Lesley Doherty is a professional tour guide and founder of Converse Tours NI, offering immersive tours across Belfast and Northern Ireland. Having grown up alongside Belfast’s transformation into a vibrant and diverse city, Lesley brings deep local insight, warmth and authenticity to every experience. 

Since establishing her business in 2013, Lesley has guided private clients, cruise ship guests, corporate and educational groups, families, solo travelers and special-interest visitors, including pilgrims and peace-focused groups. Her tours are widely described as entertaining, informative and exceptionally well organized, with visitors consistently praising her genuine care, knowledge and passion for Northern Ireland. 

The name Converse reflects Lesley’s love of good conversation, thoughtful perspectives and seeing places from a different angle—an approach that defines her guiding style. With tours available in English, German and French, Lesley offers both walking and coach-based experiences and is known for creating meaningful connections between people and place. 

Robert Wilson is an accomplished horticultural professional with extensive experience managing historic landscapes and internationally significant plant collections. He currently serves as Acting Head Gardener at Mount Stewart House and Gardens, one of the National Trust’s most celebrated garden estates. 

With a career rooted in conservation, landscape restoration and sustainable garden management, Robert has played a key role in the stewardship and recovery of Mount Stewart’s 180-acre garden and landscape. His work combines practical horticulture with strategic leadership, overseeing complex living collections while managing staff, volunteers and operational budgets. 

Robert is widely respected for his expertise in natural resource management, tree planting and long-term landscape planning. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining Mount Stewart’s global horticultural reputation while adapting the gardens to modern environmental and climatic challenges.