This tour is part of the PEACEPLUS Interfaith and Belief Project under the Belfast Local Community Action Plan, which is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
This tour uncovers the surprising, inspiring and often forgotten stories of a Belfast that was far more open, interconnected and globally aware than many imagine. Through three themed stages—and two short reflection points—we explore how people of different faiths and beliefs helped shape the city in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and what that legacy might mean for us today.
The tour is part of the Belfast Local Community Action Plan, which is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Stage One: Empire, Identity and a Changing City
Beginning around the City Hall area, we set the scene of Belfast as a rapidly growing industrial city within the British Empire. Here we look at the diverse influences that arrived through trade, migration and global connections, revealing how these shaped civic life, philanthropy and the city’s sense of itself. You will hear stories of communities who contributed to Belfast’s progress and discovered room to belong—often in contrast to the political tensions of the age.
Stage Two: Faith, Humanism and Everyday Encounters
Our second section explores the rich interplay between faith communities and emerging humanist thought in Belfast. Through buildings, memorials and personal stories, we trace moments when different traditions cooperated for education, social reform and the advancement of shared values. This part highlights how belief and non-belief engaged constructively long before today’s dialogue movements.
Stage Three: Slavery, Conscience and Coming Together
The tour concludes by examining the overlooked impact of slavery on Belfast’s moral imagination. We explore how this history brought faith communities into challenging conversations about justice, compassion and solidarity, prompting some to work together in new and sometimes unexpected ways.
Along the way, two brief interludes invite us to reflect on the role of faith in today’s Belfast and to look ahead: If Belfast could be welcoming then, can it be welcoming now?
Join us on this journey through the city’s past to imagine a more inclusive future.
Peter Tate – Programme Manager, Belfast PEACEPLUS Interfaith & Belief Project Peter Tate is the Programme Manager of the Belfast PEACEPLUS Interfaith & Belief Project, bringing a wealth of experience in interfaith and intercultural engagement. His background has prepared him to understand both the strengths and complexities of diverse communities. He draws on this experience to support meaningful conversation, create welcoming spaces, and help people explore what a more inclusive city might look like.
Join us for an hour afterwards (from 3-4pm or as long as you can stay) to discuss the role of faith and belief groups in the life of the city in light of the walk.
Age 18+.
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