Church, State & Rebellion Tour
The story of some of the people who built the city, how their Christian faith interacted with their politics and how Church and State at times collaborated and at times fought each other in the building of Belfast.
The Tour
Welcome to Belfast
A city with a rich tapestry of history woven from the threads of faith, politics, and rebellion. Join us on an engaging walking tour through the heart of Belfast as we explore how religion and statecraft have shaped this city’s remarkable story.
Discover Belfast
Guided by the Rev. Andrew R Irvine
Based on materials by Rev. David A. Campton, this tour delves into the intriguing intersection of Christian faith and political struggle, from the rise of the Anglican establishment to the fight for justice led by Presbyterians and other dissenters.
The Sights
Featured locations
Locations
The Black Man
A staunch defender of Presbyterian orthodoxy, and William Drennan’s nemesis, Cooke believed that Ireland’s place was within the Protestant British Empire. A divisive figure, he opposed the college for its progressive theological views, leading to a split in Presbyterianism. While Cooke is sometimes called the 'Black Man', this nickname originally referred to a previous statue of Lord Belfast, now located in City Hall.
Locations
First Church / Rosemary Street
It stands on the site of Belfast’s oldest place of worship, founded in 1644. The current building, dating to 1783, reflects the congregation's long history, including splits within Presbyterianism over theology. Today, the church emphasises inclusivity and was among the first in Belfast to adopt a progressive stance on sexuality.
Locations
Henry Joy McCracken
Born 13 years after William Drennan, Henry was a Presbyterian and Irish republican born into two of the city's most prominent Presbyterian industrial families. McCracken forged the revolutionary union between his fellow Presbyterians in Ulster and the country's largely dispossessed Catholic majority.
Locations
St. Anne’s Cathedral/Writers' Square
The heart of Belfast's Anglican faith, juxtaposed against the literary heritage of Writers’ Square, offering a reflection on the cultural and religious history of the city. You’ll learn that St. Anne’s is not the oldest Church of Ireland in the Belfast and it holds another claim to fame in that it unusually contains only one tomb…
Donations & Gift Aid
Not-for-profit
Testimonials