Friday 19th June 2026

7pm

A special tour of Friar’s Bush graveyard focused on the 19th Century.

The story of Friar's Bush is the story of Belfast. We begin with haphazard burials at a tiny religious settlement beyond the small town of Belfast and progress to an organised,19th-century graveyard.

You’ll learn about the struggles the people of Belfast had with disease, epidemics, bodysnatching and the effects of the Famine.

This is a small group tour, limited to 20 people and taken at a sedate pace. There will be an opportunity at the end to roam, explore and take pictures.

Suitable for all ages, but parental discretion advised.

Saturday 20th June 2026

12pm

Pox, plagues, cholera – all just part of life for people in 19th-century Belfast. How did they cope with the constant outbreaks of disease? How did doctors treat the sick? Where did all the dead bodies go? This tour introduces you to the stories of the poor of Belfast and their experiences of health and sickness as well as their fears of the workhouse, hospitals and the dreaded body-snatchers.

Led by historian Dr Robyn Atcheson, this tour will open your eyes (and other senses) to what life was really like for ordinary people in 19th-century Belfast.

The History Collective provide private, fully insured and expertly guided walking tours.

Historical tours are arranged for all kinds of groups - current and retired work colleagues, church and community groups, families both local and visiting, tourists and all manner of clubs and associations.

Get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Bring history to life with a private talk or workshop tailored to your group, organisation or event. All of our speakers are highly experienced history communicators and storytellers and are experts in their respective fields.

For those further afield talks can be delivered online and the team is fully equipped to deliver top-notch audio and video quality with dedicated equipment and support.