36th Ulster Division Battlefield Tours

28/04/2026

The 36th (Ulster) Division Tours team was privileged to guide Bessbrook District LOL 11 and the Bessbrook True Blues Flute Band across the historic battlefields of the Somme, Arras, Ypres, and the Lys. Two experienced guides, Jim English and Phil Hamilton, accompanied the group throughout their pilgrimage.

During the tour, participants made a number of deeply personal stops of remembrance. Many took the opportunity to visit the final resting places of family members, as well as individuals connected to the District, the Victoria Flute Band, and men from Bessbrook and the surrounding areas.

Amid the deeply emotional journey of remembrance, the group paid tribute to Chaplain Captain Stuart. Before serving with the 12th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles near Ruylancourt, France, he had been the minister of Bessbrook Presbyterian Church. He was killed while making his way to visit soldiers at the regimental First Aid Post, close to the frontline.

The group took part in a number of acts of remembrance, parading at the Ulster Tower, the Thiepval Memorial, the village of Bertrancourt, and attending the Menin Gate service in Ypres.

At 36th (Ulster) Division Tours, we extend our sincere thanks to Bessbrook District LOL 11 and the Bessbrook True Blues Flute Band for choosing us and placing their trust in our team. It was a pilgrimage that will be remembered for a lifetime.

25/08/2025

21/08/2025

Today we depart to the Somme & Flanders Battlefields with Pride of the Shore Flute Band on the bands 40th Anniversary

(Photo Copyright)

29/05/2025

Departing today with LOL 1205 Templemore True Blues on the journey of remembrance to France and Flanders. The pilgrimage will focus from the arrival of the 8th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles in France in October 1915, to its amalgamation with the 9th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles then onto its disbandment. Another educational focus will be on the role of the 36th (Ulster) Division during World War I. We will also visit Other memorials and cemeteries associated with the Battles of the Somme and the campaign in Flanders.

07/05/2025

Next, going on the pilgrimage of the bloody Battlefields of the Somme and Flanders is LOL 1205 Templemore True Blues

The lads will be following the footsteps of the 36th (Ulster) Division before the Battle of the Somme. We will focus on the role of the 36th (Ulster) Division during the Somme offensive. In particular will be looking at the 8th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (East Belfast) to its amalgamation and then to its disbandment.

We will be studying the role of the East Belfast Battalion at Messines, and continuing in the footsteps into 1917.

The group have also indicated points of interest which we will be visiting and we will post some photos in due course . We will also be following family members that failed during the Great war. 

15/04/2025

💙🩵 Pride of the Hill – 40th Anniversary Pilgrimage 🖤❤️

Tomorrow, we embark on a deeply meaningful journey to mark our band's 40th Anniversary – a pilgrimage to Arras, Ypres, and Arnhem, honouring the memory of those who came before us.

As we walk the grounds of World War I and World War II battlefields, we follow in the footsteps of heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage and legacy will never be forgotten.

We are honoured to be accompanied on this journey by 36th Ulster Division Battlefield Tours, whose guidance will help us reflect, remember, and pay our respects.

Lest we forget🏵️

13/04/2025

Preparations are well under way as we at 36th Ulster Division Battlefield Tours complete the final stages of Pride of the Hill Carnmoney itinerary for their 40th Anniversary Battlefield Pilgrimage to France 🇫🇷 Belgium 🇧🇪 & Holland 🇳🇱

The band will follow the journey of local men who fought in WW1
& WW2 and some that paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today. They will play at different important memorials across France 🇫🇷 Belgium 🇧🇪Holland 🇳🇱

04/10/2024

It's been a busy 2024 for the team at 36th Ulster Division Battlefield Tours. On Tuesday we depart to the Battlefields with our last group of 2024, North Belfast Friends of the Somme. By the end of the pilgrimage we could have guided just shy of 600 people. We would like to thank all the groups that has chosen us as their Battlefield tour guides

29/09/2024

Our battlefield pilgrimage with Drumchapel Friends of The Somme

Today we visit the Somme, there is a personal connection to some of the group. Looking forward to guiding them around the Somme

26/09/2024

Tomorrow we welcome our good Friends Drumchapel Friends of The Somme to the Battlefields. Have a safe journey folks as Phil awaits your arrival