This blog post is all about the Unheard Adventures Belfast tour.
Have you ever travelled the world only to realise you’ve barely explored your own hometown?
That was me. Born and bred 30 minutes from Belfast, a city with a long and complex history. Yet I’d never taken the time to see it as a visitor might.
When I was invited to do the “Beyond the Walls” tour by Unheard Adventures, I decided it was high time to rediscover Belfast from a whole new perspective.
The experience turned out to be more enlightening, enjoyable, and enriching than I could have ever imagined! See my full review below as well as my YouTube vlog and TikTok video documenting it.
RELATED Unheard Adventures blog posts to read:
- 9 Books to Read About the History of Northern Ireland
- The Best Books Set in Ireland You Must Read
- 11 Places to Visit in Ireland that Isn’t Dublin
- The Best Places to Spend St. Patrick’s Day in 2025
- The Best Books Set in Ireland You Must Read
This blog post is all about Unheard Adventures Beyond the Walls tour.
Why Explore Belfast Like a Tourist?
There’s a running joke among locals that you hardly ever do what’s right on your doorstep.
We get caught up in daily life of commutes, errands, and the usual routines, so it’s easy to overlook the gems in our own backyard.
Belfast, in particular, is often pigeonholed by its troubled past. Yes, The Troubles are a significant part of our history, but there’s so much more to this city.
By joining the “Beyond the Walls” tour, I got to peel back the layers of Belfast’s story, discovering quirky architectural details, hearing fascinating anecdotes about its industrial peaks, and experiencing a genuinely local take on what makes our city tick today.
It felt like stepping into someone else’s shoes, except I was re-discovering somewhere I’ve visited countless times!
Meet Unheard Adventures: A Different Approach to Travel
Unheard Adventures is not your typical travel company. They’re all about helping you understand the world better through the eyes of locals, believing wholeheartedly in the power of community-led tourism.
They partner with lesser-known but highly knowledgeable guides, giving travellers access to intimate and off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Having spent over 10 years in the travel industry, Unheard Adventures knows how to organise experiences that are safe, responsible, and unforgettable.
Their mission resonates strongly with me because they champion sustainable tourism that respects local communities.
By choosing their tours, you’re directly supporting small businesses and individuals, people who might not otherwise get a chance to share their expertise.
Unheard Adventures: Community Values
The best way to truly know a place is to spend time with the people who call it home.
Unheard Adventures ensures that each experience is curated and led by locals who bring their own personal stories and enthusiasm.
This local perspective makes the tours feel genuinely personal and uniquely immersive.
Unheard Adventures: Focus on Conservation
All experiences are designed to minimise environmental impact, from reducing resource consumption to ensuring local ecosystems remain protected.
Belfast might be an urban centre, but “green” thinking still matters here, and Unheard Adventures makes certain their tours respect the environment.
Unheard Adventures: Experiencing True Culture
Rather than just skimming the surface, Unheard Adventures dives deep into local customs, foods, and traditions.
You come away with a richer, fuller understanding of each destination. Whether that’s Belfast or somewhere further around the isle of Ireland.
The “Beyond the Walls” Tour
I took the “Beyond the Walls” tour with Unheard Adventures in December and you can see a detailed day of the tour in my YouTube video below as well as some Belfast breakfast spots and the Belfast Continental Christmas markets:
1. Morning Walking Tour (10:30am – 13:30pm)
The tour kicked off in the late morning, a sensible start time for anyone who struggles with early rises or simply wants a leisurely breakfast beforehand.
I’d recommend Neighbourhood (you may be waiting in line for a while, though), The Pocket or Established Coffee.
Our guide was a born-and-raised Belfast local who radiated pride and passion for the city.
Over the course of these three hours, we wandered through Belfast’s busy streets, pausing to discuss historic landmarks like the Grand Opera House, Belfast City Hall and the Crown Bar.
But it wasn’t just the big names we covered; we also ventured into lesser-known corners teeming with intriguing stories.
Who knew some of Belfast’s hidden alleyways contain beautiful street art, each mural reflecting the city’s layered identity?
Or that certain pieces of architecture are actually built with materials from Scotland because it was quicker to arrive from there by boat than transporting materials from nearby towns by road?
Key Takeaways from the Morning Walking Tour
- A balanced look at Belfast’s evolution: ancient origins, industrial leadership, and modern revival.
- Personal anecdotes from a local guide who showed us the city’s character beyond its reputation.
- A welcoming environment where questions were encouraged (and believe me, I asked loads!).
2. Lunch at St. George’s Market (13:30pm – 14:30pm)
After working up an appetite, we headed to St. George’s Market, one of Belfast’s oldest attractions.
The atmosphere inside was electric! Local vendors hawking everything from Irish bread (you must try the famous Belfast Bap) to handcrafted jewellery, while musicians filled the air with live tunes.
A coffee and a Belfast treat were included in the tour price, which I wholeheartedly enjoyed.
We had time to wander around the stalls, taste fresh, local food, and engage in friendly banter with the stallholders.
If you’re a foodie (or just curious about local flavours), this stop is an incredible part of the day.
What Makes St. George’s Market a Must-Visit?
- A vibrant snapshot of modern-day Belfast, brimming with local culture
- Opportunity to try traditional treats and perhaps discover a new favourite Irish dish
- Great chance to meet the local traders, whose passion for Belfast shines through in every conversation
3. “Belfast By The Glass” (14:30pm – 16:00pm)
Rounding off the day was my favourite part: “Belfast By The Glass”.
Think of it as a spirited (literally!) exploration of the city’s history through a series of well-crafted drinks.
Whether you’re into craft beers, gins, or non-alcoholic alternatives, each sip came paired with a captivating story.
It was during this tasting session that the host wove together tales of revolution, resilience, and regeneration, all framed through the lens of “let’s have a chat over a drink”.
It’s a relaxed but engaging way to grasp Belfast’s multifaceted background, with each beverage symbolising a different layer of the city’s past and present.
Why “Belfast By The Glass” Stands Out
- Offers a light-hearted but informative take on Belfast’s colourful story
- Encourages socialising with fellow tour-goers, making it a fun group activity
- A gentle wind-down after an active morning, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of Belfast culture
Why I’d Recommend the Unheard Adventures “Beyond the Walls” to You
I so thoroughly enjoyed my time on the “Beyond the Walls” tour with Unheard Adventures and here’s why I’d recommend it to you:
1. A Fresh Perspective on Belfast
Even if you’ve lived in Northern Ireland all your life (or most of it, like me), you’ll find something new.
The tour doesn’t shy away from The Troubles, but it places that chapter of history within a broader tapestry, reminding you there’s more to Belfast than its scars.
2. Supporting Local Businesses
Each stop, from the local guide to the market vendors, benefits real people in the community. It’s a tangible way to give back while enjoying yourself.
3. Depth and Variety
The blend of historical facts, personal stories, and interactive experiences ensures you’re never bored.
From iconic architecture to hidden street art, your eyes (and also taste buds) will be consistently engaged.
4. Sustainable and Ethical Tourism
Unheard Adventures’ commitment to responsible travel means your exploration has a positive impact.
It’s lovely knowing that tourism here respects both the community and the environment.
5. Perfect for Solo Travellers, Couples, and Groups
I joined the tour with my mum, and I imagine it would be equally enjoyable for solo travellers visiting Belfast, couples on a city break, families looking for an educational outing, or groups of friends wanting a fun day out.
Practical Tips for Your Belfast Adventure
Below are some tips to make your Unheard Adventures “Beyond the Walls” tour experience go off without a hitch!
- Book Ahead: The tour runs on Fridays and Saturdays, so secure your spot well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Dress Sensibly: Belfast weather is famously unpredictable. So layers, an umbrella and comfy shoes are your best friends.
- Bring Your Curiosity: Don’t be shy about asking questions or sharing your own Belfast memories. The more you engage, the richer your experience!
- Stay Hydrated (and maybe caffeinated!): You’ll be walking for the first part of the day, so trust me, you won’t want to miss out on trying the local coffee and treats.
- Embrace the Spirit of Discovery: Even if you think you know Belfast, come with an open mind. You might be surprised by what you learn and also how you feel by the end of the tour.
Seeing Belfast Through a New Lens with Unheard Adventures
I never expected to feel like such a wide-eyed tourist in my own city, but “Beyond the Walls” gave me that chance, and I loved every moment of it.
Unheard Adventures has crafted a tour that balances the weight of Belfast’s history with its lively, evolving present.
Whether you’re a visitor eager to get a genuine feel for Belfast, or a local who thinks you’ve seen it all, this experience will broaden your horizons and help you connect with the city in a brand-new way.
Ready to Rediscover Belfast?
Visit Unheard Adventures to book your “Beyond the Walls” tour and explore more authentic Irish experiences.
It’s a journey of culture, community, and also conservation. One that reminds us Belfast is far more than just the sum of its past.
So trust me, by the time you finish, you’ll understand why people keep returning to this little city with a big heart.
RELATED Unheard Adventures blog posts to read:
- 9 Books to Read About the History of Northern Ireland
- The Best Books Set in Ireland You Must Read
- 11 Places to Visit in Ireland that Isn’t Dublin
- The Best Places to Spend St. Patrick’s Day in 2025
- The Best Books Set in Ireland You Must Read
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
