Thursday 5 February, 11am-1pm

Van Morrison is undoubtedly among the most-distinguished musicians of our times. He celebrated his 80th birthday in 2025, released a new album in June 2025, Remembering Now, and another in January 2026, Somebody tried to sell me a Bridge. He continues to tour and perform extensively. His songs are loved by people around the world.

 

On this gentle two-hour walking tour, we will explore Van Morrison’s East Belfast. We will walk around the around the area he grew up in, see the parks he played in, the primary school he went to and the house he first lived in. There are now plans to open a small museum at Van Morrrison’s former home at 125 Hyndford Street. Many of the streets and place names we will encounter, will be familiar to us from the lyrics of many Van Morrison songs: including The Hollow, ‘Beechie River’, Hyndford St, Cyprus Avenue, Donard Church and more.  Van’s home area shaped the musician, and he pays tribute to it and reminisces about it in his songs. The tour will also reference the area’s history and industrial heritage.

 

A soundtrack of short Van Morrison music clips will be played along the way. Your guide experienced and fun guide will also mention several other musicians with links to this part of the city. 

 

Each guest will receive a copy of the ‘Mystic of the Easts’ booklet, that includes a map of the area, with information on many of the tour’s key stops.

 

Please meet outside Café Nero at the Eastside Visitor Centre on Newtownards Road for 11am. The tour will conclude back there for 1pm. The tour is delivered by Creative Tours Belfast for EastSide Partnership.

 

Artwork image by Glen Molloy.

Tickets cost £19 (plus bf) per person and may be purchased here.