Belfast Black Cab Taxi 2Hr private tour with original guides

Exploring Belfast’s complex past becomes more personal and insightful with the Belfast Black Cab Taxi 2Hr private tour offered by Belfast famous black taxi tours. Priced at $273.74 per group (up to 2 people), this tour provides an intimate experience led by the original drivers who have roots in the community. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with convenient pickup and drop-off in Belfast city center, making it easy to include in your itinerary.

What makes this experience particularly compelling is the chance to see significant murals, peace walls, and historic sites while listening to guides who bring local history to life with genuine knowledge and neutrality. The tour’s reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and a focus on Irish history through the powerful art and locations. However, since it’s a private experience, it offers a tailored pace and personalized storytelling, ideal for those interested in Belfast’s political and cultural landscape.

Key Points

• Private 2-hour tour led by original Belfast taxi drivers
• Cost of $273.74 for up to 2 people, including pickup and drop-off
• Visits to murals, peace walls, and historic sites with admission tickets included
• Guides provide neutral, informed commentary on Belfast’s Troubles and history
• Stops include Divis, Falls Road, Shankill Road, and Clonard Monastery
• Tour is suitable for children with child seats available upon request

The Unique Role of Original Belfast Drivers

This tour is distinct because it’s conducted by drivers who previously drove through the side streets of Belfast, offering insights based on personal experience and community roots. Their firsthand knowledge adds authenticity to the narrative, making each stop feel genuine and well-informed. These guides stay neutral and provide balanced perspectives on Belfast’s divided past, ensuring a respectful and educational experience.

Visiting Divis: The Heart of Republican Belfast

The tour begins at Divis, a site historically linked to conflict and British military presence. The apartment complex on the top two floors was used as a British army base until 2007. The guide explains the significance of this location, emphasizing its role in over 50 years of unrest. Expect a 10-minute stop with admission tickets included that sets the scene for Belfast’s ongoing divisions.

International Mural Wall on Divis Street

Next, the International Mural Wall showcases political murals from around the world, which are changing monthly. This 10-minute stop highlights Belfast’s vibrant street art and its connection to global political struggles. The murals visually narrate the conflicts and hopes of various communities, providing a visual context to the historical discussions.

The Murals of Bobby Sands and Republicanism

A significant highlight is the visit to the Bobby Sands Mural, often considered the center of republicanism. The 20-minute stop explores murals depicting Bobby Sands and related history, including the burning of Catholic homes in 1969 and the emergence of the modern PIRA. Guides detail the murals’ meanings and their impact on local identity, enriching understanding of the Irish Republican movement.

Falls Road Library and Irish History

The Falls Road Library serves as a key site, with the famous Bobby Sands mural visible on the opposite gable. The 20-minute stop allows for a walk through 900 years of Irish history, with guides explaining Belfast’s religious and political divisions. This location connects art, history, and community activism in a single glance.

Clonard Memorial Garden and Monastery

Moving to Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden, a community-created space dedicated to the fallen dead. This 10-minute stop offers a reflective moment. The nearby Clonard Monastery, over 100 years old, is historically notable for hosting secret peace talks between Gerry Adams and John Hume—an event with M15 bugging adds an intriguing layer of covert history. The guide discusses these negotiations, adding depth to the story of Belfast’s peace process.

The Peace Wall Experience

A visit to the Peace Wall Taxi Tours stop offers a chance to see one of Belfast’s iconic barriers. Tourists are encouraged to sign their name and add a quote for peace, joining over a million visitors who have engaged with this symbol of division. The 15-minute stop underscores the wall’s ongoing importance and the community’s hopes for reconciliation.

Shankill Road: Loyalist Pride and Murals

The tour’s longest stop, Shankill Road, is the center of loyalist culture. The 25-minute visit features murals that depict history and culture from the Protestant community, including the UVF and UFF. Guides explain the symbolism and significance of these murals, illustrating Belfast’s deep-rooted sectarian identities.

The Prison-Housed Site and Its Historical Context

The tour includes a site built in the 1800s, which historically housed prisoners awaiting remand before being shipped to the H Blocks. This location adds a prison history element, connecting Belfast’s political conflict with the prison system. While not specified as a stop on the itinerary, it’s part of the overall narrative woven into the tour.

Logistics and Practical Details

This is a private tour offering pickup and drop-off in Belfast city center, making it accessible and flexible. The tour is not suitable for cruise ship customers, likely due to timing or location constraints. It’s recommended to book at least 66 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The most common start times range from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM, with confirmation provided upon booking.

The Value of a Private Guided Belfast Taxi Tour

At $273.74, this tour provides a personalized experience with admission tickets included for each stop. The knowledgeable guides—who are the original drivers—bring authentic community insights and balanced perspectives on Belfast’s divided history. The tour’s pacing and personalized narration make it ideal for those seeking a deep, honest understanding of the Troubles and Belfast’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private 2-hour tour suits history enthusiasts, those interested in Belfast’s political murals, and travelers wanting an authentic local perspective. It’s especially valuable for visitors who prefer flexible, in-depth storytelling from guides with community roots. The tour’s focus on peace walls, murals, and key historical sites appeals most to adults and older children interested in politics and history.

Belfast’s Murals, Peace Walls, and Community Roots

In just two hours, the tour delivers a comprehensive look at Belfast’s divided landscape through powerful murals, peace walls, and historic sites. The guides’ neutrality ensures a respectful, balanced exploration, offering insight into both republican and loyalist perspectives. The stops at Divis, Falls Road, Shankill Road, and others serve as vivid reminders of Belfast’s complex identity and ongoing peace efforts.

Final Thoughts on the Belfast Black Cab Taxi Tour

This private experience offers an authentic, community-based perspective on Belfast’s Troubles and peace process. The original drivers’ insights, combined with careful site selection, make it a valuable educational tool for understanding Belfast’s history through its art, walls, and memorials. The admission tickets included at each stop streamline the experience, making it a convenient and immersive journey.

While the tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers and is priced for small groups, the personalized narration and local expertise provide a richer understanding than many bus-based alternatives. Travelers interested in Belfast’s political history and community stories will find this tour both informative and respectful of the city’s complex past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children, and child seats can be provided if needed.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 2 hours long, making it a concise but thorough experience.

What does the tour include?
It includes guides, pickup and drop-off in Belfast city center, and admission tickets for all stops.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, the tour does not include food or drink.

Can I cancel this tour free of charge?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

What are the recommended booking times?
Booking 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM is recommended, with confirmation provided after booking.

Does the tour focus on both republican and loyalist sites?
Yes, it covers both sides, including Divis and Shankill Road, providing a balanced view.

Is there any physical difficulty involved?
The tour involves short stops with walking, but it generally suits most travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends with pickup and drop-off in Belfast city center, offering convenience.