Odyssey Walking Tours

The Real Story of Belfast with a local born and raised guide
07930 698741
Walking tour with a local guide

The Real Story of Belfast: with a local guide



£22 per person. Minimum two people per booking


Join me on this unique 5* experience as we explore Belfast on foot, delving into the city's rich heritage and culture. This tour is the perfect introduction to my home town, where I and my family have lived for generations. I know the place inside out and will share with you stories not found in the history books. 

This is not a scripted tour but a shared experience where you hear of our industry; of world changing entrepeneurs; of our proud Irish culture and language; we will marvel at our beautiful architecture where every building has a story to tell (and a wee bit of gossip). Listen to tales of intrigue and revolution; of strife, hunger and troubles. If you want to know the real story of Belfast, then this is the tour for you. 


The tour is led by a retired academic and professional historian



With over 500 x 5* reviews, this tour has hosted a United Nations delegation from Australia: staff from the American Embassy in London & Washington: ERASMUS exchange students from across Europe: numerous academic & research students; the tour has been recorded & broadcast on Swiss Radio.

PLEASE NOTE




Tours leave the front of Belfast City Hall most days at 10.30am. 


Please check for availability before booking to guarantee your tour.


Look for the guide wearing a green Odyssey Tours coat.


Please arrive at least 5 minutes early.


Suitable footwear is advisable.


Comfort breaks are available during the walk.


Fully refundable tour if cancelled more than 24 hours before start time.


This is an outdoor walking tour. We go out in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately.


Minimum 2 people per booking







Amenities

24/7 availability
Good for children
By appointment only
Wheelchair accessible
Free consultation
Debit & Credit Cards accepted
Spoken languages:
English

Testimonials

Burton Louis

United States

February 2026

Martin is terrific! His knowledge of Belfast and it's history is outstanding. Brilliant tour, huge amount of fund. I would unconditionally recommend Martin to anyone traveling to or enjoying Belfast. He's both a gentleman and scholar. Great way to spend a morning.

Louis Burton
12 Sep 2025
ST

TripAdvisor review

January 6 2026

Context amongst gems of history

Tripadvisor review: The Story of Belfast walking tour with a local guide

Martin is an amazing narrator.
His knowledge is so extensive my party felt privileged to be taken along with his colourful journey of Belfast’s history.
I was keen to avoid a tour that leant heavily on ‘the troubles’ and Martin exceeded every expectation.
Bringing together the medieval, cultural political past he offered a well-rounded picture of why Belfast is where it is today.
A cliche - a glint in his eye - but Martin’s skill of entertaining whilst informing made the three hours whizz by.
I have taken walking tours through numerous cities of the world and this was head-and-shoulders above them all.
Thank you, Martin - it was great!

Stevly. TripAdvisor
18 Jan 2026
DT

Based on our Troubles Tour

Wow, this was an incredible experience! We grew up in the '80s and knew about the Troubles, but really didn't understand them at all. Martin lived it. He takes you to the hot spots in Belfast and shows you pictures of what the area you're standing in looked like after a bombing, etc. Then you walk all over the battleground sites and also view the (still existing) walls that separate the Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods. Wow, so real. It took me several days to process everything and write this review. It was a very emotional experience; we're better for having done the tour. I don't generally write glowing reviews, so know that my praise is legit. If you're interested in the Troubles, Martin is your guy.

Denis. ToursByLocals
2 Feb 2026

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Reviews

6 Reviews

Jeremy McKee

03 January 2026

03 January

2026

Our guide, Martin, was fantastic. From the outset, he made it clear that this was not a job, but a passion he pursues in retirement—sharing the rich history of ...
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Maddie Clark

12 April 2025

12 April

2025

We booked a walking tour with Martin for our very first morning in Belfast, and it did not disappoint! Martin is a warm soul & makes his tour very engaging, sha...
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