Belfast by the Glass: alternative history of Belfast, sip by sip.

Imagine learning about a city’s fascinating past—its triumphs, struggles, and quirky stories—while sipping on carefully crafted drinks that match each chapter. That’s exactly what Belfast by the Glass offers. This one-of-a-kind tour promises a lively, immersive experience that pairs storytelling with flavorful beverages, making history feel more approachable and fun. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique way to enjoy Belfast’s lively downtown, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

What’s striking about this experience is how it combines education with entertainment in a cozy setting. We love that it’s set in a beautiful, historic bank building from 1897, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the storytelling. Plus, the themed drinks—ranging from light beers to Irish whiskey punches—are served with a generous dose of enthusiasm from knowledgeable guides. One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is quite compact, lasting just around 90 minutes, so it’s perfect for those with limited time but high curiosity.

A possible consideration: the group size is capped at 18, which means it stays intimate, but if you’re looking for a more hands-on, brewery-style experience with lots of tastings, this might feel a bit more like a sit-back-and-listen affair. Nonetheless, it’s ideal for travelers who appreciate narrative-driven experiences and enjoy discovering a city through its spirits and stories.

Overall, Belfast by the Glass suits travelers who enjoy rich storytelling, authentic local flavors, and a relaxed, engaging atmosphere. If you’re seeking a memorable, conversational journey into Belfast’s history—served with a good measure of fun—this tour could be your perfect match.

Key Points

• Unique concept: Explore Belfast’s history through themed drinks and stories.
• Authentic setting: Held in a beautiful 1897 bank building in the city center.
• Concise but immersive: 1.5-hour tour with six chapters of local history.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides are praised for their storytelling skills.
• Great for small groups: Max 18 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Value for money: At around $72, it offers a memorable, entertaining historical experience.

What the Tour Is All About

Belfast by the Glass is not your typical history tour. It trades traditional walking routes or museum visits for a lively, sitting-down experience that blends historical storytelling with tasting sessions. Located at the meeting point, the Spirit Circle at 62 High Street, the tour begins in a historic building that dates back to 1897—an ideal backdrop that immediately sets the tone for a journey through Belfast’s timeline.

Over approximately 90 minutes, the tour covers six chapters of Belfast’s history, from 1122 to the present day. Each chapter is paired with a delicious, themed drink—ranging from Irish beers to whiskey punches—that enhances the storytelling. As stories unfold, projections light up the walls, creating a visual narrative that complements the words. This multi-sensory approach keeps the experience engaging and helps visitors connect with Belfast’s past in a relaxed, informal way.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at The Spirit Circle, centrally located in Belfast, ensuring easy access via public transportation or walking. The setting is a historic, cozy space with an inviting atmosphere. Guides introduce the concept—telling Belfast’s story “through booze”—and then start the journey back in time.

The first chapter transports you to Ireland in 1122, where the story of wolves roaming the forests begins. As the narrative progresses, stories of radical spirits—both figuratively and literally—are shared, from the city’s turbulent modern history to tales of resilience and innovation. The six drinks correspond to each chapter, serving as tasting windows into the era being discussed. For example, a light beer might symbolize the city’s lighter moments, while a whiskey punch could evoke its more intense chapters.

Throughout, the storytelling is lively yet balanced, with guides who clearly know their stuff. Reviewers rave about the guides’ knowledgeable and engaging manner—”We had an amazing time with the staff and the information shared,” one reviewer noted. The projections lighting up the walls add a cinematic dimension, making each chapter visually captivating.

What Makes It Special

The setting itself enhances the experience. The historic bank building lends an air of gravitas and authenticity, making the stories feel grounded in Belfast’s tangible past. The small group size (max 18 participants) ensures a cozy ambiance where questions are welcomed and everyone can feel involved.

The drinks are thoughtfully curated to match the themes. For example, during a chapter about Belfast’s industrial past, you might enjoy a robust Irish whiskey punch that echoes the city’s brewing heritage. The balance of history, humor, and flavor makes this more than just a tour—it’s an experience that stays with you.

Authenticity and storytelling are clearly at the heart of this tour. Guests appreciate the insights into Belfast’s radical spirits, both figuratively in its history and literally in its drinks. One review mentions, “We literally landed in Belfast and came straight to this experience,” indicating how well it fits into a broader exploration of the city.

Value and Pricing

At $72.25 per person, this tour offers a fairly unique mix of education and entertainment. When you consider that it includes six themed drinks and engaging storytelling, the price feels reasonable—especially compared to more traditional, less interactive tours. The small group size also enhances value, as you’re more likely to get personalized attention and lively interaction.

Since it’s booked on average 33 days in advance, it’s clear that this experience has a steady appeal, especially for travelers wanting something off the beaten path. For those who love history but prefer it served with a playful twist, this is a good investment in both time and money.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour lasts about 90 minutes, making it a manageable addition to a busy Belfast itinerary. It’s near public transportation, which simplifies logistics. The meeting point, The Spirit Circle, is easily accessible, and the activity ends back at the start point, so no need for extra travel.

Groups are small, capped at 18, which keeps the atmosphere intimate and friendly. The tour confirmation is immediate upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before, adding flexibility for travelers with uncertain plans.

What Past Guests Say

Reviews consistently highlight how much participants enjoy the combination of storytelling and drinks. Marisa_S called it a “Unique sipping history”, praising the staff and the stories about Belfast’s spirits history. Charlotte_E’s group appreciated the beauty of the venue and the blend of geeky history with good drinks, emphasizing how satisfying the experience was, even for first-timers.

One reviewer noted that the guides’ knowledge made the experience stand out, adding depth and authenticity. The visual projections also received praise for making each chapter more engaging and immersive.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who:

• Enjoy storytelling and historical narratives
• Appreciate good drinks, especially Irish whiskey and beer
• Prefer relaxed, small-group activities
• Want an authentic, local experience that’s off the usual tourist trail
• Are curious about Belfast’s history but in a fun, informal setting

It’s less ideal for those seeking a traditional walking tour or extensive tastings, as the focus here is more on narrative and atmosphere than on drinking large quantities.

Final Thoughts

Belfast by the Glass offers a refreshing take on exploring a city’s history. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and local flavor in a beautifully preserved setting. The carefully curated storylines paired with themed drinks make it a memorable experience—one that encourages conversation and curiosity.

You’ll leave not only with a better understanding of Belfast’s past but also with some tasty drinks and stories to share. It’s an engaging way to spend an evening, especially if you’re after something different from the usual sightseeing spots.

This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed, engaging, and authentic experience—ideal for history buffs, food lovers, and those eager to connect with Belfast’s spirit, both literally and figuratively.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but since it involves alcohol, it’s primarily designed for adults of legal drinking age.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity for most schedules.

Can I book this experience last minute?
Booking is recommended at least a few weeks in advance, as it’s booked around 33 days ahead on average, but last-minute availability might vary.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at The Spirit Circle, 62 High Street, Belfast, and ends back at the same location.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation isn’t included, but the venue is near public transit, making it easy to reach.

What’s included in the price?
You get six themed drinks served along with stories about Belfast’s history.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews praise the guides for being engaging and well-informed.

What’s the atmosphere like?
Intimate and relaxed, with projections lighting up the walls to enhance storytelling.

Is there any dress code?
No specific dress code—just come comfortable and ready to listen and sip.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; cancellations less than that are non-refundable.

Belfast by the Glass offers a distinctive way to understand Belfast’s story—through a lively mix of storytelling and regional drinks. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to see beyond the usual sights and connect with the city’s character in a fun, memorable way. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxed evening activity, this tour promises a warm welcome and a taste of Belfast’s spirit—both in the glass and in its stories.