Rory O’Kane - FULLY QUALIFIED TGNI GUIDE
Experienced guide in NI, covers historical, political, maritime and industrial tours in Belfast and the North Coast of Northern Ireland.
My name is Rory O’Kane and I am a qualified tour guide and a member of Tour Guides Northern Ireland. I have been involved in the Travel and Tourism industry for 35 years as a travel agent, a holiday representative abroad and a tour guide. I have worked with some of the biggest companies such as Thomas Cook, Airtours, Expedia and Titanic Belfast where I received an award for outstanding customer service from the CEO.
My tours are designed to meet the needs and interests of my clients. I presently lead walking and coach tours of Belfast’s historical, political, maritime and industrial past; I am a ‘step on coach’ guide or where transport is required I am happy to arrange a private driver or a private hire coach company to suit all budgets.
My Causeway Coastal tour is a full day travelling along the most scenic route in the world. We pass through areas of outstanding natural beauty with ample photo stops along the way, giving you an opportunity to create everlasting memories of your trip.
This tour is very personal to me as I grew up in the scenic seaside resort of Ballycastle and it was my late father who coined the phrase “The Causeway Coast”.
My tours are designed to go in line with my mission statement. “KEEP COMING BACK”
View full guide profile Following on from the very popular "Out On The Road" Ballynafeigh Walking Tour which was launched by me (RORY) and my colleague DONAL in September 2020, I now offer this new route which complements and extends the coverage of this area of Belfast.
Beginning at the Gas Works building, an iconic landmark with a rich history, the tour explores the murals, the architecture, the troubled past and fascinating people who have made this place their home.
Many hours of research have gone into packaging a detailed, informative , interesting and well-balanced account of the area with a mix of cultural, political and social references with stories and anecdotes which combine to paint the picture in an informative and entertaining way.
With all its current diversity of culture, the Ormeau Road offers so much for locals and visitors to discover on this tour; from its industrial past through conflict to its regeneration into the thriving thoroughfare which it has now become. Be sure to stay around and sample the amazing hospitality available on this award-winning Ormeau Road.
Now get your walking shoes on and come and join me !
Some of the highlights include;
- The Gas Works
- McConnell's Weir
- Lagan Towpath
- St Malachy's Mural
- An Droichead
- Havelock House
- Corrs' Mural
- Hatfield House
- The Holylands
- Ormeau Bridge
The tour will last approximately 90 minutes.
Tours begin at the Gas Works Entrance on the Gasworks Path which is directly opposite Ormeau Avenue on the Ormeau Road as indicated above on the map.
The tour begins at 12 noon.
Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start time.