The Tours began in 2003 as a social economy project providing employment opportunities for the growing political ex-prisoner community. It soon became clear that huge international interest in the British-Irish conflict called for a unique visitor experience.
Over the years, thousands of people of all ages, including individuals and groups from across Europe and other parts of the world, have taken these unique tours.
And if you're a larger groups and have sufficient time, Coiste can pre-arrange Political Education Itineraries, as well as tours of the nearby Shankill area with ex-prisoners from a unionist background. Never underestimate the fact that this political exchange would have been unheard of until very recently.
If sufficient notice is given, and the visiting group is large enough, Republican West Belfast tours can also be arranged in Irish, Basque, Spanish and French.
Check out Coiste's website for feedback from customers who feel they have experienced a really unique perspective as former Political prisoners, or somebody from the ex-prisoner community, have shared a real personal knowledge and experience of the conflict and developing Peace Process.
Tickets through Coiste or the Belfast Welcome Centre, Donegall Place.
Coiste Political Tours comments
- Iratxi - Euskal Herrira, Bilbo
I took a coiste tour with 20 other Basques. It was fantastic. These tour guides should be proud of their journey. They even had a tour provided by a Basque Political Ex-prisoner. We had no problem arranging this tour at all. One telephone call and an email to seamus@coiste.comI have heard there are some really bad tours in Belfast, being delivered by people who are only interested in making money. Coiste project is a social enterprise and profits go to creating opportunities for political ex-prisoners. It is important that you support these tours and ofcourse get the authentic tour. - 14
Mar
2010Mikel - Basque Country, Antzoula
The Coiste tour was fantastic. These guides were well informed of their history and really have been part of the struggle and are now part of the peace process. It was a privalege to have been on the falls road with Coiste ex-prisoners. - 26
Dec
2009Michael Davies - UK
I took a group of sixth form students and the content of what they provided in terms of in depth political and historical analysis was excellent. In fact the men running Coiste, and the others they introduced us to are the most interesting bit of the tour. Perhaps because of this the administrative arrangements felt a little haphazzard, but persevere because in practice everything went like clockwork. - 22
Oct
2009Fabio - Italy, Venice
I've been in tour with Robert (Coiste) and everything was great. PS: if u want to do something u'll find the way ... looser - 15
Oct
2009Heidi - NI
I have contacted Coiste who tell me they are working on a brand new website and are still, most certainly, open for business. Check out the new website around the end of October. - Ed. - 12
Oct
2009miro - Poland
Phone is not answering, web page is not working. How you could go to that tour? You can not! Just choose www.turais.org. I did that and was very happy! - 14
Sep
2009Nicollo Patri - Italia, bologna
it is good, but not as good as these guys who have been doing it much longer and trained the Coiste guides - www.turais.org
Mar
2010