Steering Us Through The Conflict
Very simply being a civilian bus driver or conductor here was an incredibly dangerous job. And just being a passenger on a bus could be a very dangerous ‘activity’.
Belfast & Branagh
The DC Tours phone rang on Monday, and I answered professionally and courteously as usual. Nadia, a pleasant woman with a posh London accent, quickly explained that BBC Breakfast wanted to interview me as a Belfast tour guide and historian about the Kenneth Branagh film ‘Belfast’.
Ghosts Of Christmas Past
The sprouts have wreaked (reeked?) their havoc, the remaining turkey has been curried and the tree shoved back up its hole, it is time to reflect on the Christmases past. Every year should be a learning year and whilst it has been an ‘annus horriblis’ to borrow a phrase, this year I have learned several things
Belfast and the Cinema (or the ‘Picture House’)
Donzo's blog about the lost cinemas of Belfast
Donzo’s Ma, Belfast, and the ‘Swinging Sixties’…
Donzo interviews his Ma about Belfast's nightlife before the Troubles really got started...
The Forgotten Troubles Memorial
Belfast is famous for its murals, many of which commemorate or memorialise the victims of the Troubles. But why are there so few memorials in the city centre, where so many of the attacks happened?
Punks ‘n’ Skins And Mods ‘n’ Rockers – Belfast In The Eighties
DC Tours lead guide Paul 'Donzo' Donnelly remembers the halcyon days of his youth as a young punk in Belfast in the eighties.
My Favourite Book About The Troubles
Donzo regularly gets asked what is his favourite book about the Troubles from our list of recommendations. Here it is. It may surprise you...
So, what does the ‘D.C.’ stand for in DC Tours?
Donzo explores the hidden meaning behind the name DC Tours, how the Troubles in Northern Ireland influenced it and what it stands for.
Football Day
The trials and tribulations of attending local football matches in Belfast in the eighties. Paul reminiscences about the good old days...
Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon
Tour guide James Ellson remembers how the Ulster Museum saved him from boring Sundays growing up in South Belfast during the Troubles.
Belfast Bouncer
Donzo revisits his younger and not so innocent days working as a doorman in Lavery's, easily the best bar in Belfast.