History trip to Belfast

“I have had excellent service as always. We used the sites as sources of historical evidence to aid GCSE performance. All aspects of the trip...”

Patrick, History Teacher, Hampshire

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Alexandra, Head of Physics, Alleyn’s School London

Experience a variety of fun and engaging visits

Belfast is a vibrant destination for an education tour. Our trip focuses on the history of Northern Ireland’s capital city, supporting the Ideas, political power, industry and empire in Britain from 1745-1901 part of the Key Stage 3 curriculum. Students learn about Ireland and Home Rule, as well as gain an insight into The Troubles during the 20th century, which has paved the way for present day Ireland and Northern Ireland.

While the trip has a history focus, students also experience a variety of fun and engaging visits; we have selected some of the best that Belfast has to offer, enhancing cultural capital.

There is sublime countryside to explore just outside of Belfast, not to mention the magnificent Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sample itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at accommodation and settle in. Sightseeing bus tour to see the city’s main sites – a great introduction to the city. Pass the impressive Belfast City Hall, which was originally completed in 1906 to celebrate Belfast’s new status as a city.

Day 2

A special joint Falls Road and Shankill Road tour by guides from both a Republican ex-prisoner community and from the Loyalist community. Students learn about the British-Irish conflict and how it has shaped communities. See the thought-provoking West Belfast murals, most notably that of Bobby Sands on the side wall of Sinn Fein’s offices. Explore the Titanic Quarter and its museum. RMS Titanic was constructed in Belfast and from here embarked on her fateful journey in 1912. Enjoy your free time shopping at the colourful St George’s Market. Or explore Born and Bred on Ann Street, which shows works of local artists and designers. There are arts, crafts, gifts, food and home goods. If there’s time, see Belfast’s Big Fish, its ceramic scales portray scenes from the capital’s history.

Day 3

A fascinating tour of the renowned 19th century jail Cremlin Road Gaol, which first opened in 1845 and closed in 1996. Its bloody history saw the imprisonment of murderers, suffragettes, and loyalist and republic prisoners. Visit to the First World War battleship HMS Caroline, now a floating, interactive museum. Students can now see life on board the vessel through original diary entries and first-hand accounts. Let off steam bowling in the evening.

Day 4

A day’s excursion to Northern Ireland’s beautiful coastline. Marvel at the iconic Giant’s Causeway and travel onto explore the medieval Dunluce Castle, its ruins are perched on a cliff top. It inspired the magical works of C.S. Lewis. In the evening work in teams to crack the codes at an Escape Room!

Day 5

Before departure, visit Belfast’s Ulster Folk Museum which allows students to experience life in 20th century Ulster.

Visits

Browse a selection of our favourite activities and visits.

Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO would heritage site. There are 40,000 basalt stone columns created from volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago. Different formations from a Granny to a Camel can be spotted! There is a state of the art visitor’s centre.

The main road through west Belfast, its name is synonymous with the republican community. Colourful murals on the road are representations of local and national political issues and figures.

One of the main roads through west Belfast, it is predominantly loyalist. The road is separated from Falls Road by peace lines.

The museum has a range of fun and interactive galleries to help students understand the ship’s history.

A Victorian covered market, the last of its kind in Belfast. Open Friday to Sunday.

A 3-storey creative hub with studios for independent artists & craftspeople. The arts organisation was founded in 2013 with the aim of promoting local creative talent in Belfast.

The giant mosaic sculpture was constructed to celebrate the regeneration of the River Lagan.

Students see old cells, the hospital, the underground corridor to the courthouse, the executioner’s cell and the graveyard. It is the only Victorian era prison in Northern Ireland.

The vessel is the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland still afloat and she served as an administrative centre during World War Two.

The castle was built by the MacQuillen family c.1500, the earliest written record is 1515.

Bygone days are recreated in a rural landscape of farms, cottages, traditional crops and local breeds of livestock.

Tour the historic Senate Chamber and sit in the seats in the Assembly Chamber. Students learn about the history of and present day workings of the Parliament Buildings.

Where to stay

Popular places to stay.

Our hostel offers good quality budget accommodation.

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FAQs

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Yes, there are many advantages to this. One is that greater numbers sign up which means a lower tour price per student. Another is that a diverse (two-subject) itinerary can broaden the horizons of both ‘groups’ though, of course, we can create separate agendas for each if preferred.

The most pleasant time of year to come to Europe is between May and September; you may wish to consider this when planning your tour. Summer temperatures across Europe range from 18-35 degrees Celsius. European cities in winter can also offer many interesting cultural experiences that you may enjoy.

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