Belfastlad Avis 53

We greatly appreciated having this private tour with two different guides, each providing their own perspective on the Troubles. We also liked that these two guides have lived experience of the Troubles and could share these with us. Micky, our first guide, showed us many of the murals and told us the stories behind each one, as well as gave us an historic background of events in Ireland going back hundreds of years, the effects of which are still felt today. We are most grateful to Francis (Frank), our second guide, for sharing his very personal stories of the Troubles. We are of similar age to Frank and the contrast of his life as a younger person and of ours was not lost in us. The tour was very moving and we will not forget it anytime soon. We very highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting a true two-sided account of this painful time in Belfast history.

Truly amazing. So educational. Get the real stories from real people. Buying Frank’s books. Appreciate hearing from real people.

Learning about the 'Troubles' from Mark and Manuel was a truly impactful and moving experience. Their willingness to share their personal stories and unique perspectives made this tour stand out from anything else we've ever done. It's not just a history lesson; it's a real-life story told by those who lived it. This is a very well-designed and highly recommended tour for anyone who wants a genuine understanding of the past. We were so very pleased with our experience. Thank you!

Curran (spelling?) and Frank were articulate, professional, passionate guides. A wealth of knowledge and experience to back up unbelievable historical story telling. They made the troubles come alive, with the human side shining through. Both men understood that hard things happened to and by both sides. Both men expressed how grateful they are for the peace that exists now. Thank you both for such thought provoking experience.

Had a brilliant tour, so informative and interesting! Thought Francis and Mickey were both excellent and so knowledgeable and shared their own personal experiences which we found so emotive.
Would highly recommend these guys and this tour!

Wonderful Cab Tour! We were in Belfast for a day and a half and were really hoping to get a deeper unbiased understanding of the history of Northern Ireland. We found the Belfast Lad Tours and really appreciated that we'd be getting guided by both a Protestant and a Catholic. Unfortunately, one of our guides wasn't unable to make it, however Francis more than made up for the both of them! His tour was unbiased and informative, yet was also an eye opening and extremely honest representation of the Troubles and Belfast today. Thank you!

Frank’s knowledge and candid details are remarkable. He lived the story and dove deep into what happened.

Absolutely worth the time!!!!

Informative tour and very friendly hosts also. This tour was the highlight of our trip and as such I’ve recommended to friends and family.

Very knowledgeable. Our guide lived the Troubles! First hand accounts. Must book this tour.

Outstanding experience! Fascinating history, open to questions and full of information. Frank’s life is as varied and interesting as the tour itself - you won’t regret picking him as your guide. Would absolutely recommend!

Amazing !! Tour very informative

A great way to find out more about the history of the troubles in Belfast. Two very informative guides, very different in presentation of information but both so knowledgeable and friendly.
Good to know: not so suitable for those with mobility issues, 2nd half was a lot of getting in/out of the taxi which my mum found hard.

The information was excellent. The history of the city and Irelands growth through many challenges was compelling. Guide was amazing along with friendly staff. The tour was a lot of fast walking and very little time to take a “selfie”. Which is what the tour description was, time for selfies. 4 hours non stop of walking quickly and zero time planned for breaks, including bathroom and food. Maybe take something that’s not significant out to allow for breaks would be helpful. Bec of city shutdowns several top attractions could not be visited. That information should have been provided before booking the tour.

Allen was a very knowledgeable guide.

Mr. Higgins, our tour guide, really brought the scenery to life with his tales from Irish history, Irish folklore, and his own personal history. He brought us to numerous Game of Thrones filming locations and went into detail about the fascinating parallels between GoT and the history of Ireland. The beauty of Ireland, Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle are amazing, but Mr. Higgin's storytelling and expertise as a guide really brought our experience to the next level.

Wow such an incredible tour & our favourite activity in Belfast. Frank was so knowledgeable on the history of Belfast & the ‘Troubles’, he completely opened our minds to what the city was like & kept a very honest account with his own experience of the ‘troubles’ added in there. He’s a fantastic storyteller & id reccommend this tour to everyone who has an interest in history or who’s interested in visiting Belfast.

Conflicting Stories - Taxi Tour of Murals and Peacewalls, is an interesting concept. One hour with a cabby from one side of The Troubles, and and the next hour with one from the other side. Francis and Micky gave us interesting personal perspectives, having grown up as young men during those times. They could have both turned into bitter older men, however they both have hope for a future integrating into a united Ireland. Highly recommended.

Picked up bang on time ( our pick up was from the pavement outside the Ibis hotel in the centre of the city.) first tour was a very personal account of growing up in Belfast the ups and downs, life choices made, some bullets dodged ( literally) and ended with a really positive outcome for the children of the troubles. Second tour focussed on the history that sparked the 1960s conflict from the Catholic perspective moving forward to the present day and ended with a link to the first tour. If you want a proper history tour focussing on real life stories rather than a tourist snap shot, book this tour, you will come away with a real feel for the city and it's people.

Class info and brilliant craic! Frank and Belfast Lad absolutely nailed it. I can thoroughly recommend their trip have now been on a few of them.
Excellent.

Made an enormous impression on us! Francis’ firsthand account of the events in Belfast were jaw dropping from start till end. Combined with Micky’s detailed addition, very much worthwhile to understand this period in history up and till the present day.