Discover why Belfast is a UNESCO City of Music

Duration

2.5 Hours

Abour

Take this popular tour around Belfast city centre to discover why Belfast deserves its prestigious UNESCO City of Music designation.

There is a wealth of music talent in Belfast, across many genres – from hip hop to classical, jazz and punk – opera to folk, country and electro pop – and more! Music plays a significant and important role in the fabric of Belfast, making it a vibrant city to live in or visit.

On a leisurely, music-filled stroll, your guide Dolores will introduce you to many of the city’s music legends, past and present, accompanied by a soundtrack of their music. You will also hear about Belfast’s rich musical heritage, traditions, and roots.

The tour begins at the iconic Ulster Hall, a well-preserved Victorian music hall and a legend in the history of Belfast’s entertainment scene. Weaving through the city’s oldest and cobbled streets, open squares and busy shopping areas, the tour then explores music venues that include traditional bars and clubs, historic buildings, open air performance spaces, the city’s newest performance space, our main arena venues – and even a church! Guests will gain access to one or two places they couldn’t otherwise visit. At each stop, a different genre of music will be considered.

Guests will have good craic and hear many entertaining stories about iconic music moments and our best-known musicians and bands. There’ll also be recommendations for rising stars of our contemporary music scene to keep an eye on!

The tour concludes with a visit to Belfast’s own dedicated music hub, the Oh Yeah Music Centre, in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. Here, there’ll be a chance to browse the centre’s Music Exhibition, which features memorabilia from Northern Ireland musicians including Snow Patrol, Van Morrison and Stiff Little Fingers.