Ulster History Walks & Talks

Ulster History Walks & Talks Qualified tour guide (OCN NI Level 3) bringing history, heritage & hidden gems to life. Join me for a fun, story-filled journey through Belfast & beyond!

Walking or coach tours tailored to your interests—ancestry, politics, food, folklore & more. Ulster History Walks and Talks was born out of my passion for guiding visitors around our emerald isle and delivering historical talks to local community and heritage groups. I’m a qualified tour guide, holding an OCN NI Level 3 Certificate in Tour Guiding. With extensive experience across Northern Ireland

and Ireland, I bring history, culture, and folklore to life through engaging storytelling. Tour guiding is my passion, and I love sharing the stories that make Belfast unique and Derry/Londonderry truly “Legenderry.” From Belfast’s maritime and industrial heritage to the historic Derry’s Walls and the rich social history that has shaped our province, I cover it all. If you have ancestral ties to Belfast’s shipbuilding or linen industries, or to Derry/Londonderry’s renowned shirt-making trade, I can help guide you in the footsteps of your ancestors. Whether you're looking for a tour of Belfast, Londonderry, or anywhere in Northern Ireland — or a bespoke experience focused on history, architecture, politics, literature, or local gastronomy — I can tailor a tour to suit your interests. I’ve guided international tourists, cruise passengers, historical societies, and heritage groups, ensuring each visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation of this remarkable place. I take you beyond the usual tourist trails to explore hidden gems, legendary sites, and the best local spots to eat and drink. If you have Ulster-Scots ancestry, I can also help uncover your family connections. If you’re part of a local community or historical group and would like me to deliver a talk, please get in touch. Join me for a fun, fact-filled journey!

Another day, another tour—but this one had a very special connection to RMS Titanic!Today, 1st September, marks the anni...
01/09/2026

Another day, another tour—but this one had a very special connection to RMS Titanic!

Today, 1st September, marks the anniversary of the discovery of the Titanic's wreck in 1985. For Belfast, where the famous liner was built, this date holds profound historical significance.

Finding the wreck 73 years after it sank on its maiden voyage renewed worldwide interest in the vessel. It even directly inspired the creation of the world-class Titanic Belfast visitor attraction in the city's Titanic Quarter.

Today, I had the absolute pleasure of guiding a wonderful family all the way from New Jersey, USA on behalf of North of Ireland TourS We explored:
Belfast City Hall Grounds
The Linen Quarter
Belfast City Centre
We finished our journey in the Titanic Quarter, just in time for their scheduled entry to explore the incredible Titanic Belfast museum!

I had the pleasure of guiding a lovely group of US guests yesterday around Derry's Walls and the Bogside. I even got a p...
29/08/2026

I had the pleasure of guiding a lovely group of US guests yesterday around Derry's Walls and the Bogside. I even got a photo opportunity with "Otto" and his chaperone Amber and her husband Jamie who were leading the group.

What a fantastic few days!Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of guiding guests from the cruise ship NCL Sky along the...
29/06/2026

What a fantastic few days!

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of guiding guests from the cruise ship NCL Sky along the spectacular North Antrim Coast for the very first time with BelfastLad, specialising in the filming locations of Game of Thrones and exploring the fascinating links between the series, Irish history, mythology, and our stunning landscapes.

Then on Friday evening, I was privileged to attend "A Night with the Knights" at the Game of Thrones Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge. It was a fascinating event where Ian McElhinney (Ser Barristan Selmy), Ian Beattie (Ser Meryn Trant), and Dominic Carter (Janos Slynt) who entertained the audience with behind-the-scenes stories and memories from their time on the show. As an added bonus, it was also great to catch up with fellow BelfastLad guides who were attending the event.

Then it was back on the road on Sunday to guide guests from Oceania Marina along the North Antrim Coast—this time armed with fresh stories and quirky insights straight from the knights themselves.

Ian McElhinney (Ser Barristan Selmy) quoted from the show saying, "The best swords have names." Every guide knows the best stories do too—and there's nothing quite like hearing them from the people who helped create the world of Westeros.


05/06/2026
Today was a much better day, and I got to "click my clicker" when I had the pleasure of guiding 34 guests from the cruis...
05/06/2026

Today was a much better day, and I got to "click my clicker" when I had the pleasure of guiding 34 guests from the cruise ship Oceania Marina around my home city of Derry/Londonderry on behalf of Excursions Ireland.

We enjoyed a panoramic tour of the city, followed by a visit to the Museum of Free Derry, and then a walking tour of the historic city walls, where I told the story of the 105-day Siege of Derry.

After completing our tour of the walls, we visited the Guildhall, where the newly installed Mayor hosted a drinks reception. Guests also learned about the history of this magnificent building and its resident ghost.

I didn't even get to "click my clicker!"Sadly, a scheduled tour today from Greencastle, County Donegal, to the Antrim Co...
04/06/2026

I didn't even get to "click my clicker!"

Sadly, a scheduled tour today from Greencastle, County Donegal, to the Antrim Coast and Giant's Causeway for cruise guests from the Spirit of Discovery had to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

The crew experienced difficulties manoeuvring the tender boats needed to ferry guests from the ship, which was anchored in Lough Foyle, to Greencastle Harbour.

Hopefully, the weather will improve for tomorrow's cruise guests, and I'll finally get to "click my clicker!"

I was delighted to be able to meet up with my third cousins Kendra Andreassen and Heather Schaufele and their friend Kar...
02/06/2026

I was delighted to be able to meet up with my third cousins Kendra Andreassen and Heather Schaufele and their friend Karen, from Canada, when they visited Londonderry and Inishowen during their tour of the UK & Ireland.
We were able to spend time sharing our genealogy connection between our Ramsey and Magee families and I was able to guide them to their ancestral church, All Saints Church Newtowncunningham County Donegal and the townland of Drumlougher before continuing to Drumree Head.
We just have to now explore the stories passed down through the families and get the facts as to how the family are connected to Debbie McGee (wife of the late Paul Daniels - Magician) and Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein.

A busy few days, but delighted to be feeling great and out doing what I love doing, enjoying glorious weather and some s...
02/06/2026

A busy few days, but delighted to be feeling great and out doing what I love doing, enjoying glorious weather and some stunning scenery.

Had a great evening at the Northern Area Community Network Marketplace, meeting and engaging with a wide range community...
08/05/2026

Had a great evening at the Northern Area Community Network Marketplace, meeting and engaging with a wide range community leaders.

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