Belfast : locations saisonnières

I will take you beyond the tourist destinations to the heart and soul of the city: You'll see Belfasts underground sights, world-famous street art, haunts and hangouts of the famous and infamous; the landmarks of dockers, punks, sports stars and musicians and the art deco architecture that goes unnoticed. I don't hold back any of my own personal frustrations and give frank and honest opinions on decisions the city has made. It will be a great opportunity to experience Belfasts alternative cultures while paying what you can afford if you feel I deserve it! Other things to note Private bookings for the weekend or different specific times can be arranged.

Following a warm welcome and guest sign in, the first thing we will do is a full safety briefing. This covers all aspects of our activity from beginning to end and provides guests with an opportunity to ask any questions they might have. Once this is complete we'll begin focussing on the basic technique of axe throwing and what is involved to do it well. Then it is axe throwing time where guests take their position in front of our targets! After a few goes they become accustomed to throwing and start to lose any inhibitions they might have had to begin with. All the while, I will be observing them and offering tips on technique and hints on how they can improve. We then slowly introduce a range of styles working towards some really fun throws that will really challenge them. Examples might be, 2 axes at once, a rapid fire round or throwing with the axes facing backwards. And finally, it's all vs all and time to put their new skills to the test in our golden axe competition! Other things to note Any difficulties in finding us, ask any member of the Cityside team to point you towards the axe throwing!

Starting at Belfast city hall (we meet at the front gates of City Hall in Donegall Square North) and finishing by the Beacon of Hope beside the river Lagan, the tour visits 7 locations in the city centre where major events occurred during the conflict. We start with a short introduction to Irish / British history and why the Troubles start in the late 1960’s. Over the course of 1.5 miles and 2 hours and 15 minutes we then tell the stories of each site; what happened and why, who was involved, and the effect these attacks had on the city and its people, affecting nearly every part of our daily lives. We also demonstrate the impact of the peace process; you will witness the social and cultural regeneration of the city as we walk through the Cathedral Quarter and waterfront areas where you will also see some of the street art that demonstrates our newfound vibrant culture. Throughout the tour we use visual aids with images of the Troubles and the places we visit from the 1960’s, 70’s & 80’s to help you envisage the realities of life then compared to now. The tour is factual and historically accurate to ensure it is unbiased and non-partisan, but we also weave our own stories into the tour to bring our history to life for you. There is also time built into the tour to ensure that questions are encouraged from guests and that our answers are meaningful.

Check out my Instagram at @belfastbiketours.co.uk We’ll meet in the vibrant Titanic Quarter to get on our bikes and head off to experience Belfast We’ll check out the titanic slipways, a world war 1 battle ship and a 1970’s floating disco which used to ferry passengers to the Titanic itself. Not forgetting to stop for snaps at a Game of Thrones filming location. Over the River Lagan to kiss the big fish (salmon of Knowledge) and see Belfast’s own leaning tower. We’ll head in to Belfast’s hot spot, the Cathedral Quarter, and stop for some photos with some of the worlds best street art. Through the city center to see the magnificent city hall where I’ll tell which African City has the the exact same building within it. To one of Belfast’s oldest pubs and the most bombed hotel on the planet. ( It’s unlikely to happen again anytime soon) Heading south we reach the beautiful Belfast Botanical Gardens, Victorian era Palm House and Queens University. We reach the Lagan again and ride along, city bound, taking in the scenes along the way. One of our last stops will be the sumptuous St George’s market. The smells, tastes and sites will be unforgettable so we’ll take some time to sample as much as we can here. Not every experience will be the same and I can accommodate guests if there is something they really want to see or don’t wish to. Other things to note Belfast Centre is mostly flat and we will be travelling at a very leisurely pace so fitness shouldn’t be an issue. If you can ride a bike this tour is for you. The bikes are very simple and durable, perfect for the city. If it rains, we may get wet but we’ll still have fun.

We will hike in the Mourne Mountains shaped by ice during the last Ice Age 12000yrs ago, forged by fire and gentled by rain, water and man. You will be lead off the tourist trail where you will feel like you are the only people on the hill. Knowing the mountains as well as I do and being a qualified Mountain leader, I will be able to take you to places off the beaten track where you will see the hills in their unspoiled condition and be free from the hustle and noise of other walkers. You will feel like you own the mountains. You will take in the magnificent views glacial valley below Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in the range at 850 metres. We can can also take you on this walk at night where you can watch the sun set behind the mountains and watch the night sky without the interruption of light pollution. You will be shown the mountain plants, and flora as we walk and my experience and knowledge will enable you to see the wildlife in the sky and under our feet. Your enjoyment and safety is our priority and you will return invigorated. Other things to note Maximum number of walkers: 5. The walks are graded at easy, up to 5 hours walking. Moderate Challenging, 7-9 hours walking