Belfast Music Walking Tour
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Belfast Music Walking Tour

Active
(3 reviews)
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Come and explore the sights and sounds of a vibrant music city with a specialist music guide and musician! Belfast is the only city on the island of Ireland to have gained the status of UNESCO City of Music.

This fun walking tour is the only tour to cover a wide range of music genres - from folk and pop to punk, and from classical and hip hop to jazz and lots more! Guests will enjoy a special tour playlist along the way.

You will see some cool music venues, including traditional bars and clubs, historic buildings, open air performance spaces and even a church. Your knowledgeable and passionate guide, Dolores, will share stories about iconic music moments, and many of Belfast's best-known musicians, including Van Morison, Gary Moore, Ruby Murray and Snow Patrol.
The tour ends with a visit to the city's contemporary music hub, the Oh Yeah Music Centre, where you will be shown around its NI Music Exhibition.

Available options

Belfast Music Walking Tour

What's included

professional and qualified guide
Access to hard to find places

Detailed itinerary

1

Gain special entry to visit a Victorian Music Hall, hear about some of the great gigs and concerts that have taken place here; enjoy its architecture, and see 'behind the scenes' to exit through the stage door artists use.

2
Stop 2

Enjoy the splendid architecture and grounds of Belfast City Hall, and hear fascinating stories about some of the historic gigs that have taken place on the grounds. Hear about the City's Music Ambassadors, appointed since it became a UNESCO City of Music and cities it is twinned with around the world. Hear clips of music by the ambassadors and the only musician to be awarded the honor of Freedom of the City.

3

View one of the oldest buildings on the street (1791) and hear of the times it contained a dance hall up to the 1950s. Hear music from a Belfast blues and jazz legend of the 50s and her story.

4

Opened as an impressive bank in the 1860s, the group visits a new cultural center in Belfast, hearing what takes place here and about what it means for Belfast to be one of 60 UNESCO cities of Music worldwide.

5

The group visits one of the oldest pubs in Belfast, 1720, to hear about Irish Traditional Music and its links with this part of the city. Folk and traditional music by several of the city's rising stars is played.

6

The group visits the oldest church building in Belfast. Seated inside they hear about the Ulster Scots heritage, harp music, choirs, and NI Opera, with tracks played.

7

The guide shares the story of how this oldest public building, 1769, was the location for an important music festival in 1792, playing music tracks

8

Looking at Bert's Jazz Bar, the group heard about the jazz scene in Belfast and some of its past and present stars

9
Stop 9

In this open-air square guests hear about a range of annual outdoor music festivals that take place here and nearby, including the electronic music scene and some of the city's best-known DJs and composers

10

Guests see the city's museum and information center focused on the Ulster-Scots heritage. They hear about the Lambeg drum, marching bands, and the most successful musicians to emerge from this scene, including flutist Sir James Galway.

11

At several stops in the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast's buzzing cultural area, guests hear about the punk scene of the late 70s and today, see where Snow Patrol first performed in Belfast, see several cool contemporary music venues and a popular recording studio, with a link to history in its unusual name!

12

The tour includes a visit to Belfast's contemporary music scene hub. Hear how it was set up, the festivals, talent development, and all-ages music support programs it runs, plus the annual NI Music Prize. Guests are guided around the NI Music Exhibition housed there and some tours include a private performance by a local rising star!

What's not included

gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
1 reviews
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1★
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Tripadvisor 5.0
2 reviews
5★
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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please gather five minutes before the tour start time, outside the front door of the Ulster Hall, 34 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7FF. Meet under the glass covered porch. Your guide will be there wearing a black cap.

About Belfast

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a vibrant city with a rich maritime, industrial, and political history. Known for its Titanic heritage, friendly locals, and dynamic cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of historical sites, modern attractions, and stunning natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Titanic Belfast

A world-class museum dedicated to the Titanic, offering interactive exhibits and a fascinating insight into Belfast's shipbuilding heritage.

Historical 2-3 hours £22-£26

Belfast Castle

A beautiful 19th-century castle set in the Cave Hill Country Park, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

St. George's Market

A historic market offering a variety of food, crafts, and entertainment. It's one of the few remaining Victorian markets in the UK.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free entry, food and crafts for purchase

Crumlin Road Gaol

A former Victorian prison that has been restored to its original condition, offering guided tours and insights into Belfast's criminal history.

Historical 1-2 hours £12-£15

Botanic Gardens

A beautiful public park featuring a variety of plants, trees, and flowers, as well as the Palm House and Tropical Ravine House.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ulster Fry

A hearty breakfast consisting of soda bread, potato bread, bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, eggs, and tomato.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Irish Stew

A traditional stew made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Chippey

A traditional fish and chip shop serving battered fish, chips, and various sides.

Dinner Contains fish and gluten

Belfast Bap

A soft, white bread roll filled with a sausage, bacon, or egg.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cave Hill Country Park Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Kayaking on Lough Neagh Strolling through Botanic Gardens Enjoying a spa day Sipping coffee in a trendy cafe Exploring the Ulster Museum Attending a performance at the Grand Opera House

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and sunniest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest tourist season.

15°C to 20°C 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Irish (Gaelic)
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) in winter, BST (UTC+1) in summer

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Belfast is generally safe, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  • • Use licensed taxis and check the fare before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air
  • Belfast International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) northwest of the city center
  • George Best Belfast City Airport • 3 km (2 miles) east of the city center
By train

Belfast Central Station, Belfast Lanyon Place Station

By bus

Belfast Europa Buscentre

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Belfast, with a comprehensive network covering the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Free Now, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cathedral Quarter Titanic Quarter Belfast City Centre Stranmillis The Ormeau Road

Day trips

Giant's Causeway
90 km (56 miles) • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a unique natural formation of interlocking basalt columns.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
70 km (43 miles) • Half day

A thrilling rope bridge spanning a 23-meter (75-foot) chasm, offering stunning views of the coastline.

Dunluce Castle
80 km (50 miles) • Half day

A dramatic medieval castle perched on a cliff, offering a glimpse into Northern Ireland's past.

Festivals

Belfast International Arts Festival • October Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival • May Belfast Mela • August

Pro tips

  • Take a black cab tour to learn about Belfast's history and political landscape from a local perspective.
  • Visit the Cathedral Quarter for a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, and cultural venues.
  • Explore the Titanic Quarter, home to the Titanic Belfast museum and a variety of attractions.
  • Stroll through Botanic Gardens and visit the nearby Ulster Museum and Palm House.
  • Try local delicacies like the Ulster Fry and Belfast Bap at St. George's Market.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-59
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 10
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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