About

Alternative Ulstours deliver alternative guided tours, specialising in historical dark tourism.

Their tours are meticulously researched and dynamically presented by former journalist and rock frontman Andrew Johnston, a Level 4-certified tour guide.

Alternative Ulstours’ informative and entertaining walking tours include:

Black Belfast - Belfast’s definitive horror and true crime tour series has four routes – Cathedral Quarter, Linen Quarter, Queen’s Quarter, Titanic Quarter – covering body snatching to black magic, disease to disasters, serial killers to sea monsters, and much more.

Jack the Ripper: From Hell to Belfast - The only Jack the Ripper tour outside London explores Belfast’s shocking links to the notorious ‘Whitechapel murders’ of 1888.

Lights, Camera, Belfast! - The golden age of nightlife flickers again on this tour of historical city centre cinema locations, from Belfast’s ‘Wonder Cinema’ to the Smithfield ‘Fleapit’!

Spirits of Belfast - Believers and sceptics are welcome on this ghost tour of Belfast city centre that investigates a range of historical hauntings. Alternative Ulstours also offer guided coach tours, including:

The Body Bus - This full-day tour of body snatching history goes to old burial grounds across counties Antrim and Down, uncovering relics from the era of the ‘resurrectionists’.

The Murder Miles - Crime scenes, unsolved cases and victims’ stories feature in this respectful and informative full-day tour examining historical murders throughout counties Antrim and Derry-Londonderry.

The Witches’ Way - Witchcraft is the theme of this full-day tour taking in key sites across County Antrim, including many relevant to the infamous Islandmagee witch trials. Visit the website for regular public dates all year round or get in touch to arrange a private tour. Alternative Ulstours have collaborated with the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Ghouls on Film feminist film club, RSPB Northern Ireland, Queen’s University Belfast and Groundwork Northern Ireland Men’s Sheds.

Many tours are fully accessible and dog-friendly, and concessionary rates are available. There is no minimum number of guests required to book. Guest feedback: “The level of detail was great and Andrew’s enthusiasm was very apparent.” “I loved Andrew’s genuine love of his subject. Diverse and engaging.” “Well explained, so interesting and a big effort made to make it enjoyable. Loved it all.” “Andrew was terrific, so knowledgeable and very entertaining. Would highly recommend for visitors and locals alike!” “Brilliant. Andrew kept my attention gripped from start to finish.”