Historic Cemetery & Irish History Tour with Coiste Irish Political Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate physical activity, suitable for most visitors with steady mobility
Overview
Journey through Belfast’s past with the Milltown Cemetery Tour, where history comes alive among iconic graves of Irish revolutionaries, poets, and heroes. Discover stories that shaped Irish culture and independence.
Milltown Cemetery Tour
For all ages! • Duration 2 hours
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About This Adventure
Explore the rich history of Belfast on a captivating 2-hour tour of Milltown Cemetery. Discover the stories of renowned republicans, poets, and sports figures, including the graves of hunger strikers like Bobby Sands. This immersive journey reveals the lives and sacrifices of those who shaped Irish freedom and culture.
Duration: 2 hours Milltown Cemetery has since 1869 been the burial ground in Belfast for republicans, nationalists, sports people, renowned poets and leading politicians, and the site of many British and Polish war graves. Internationally famous for containing the graves of Bobby Sands and other hunger strikers, in recent decades this cemetery has been visited by thousands of people wanting to learn more about the history of Belfast. Our Milltown Cemetery Tour focuses on the three republican plots which are situated in the West Belfast burial ground. The County Antrim Memorial, the Harbinson Plot and the new Republican Plot contain the remains of IRA volunteers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of Irish freedom. More than a simple tour, this is a journey through time to meet major figures of Irish history. You will hear about the richness of their lives and the strength of their determination.
The tour also visits the graves of many other personalities such as poet and singer Cathal O’Byrne, suffragist and trade unionist Winifred Carney, and the famous Celtic footballer Charlie Tully. This tour lasts approximately 2 hours, it starts and ends at the entrance gate to Milltown Cemetery.
Adventure Tips
Bring a Pair of Comfortable Shoes
Walking through the cemetery involves standing and walking on uneven grounds, so wear comfortable footwear.
Dress for the Weather
Check the forecast and bring appropriate clothing; the tour is outdoors rain or shine.
Bring a Notepad or Camera
Capture the historic gravestones and inscriptions for a lasting memory or further research.
Be Respectful of Burial Sites
Maintain respectful behavior while walking through the cemetery, as it is a place of reverence.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bird species like magpies and pigeons
- Small mammals such as foxes and hedgehogs
History
Milltown Cemetery has served as a burial site for political figures, sports legends, and cultural icons, telling the story of Irish resilience and independence.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to preserve the historic gravestones and maintain the natural landscape, ensuring the cemetery remains a respectful space for visitors and locals alike.
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Adventure Hotspots in Belfast
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Necessary for walking on uneven terrain and covering the cemetery grounds comfortably.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Be prepared for outdoor conditions with layered clothing or rain gear.
Camera or Smartphone
Useful for capturing historic sites and memorials during the tour.
Notepad and Pen
Helpful for noting down interesting facts or memories from the tour.