast. The museum houses an impressive collection of fine art, including works by Irish masters and international artists. A powerful and thought-provoking display that walks visitors through Northern Ireland’s complex recent history. Through photographs, objects, and multimedia, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of the conflict that shaped modern Belfast. Visit the Ancient Egyptian Mummy: Takabuti, an Egyptian noblewoman who was brought to Belfast in the 1800s. See the Celtic and Viking Treasures displays and delve into the ancient as well as modern history of Ireland, The Ulster Museum has it all.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included