Official World Famous Belfast Taxi Tour

Swap crowded buses for an intimate, personalized experience with the Official World Famous Belfast Taxi Tour. Priced at $112.56 per person, this private tour offers a detailed journey through Belfast’s complex history, focusing on The Troubles and the city’s iconic murals. Lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, this tour is perfect for those eager for a deep, meaningful exploration of Belfast’s past, especially as it is highly recommended—getting booked 41 days in advance on average.

What sets this experience apart is its personalized approach: you’ll travel in your own air-conditioned private vehicle, with pickup and drop-off options from the Leonardo Hotel Belfast City Centre. The tour includes group discounts and a mobile ticket, making it a flexible, hassle-free way to learn. The guides are locally-based, many with personal experience of the Troubles, adding a heartfelt layer of authenticity to every story.

Key Points

• Private, personalized transport with pickup and drop-off from Belfast city centre
• Expert guides with personal experience of The Troubles and deep knowledge of Belfast’s murals and history
• Up-close views of key murals, Peace Wall, and memorial gardens with opportunities to sign the Peace Wall
• Multiple stops including Bobby Sands murals, Clonard Gardens, Shankill Murals, and the International Mural Wall
• Flexible itinerary allowing visitors to disembark and explore sites intimately
• Cost-effective with options for group discounts and optional upgrades

The Belfast Tour Starts at the Leonardo Hotel

The tour departs from Leonardo Hotel Belfast, located on Great Victoria Street. This central starting point makes it easy to access either by public transit or taxi. The driver/guide takes care of navigation, ensuring the focus remains on the sights and stories.

Pickup is available from the hotel or other locations within Belfast city centre, streamlining the experience. Once seated in your air-conditioned private vehicle, the guide introduces the itinerary, which includes stops at Belfast’s most significant murals, memorials, and political landmarks.

The duration of about 90 minutes to 2 hours makes it suitable for those with limited time but still eager to gain a rundown of Belfast’s troubled past and present.

Exploring Belfast’s Murals: Bobby Sands and Divis Street

The tour places a strong emphasis on Belfast’s street art, including the world-famous murals. The Bobby Sands mural appears multiple times, honoring the IRA hunger striker leader, with detailed stories about his significance. You’ll see murals depicting the 1981 hunger strike and other political symbols, providing insight into the city’s divided history.

At the International Mural Wall on Divis Street, the guide explains the symbolism behind political murals, which have been documented since the 1970s. These murals reflect the cultural and political identities of Belfast’s communities, with around 300 quality murals estimated in Belfast alone.

The tour offers ample photo opportunities and the chance to see both nationalist and loyalist murals, including the King William of Orange (King Billy) mural on Shankill Road.

Peace Walls and Messages of Hope

One of the most distinct features of this tour is the visit to the Peace Wall, where visitors can write their own message of hope or sign their name. Notable figures like Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama have also signed the wall, making it a powerful symbol of hope and reconciliation.

The Peace Walls are still in place today, serving as physical boundaries between Catholic nationalist and Protestant loyalist neighborhoods. The tour provides a close-up look at these barriers and the Peace Gates, offering context on why they exist and their impact on Belfast’s communities.

Memorial Gardens and Commemorations

Stops at the Clonard Monastery and Clonard Gardens showcase locations with deep political and religious history. The IRA C Company Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden honors fallen volunteers and civilian casualties from 1916 to 1970—each plaque telling a story of sacrifice and loss.

The Bayardo Bar attack site on Shankill Road is included, where a 1975 IRA bombing resulted in civilian casualties. These stops highlight the violent chapter of Belfast’s history with detailed storytelling.

In addition, the Garden of Remembrance and Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden serve as poignant commemorations of Republican prisoners and martyrs, emphasizing the ongoing significance of remembrance in Belfast’s culture.

Visiting Loyalist Landmarks and the Shankill Murals

The Shankill Road stop features loyalist murals, including the King William of Orange mural and memorial gardens dedicated to loyalist figures. Visitors can take photos and observe the distinctive loyalist symbols and memorials.

Part of the tour also includes visits to the Shankill Memorial Garden and the Bayardo Memorial Garden, which are sites dedicated to loyalist communities and their history. These stops provide a balanced perspective, showing the two sides of Belfast’s political divide.

The Significance of the Peace Walls and No-Man’s Land

The tour covers the Peace Lines or peace walls, which stretch from a few hundred yards to over three miles in Belfast. These barriers aim to minimize inter-communal violence, and during the tour, guides explain their construction and ongoing role.

The Cupar Way stop offers a close look at these no-man’s land, demonstrating the physical division that remains today. Visitors can see real barriers, some made from iron and brick, that still separate predominantly Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods.

The Political Murals on Divis Street and Local Landmarks

Next, the tour explores the International Mural Wall on Divis Street, showcasing murals that depict Northern Ireland’s political and religious divisions. These murals are symbolic artifacts, representing decades of conflict and resistance.

The St. Peter’s Cathedral stop offers a glimpse into Belfast’s religious history. The Roman Catholic cathedral, constructed starting in the 1860s, is an important religious site and contrasts with the political murals, illustrating the city’s complex religious landscape.

The Impact of Personal Stories and Local Guides

Every guide in this tour is a Belfast local, with many having personal experience of the Troubles. According to reviews, guides like Barry, Joe, Bryan, and Paula are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to share heartfelt stories.

This personal insight adds depth to the tour, making the history more relatable and emotionally impactful. Guides often recommend films and resources for further understanding, extending the learning beyond the tour.

Practical Information and Additional Options

The tour includes free pickup and drop-off within Belfast city centre, group discounts, and the option to upgrade to luxury vehicles for an additional fee. Stops are designed to be 10-minute photo opportunities, with some flexibility for disembarking to explore sites further.

While lunch or refreshments are not included, the tour’s value lies in its comprehensive storytelling and close-up views of Belfast’s political murals, memorials, and Peace Walls.

Belfast’s Troubles Tour: Who Will Appreciate It Most?

This private taxi tour is best suited for visitors interested in history, politics, and culture. It offers a balanced perspective of the conflict, suitable for those seeking a thought-provoking, authentic experience. The guide’s personal stories make it especially impactful for travelers eager for insight from someone who lived through the Troubles.

The tour’s length and pace are manageable for most, but it involves standing and walking at some stops if disembarking. It is ideal for adults and older teenagers who can handle sensitive historical content.

Belfast’s Troubles Tour: Final Thoughts

The Official World Famous Belfast Taxi Tour delivers a comprehensive, engaging, and heartfelt exploration of Belfast’s recent history. Its personalized approach and expert guides provide a vivid picture of the city’s past, from murals to memorials, Peace Walls, and local stories.

While the tour offers exceptional value with up-close views and deep insights, it does not include meals or extended access to certain sites. Still, for those interested in understanding Belfast’s complex identity, this tour stands out for its authenticity, depth, and respectful balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Belfast Taxi Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Leonardo Hotel Belfast on Great Victoria Street and ends back at the same location.

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes private transportation, entry to key sites like the Peace Wall, and stops at murals, memorial gardens, and political sites. Pickup and drop-off are included within Belfast city centre.

Can I disembark at stops to explore?
Yes, the tour offers the flexibility to get out and see murals up close and sign the Peace Wall.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for adults and older teenagers; younger children should be considered based on their comfort with sensitive content.

Are there options for upgrading the vehicle?
Yes, an upgrade to a luxury Mercedes Benz V-Class is available for £20, subject to availability.

What makes this tour different from others?
This is a private experience led by guides with personal experience of the Troubles, offering authentic insights and personal stories.

Are there any additional costs?
Extras like cruise ship pickups, specific site drops, or upgraded vehicles entail additional charges paid in cash or booking.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.