The graveyard is concealed behind forbidding high walls and is entered through a shadowy archway, guarded on either side by a quaint though dilapidated gate-lodge. From the moment the visitor puts a foot on the moss-covered central pathway, he is acutely aware that this quiet unfrequented graveyard has a “quality of ancient mystery.”

- Dr. Eamon Phoenix & Tony Merrick (Gravestone Inscriptions Belfast Vol. 2, UHF, 1984) Reproduced here with permission

I have always walked past this site and been curious to see inside and learn more about it. I finally had the pleasure of doing a tour here last Saturday. The guide was really knowledgeable and passionate, and was easily able to answer all our questions. The tour went at a good pace and covered so many interesting stories about symbolism, the famine, grave robbers and more.

A special experience I would recommend to anyone.

Ashley R, via Tripadvisor

We spent a lovely sunny Saturday being guided around the graveyard by our friendly and knowledgeable guide.

There are so many stories, locked behind the gates of the graveyard and each story was a unique little glimpse in to the fascinating history of Belfast.

I would highly recommend taking a few hours out of your Saturday to do this tour. It is genuinely engrossing and the tour guide was so accommodating with any questions the group had. There is a wealth of history, mythology behind the gates.

Joanne A, via Tripadvisor

A great wee tour through Belfast’s first cemetery with cheerful guide Judith.

Rain threatened but we were lucky to get glorious autumnal sunshine.

A fascinating place with perhaps more unknown than known of those who rest there. An ecumenical graveyard before its time with folks of all social backgrounds interred within its walls. A hidden gem.

Gerard M, via Tripadvisor

This was an interesting tour of a place I’ve wanted to visit for a long time. As a student in the area I have walked past the front gates 100s of times and always wondered what was contained within. It was an interesting tour with much local information and history and the guide was informative and able to answer our questions without any difficulty.

Paula O, via Tripadvisor

The typically damp Belfast "summer" weather couldn't deter the twenty or so visitors this morning to one of the city's truly hidden gems. Nestling behind the landmark gate lodge and high walls this centuries-old burial ground reveals endless stories of Belfast's deceased, great and good, as well as having an area of mass burials from the Irish Famine. Informative and entertaining tour by our guide. Recommended.

CJ Callan, Via Tripadvisor, June 2026

We had a fantastic time on the graveyard tour. The guide was incredibly informative and clearly very knowledgeable, sharing fascinating history and stories about the history of the graveyard. His sense of humour kept the tour engaging and fun, and he was more than happy to answer every question we had along the way. You could tell he genuinely enjoyed what he does, which made the whole experience even better.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in history.

An anonymous guest, via Tripadvisor

With almost 300 5-star reviews, our tours are rated the 3rd best thing to do in Belfast on Tripadvisor, for which we have been recognised with a 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.