The Abolitionist Watchmakers of Belfast: A Whiskey Walking Tour
In 1786 a Belfast watchmaker stood up against the slave trade. At the Whiskey WeekEnder, Mark Doherty walks you through his Cathedral Quarter, four drams in hand.
When people think about what built Belfast they often rely heavily on Shipbuilding, Linen Production and Rope Making. Rarely do they mention Whiskey Distilling or indeed the incredible individuals who stood out from the crowd in order to put things right.
Belfast Whiskey Weekender provides an extraordinary tour of our beloved Cathedral Quarter; dropping by some familiar and new bars and pubs in the area to sample a Poitín, a Single Grain, a Single Malt and a Single Pot Still while learning about the Abolitionist Watchmakers of Belfast!
An unusual tour of the Cathedral Quarter; though compelling. Take this opportunity to really understand what Belfast did to prevent Slavery and to ensure the City and its people never had to apologise for this cruelty and depraving act of inhumanity.
You'll be guided by Mark Doherty, from the Criterion Bar, past Clifton House, then zigzag across the Cathedral Quarter exploring the steps and landmarks of the watchmakers and their achievements.
Your guide
Mark Doherty is a Belfast-born Queen's graduate, Green Badge tour guide and local historian, and he edits the magazine of the Belfast Titanic Society. In July he led our Friar's Bush Graveyard Whiskey Tour, telling the stories of the distillers, brewers and publicans buried there.
The details
- When: Saturday 21 November 2026, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
- Meet: Criterion Bar & Coffee House, 2–4 Antrim Road, Belfast
- Drams: a Poitín, a Single Grain, a Single Malt and a Single Pot Still
- Price: £10 per person — limited places
- Strictly over 18s.
Staying for the Sunday? Belfast Hidden Stories walks the Quarter again the next day, with four more drams. Part of the Belfast Whiskey Week Whiskey WeekEnder, Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November 2026. Sláinte.
