Belfast's Cathedral Quarter: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Belfast's Cathedral Quarter has been many things over the centuries a Victorian commercial hub, a no-go zone during the Troubles, and now the city's undisputed party district. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll trace how Belfast reinvented itself after the peace agreement, through its pubs, murals, architecture, and the stories locals still argue about over a pint. The tour starts beside the Salmon of Knowledge on the River Lagan, where you'll hear the Irish myth of Fionn Mac Cumhaill before spotting the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes on the skyline. You'll stop outside the Merchant Hotel, once home to a £1,000 cocktail made with whiskey salvaged from a shipwreck, and pass the Watson Building nicknamed the smoothing iron whose furniture once fitted out the Titanic. The tour also takes in Writers' Square, the Assembly Rooms where Ireland's last traditional harpers performed in 1792, and White's Tavern, Belfast's oldest pub, before ending at the First Presbyterian Church.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Pass by

   Stop outside the Merchant Hotel, once home to a £1,000 cocktail made with whiskey salvaged from a shipwreck. You'll take in this grand Victorian building, one of Belfast's most opulent landmarks.

2. 2

   Commercial Court

   Pass by

   Wander through Commercial Court, the city's most photographed alleyway, draped in colourful umbrellas. You'll spot the Duke of York pub tucked among the vibrant canopies overhead.

3. 3

   Belfast Cathedral - The Cathedral Church of St. Anne

   Pass by

   Pass Belfast Cathedral, a striking landmark anchoring the edge of the Cathedral Quarter. You'll take in the building that gave this once-industrial district its enduring name.

4. 4

   Assembly Rooms Building Belfast

   Pass by

   Visit the Assembly Rooms, where Ireland's last traditional harpers performed in 1792. You'll learn about the Belfast Harp Festival and the tragic fate of its organiser, Henry Joy McCracken.

5. 5

   Frederick Douglass Statue

   Pass by

   Discover the connection to Frederick Douglass, who visited Belfast during his speaking tours. You'll hear how his presence tied this corner of the city to the wider fight against slavery.

6. 6

   First Presbyterian Church Belfast

   Pass by

   End at the First Presbyterian Church, marking the tour's final stop. You'll reflect on Belfast's layered history before continuing on to the unofficial last stop at the 3 Cs Social Club.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.