cotontravels

Hello! I plan to be in Belfast July 8-11 and in doing some more research have learned this could be a tumultuous time because of the marches. Does anyone have any insight or tips? Should I cancel and return a week later or do you think it will be ok? Thanks in advance!

Macross

I think you will be fine. I still don't understand those bonfires that destroy their own homes. I saw the damage last years bonfires caused.

Macross

https://www.joe.ie/life-style/im-a-s...ly-12th-503873

This was on the day not before. Are you leaving on the 11th?

Tony2phones

Depends on your whole itinerary and how Belfast fits into that. For the most part your average tourist won't get caught up in the fuss unless they go looking for it. If you are moving on the morning of the 11th it will have even less impact..

If you want a Black cab tour Bobby @ http://www.cabtoursni.com/ will look after you.

Macross

Ditto for Bobby, he was the best.

cotontravels

great! thank you! we are planning to depart on the 11th and won't be purposely looking for travel, just want to spend some time in Belfast and learn/experience the rich history.

cotontravels

Thank you everyone!

Update: we booked with bobby, got Brian, excellent tour!! Highly recommend - he spent almost three hours with us!

As for the time of year, there was definitely an uneasiness about the air and you could see the bonfires being built around the city. We watched a few parades leading up to the 12th but left in the evening on the 11th. There were no issues - Belfast was a really neat city full of history, worth a short visit!

bilboburgler

now if we could just get mixed schools and mixed teacher training colleges...

Still at least both sides agree, women are not allowed to control their own bodies

Macross

Glad your trip went well. Did he stop at the one church? The protestant driver did not stop there. The streets with no names, U2 song, understand now. I do love that city.



https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...nd-in-pictures