2hours Republican & Loyalist Mural Black Taxi Tour from Belfast

Discover Belfast’s Troubles through a 2-Hour Black Taxi Tour for $88.89

The 2-hours Republican & Loyalist Mural Black Taxi Tour from Belfast offers a compelling look into the city’s complex history. Priced at $88.89 per person, this tour provides a rare chance to sit in an original black taxi with a driver who experienced the conflicts firsthand. It’s a highly recommended experience, with a perfect rating of 5.0 based on 15 reviews, and booked on average 27 days in advance.

What makes this tour stand out is the personal storytelling from guides who grew up during The Troubles. The tour visits key sites like the Peace Wall, murals, and Loyalist and Republican neighborhoods, making history feel immediate and personal. A primary advantage is the pickup from Belfast city center, eliminating the hassle of finding the meeting point, though the tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers for a more intimate experience.

This tour suits those interested in history, politics, and culture, offering insights beyond typical sightseeing. With most travelers participating comfortably, it’s suitable for a wide range of visitors, including those with children (who must be accompanied by an adult). Keep in mind that admission tickets are not included for murals and some stops, so plan accordingly.

Key Points

• Authentic experience in a black taxi with a driver who experienced The Troubles firsthand
• Visit significant sites like the Peace Wall, murals, and Loyalist neighborhoods
• Personal stories and insights from guides about Belfast’s conflict history
• Convenient pickup from Belfast city center simplifies logistics
• Tour duration of approximately 2 hours offers a focused, engaging overview
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance

The Black Taxi Experience with a Local Guide

The core appeal of this tour lies in riding inside an original black taxi with a driver who has personal connections to the history. This setup allows for informal, direct storytelling that adds depth to the sites visited. Guides like Jim, Brendan, and David are praised for their knowledge, honesty, and ability to make history accessible, making each ride memorable.

Having a local guide who grew up during The Troubles adds perspective that standard tours cannot match. Their stories provide context about the conflict’s impact on communities, and they explain the significance of murals and peace efforts in a straightforward, honest manner.

Visiting the International Mural Wall on Divis Street

The tour’s first stop is the International Mural Wall. It showcases roughly 40 murals, including images from Palestine, ANC, Cuba, and Republican symbols, created by local artists. These murals frequently change in response to world news, making each visit slightly different.

Although admission tickets are not included, the murals themselves offer a vivid display of Belfast’s political and cultural expression. The 20-minute visit is an excellent opportunity to photograph these large, impactful artworks that reflect ongoing struggles and aspirations.

The Significance of the Bobby Sands Mural

Next, the tour visits the Bobby Sands Mural, an iconic tribute to the IRA volunteer and hunger striker. This powerful image symbolizes the continuing legacy of the fight for Irish republican rights and freedom. The mural’s prominence makes it a poignant highlight for visitors interested in The Troubles’ history.

This 20-minute stop allows for reflection and photo opportunities while understanding Sands’ role as a symbol of resistance. The mural’s deep emotional resonance is clear, and guides help explain its importance.

Political Symbols at Falls Road Library

At the Falls Road Library, the tour includes a photo stop outside the Republican remembrance garden and the H-block hunger strike statue. This 10-minute visit emphasizes the memorials to those who fought during The Troubles and highlights the ongoing significance of remembrance in Belfast.

The site is accessible and offers a quiet space to absorb the history. It’s a meaningful moment on the tour to connect the murals and political history with real community remembrance.

Clonard Monastery and Peace Negotiations

The Clonard Monastery features as a 10-minute stop where visitors learn about its role in Belfast’s peace process. It was a secret meeting place for political leaders before official peace talks, making it a key site in the city’s reconciliation journey.

Guides share insights into how this religious site served as a discreet venue for negotiations, helping to shape the future of Belfast. The visit adds context to the peace walls and murals, illustrating how community and faith intersected with politics.

Exploring Loyalist Belfast on Shankill Road

The Shankill Road segment lasts 40 minutes, during which guides explain the 900 years of British rule and how Loyalists fought to remain part of Britain. You walk around cable walls decorated with murals depicting Loyalist symbols and history.

This neighborhood tour allows for understanding the Loyalist perspective, including their resistance to Irish republicanism. The guides also discuss peace and the future, offering a balanced view of Belfast’s divided communities.

The Peace Walls and Their Meaning

A 20-minute segment focuses on the Peace Walls, which stretch over 25 km across Belfast. These structures serve as physical barriers that separate communities and symbolize ongoing divisions. Visitors can sign their names or write quotes on the “Berlin walls”, adding a personal touch to this powerful reminder of conflict and reconciliation.

The guides explain the walls’ history and current role in promoting peace, providing context for their presence in the city’s landscape.

Walking Through the Victorian Jail and Its History

As you traverse the Shankill area, the tour also takes in the Victorian jail that housed Loyalists and Republicans together during The Troubles. The guide discusses the jail’s history and its role as a symbol of Belfast’s turbulent past.

This historical site underscores the shared suffering and complex history of Belfast’s communities, further enriching the narrative woven throughout the tour.

Logistics and Practical Details

The pickup from Belfast city center simplifies logistics, making it easy to join the tour without additional planning. The tour operates most days, with an average booking time of 27 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

While admission tickets for murals and some stops are not included, the tour’s value lies in the personal storytelling and site visits. Service animals are permitted, and the group size is limited to 15 for an intimate experience.

For those arriving by airports, train stations, or cruise ports, extra arrangements at £40 GBP per group are available, though most participants find the central pickup sufficient.

Final Thoughts: A Deeply Personal Look at Belfast’s Troubled Past

This 2-hour black taxi tour offers an authentic, personal perspective on Belfast’s history of conflict, peace, and community resilience. The experienced guides deliver honest, insightful stories that deepen understanding of key sites like the Peace Wall, murals, and historic neighborhoods.

While the tour is relatively short, it packs in a meaningful overview of The Troubles, emphasizing both Loyalist and Republican narratives. It’s best suited for visitors eager to learn directly from those who lived through the conflict and want to see Belfast’s most significant political symbols.

The pickup from city center and small group size enhance the overall experience, making it convenient and engaging. However, travelers should be prepared for some walking and to spend extra if they wish to visit specific murals or sites with admission fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers find it suitable for a wide age range, given the manageable duration and engaging storytelling.

Are admission tickets needed for the murals and stops?
No, admission tickets are not included for murals and some sites like the Republican remembrance garden and Victorian jail.

How long in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book about 27 days in advance, as this tour is quite popular and fills up quickly.

Is pickup from locations outside Belfast city center available?
Pickup from airports, train stations, or cruise ports is available at £40 GBP per group.

What makes this tour stand out from other Belfast tours?
The opportunity to ride in an original black taxi with a guide who experienced The Troubles firsthand and the personal stories shared make this experience unique and powerful.

Can I write on the Peace Walls?
Yes, there is a chance to sign your name or write a quote on the walls as part of the visit to the Peace Walls.

This tour offers a balanced, honest view of Belfast’s history, making it ideal for anyone seeking an authentic, personal connection with the city’s troubled past and ongoing peace efforts.