N0 1 Belfast black cab Irish and British mural 2hr private tour

This private Belfast black cab tour offers an engaging 2-hour exploration of the city’s vibrant murals and key Game of Thrones filming spots. Priced at $247.61 per group (up to 2 people), it provides a personalized experience with the added convenience of pickup from all Belfast city center accommodations. The tour emphasizes flexible start times, allowing travelers to choose a schedule that suits them best.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of Belfast’s historic landmarks and its rich connection to the popular TV series. It’s well-suited for fans of Game of Thrones as well as anyone interested in Belfast’s social and political history. While the tour runs for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, it offers a comprehensive look at some of the city’s most significant sites, with a focus on personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Private, personalized 2-hour Belfast black cab experience
• Visit more than 15 Game of Thrones filming locations in a single day’s worth of sightseeing
• Explore key Belfast landmarks, including Peacewalls, Crumlin Road Courthouse, and murals
• Pickup and drop-off from Belfast city center are included for convenience
• Flexibility in start times allows travelers to plan their day easily
• Cost of $247.61 covers the entire group (up to 2 people)

Belfast’s Political Landmarks: From the Peace Walls to Crumlin Road Court House

The tour kicks off with a deep dive into Belfast’s complex history by cutting through the Peacewalls into the Republican areas of Bombay Street. This area, known for houses burned during The Troubles in 1969, marks a poignant starting point. The guide offers insights into Belfast’s past conflicts, setting the context for the city’s current landscape.

Next, the Crumlin Road Court House faces the gaol, with a tunnel underneath the main road. This site once served as a place where sentences were handed down before transferring prisoners to the Maze prison. The Victorian-era jail housed IRA and UVF UFF prisoners on remand until the 1960s, providing a vivid reminder of Belfast’s turbulent history.

Exploring the Belfast Peacewall Taxi Tours

A highlight of the tour is the visit to the Belfast Peacewall, dubbed the city’s version of the Berlin Wall. Standing ten times higher than typical city walls, it stretches across Belfast for over 50 years, symbolizing the division between loyalist and republican communities. Travelers can sign their names alongside quotes of peace and see murals that depict messages of hope amid conflict.

The 30-minute visit offers an opportunity to understand the ongoing impact of Belfast’s divided past, with admission included. The guide explains the significance of the walls and murals, making this stop both educational and emotionally resonant.

Shankill Road: Heart of Loyalist Heritage and Murals

A visit to Shankill Road reveals over 500 years of loyalist history, from the formation of groups like UVF, UFF, and UDA. Travelers see murals painted on gable walls, many depicting local figures, political symbols, or commemorations.

During July, the area hosts bonfire sites, which are notable for their scale and political symbolism. The guide discusses the loyalist fight against Republicans, offering context for the murals and community events. Expect to take photos of murals that adorn local homes, showcasing a vibrant yet politically charged part of Belfast.

Clonard Monastery: Secret Peace Talks and Surveillance

The tour makes a brief stop at Clonard Monastery, built in the 1800s. This site is historically significant as the venue for secret peace talks involving Gerry Adams and John Hume. The guide explains that these discussions shaped Belfast’s peace process, though it was later discovered that MI5 had bugged the talks.

This stop offers a glimpse into Belfast’s efforts toward reconciliation, blending history with intrigue. The 10-minute visit provides a meaningful connection to the city’s pursuit of peace.

International Mural Wall on Divis Street

Next, travelers see the International Mural Wall on Divis Street, famous for its hand-painted murals created by local republicans. These murals depict various conflicts, including support for causes like the Amazon rainforest and other social issues.

This site highlights Belfast’s expressive street art, which often carries political or social messages. The 10-minute visit allows for close-up appreciation of the artistry and symbolism.

Bobby Sands Murals: From the Birthplace of the IRA to Global Icon

The tour stops at the Bobby Sands mural, located in the Falls Road area—considered the birthplace of the Provisional Irish Republican Army. The mural has become world-famous as a symbol of Sands’ 1981 hunger strike, which ultimately contributed to the 1994 truce.

This location provides insight into Sands’ legacy and the broader struggle for Irish independence. The guide discusses the hunger strike’s historical significance during the Troubles, making it a powerful highlight.

Flexibility and Personalization of the Tour Schedule

One distinct benefit of this private tour is the ability to choose your start time, with options starting from 6:30 AM up to 11:00 AM. This flexibility allows travelers to plan their day comfortably, fitting the tour into their Belfast itinerary.

The pickup and drop-off service from all Belfast city center accommodation streamlines logistics, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Plus, a restroom onboard adds practical convenience.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour is suitable for children, with available child seats upon request—perfect for family groups. The guide is known for being knowledgeable, though some reviews mention difficulty understanding accents, especially if the vehicle or guide has background noise.

The tour is exclusive to your group, providing an intimate experience. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly, especially if the tour extends or coincides with meal times.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Offerings

Unlike larger bus tours, this private black cab experience allows for closer interaction with the guide, who provides tailored insights during each stop. The visit to Belfast’s political landmarks and murals is comprehensive, combining history with social commentary.

The inclusion of Game of Thrones filming locations makes this tour particularly appealing to fans, as it covers more than 15 filming sites in a single day—an efficient way to see key locations with expert guidance.

Budget and Booking Considerations

At $247.61 per group, the tour offers intimate, personalized service that many group tours cannot match. It’s advisable to book well in advance, as the tour is popular, with an average booking window of 72 days.

While the tour has a high rating of 4.5/5 from 4 reviews, some feedback mentions issues with vehicle noise or accents, which might affect understanding. Nevertheless, the knowledgeable guide and immersive stops help compensate.

Belfast’s Murals and Historical Sites: A Deep Dive

This black cab tour excels at offering an up-close look at Belfast’s murals, political walls, and historic sites. The murals, especially the Bobby Sands and international walls, showcase the city’s expressive street art, often carrying messages of conflict and peace.

The stops at Clonard Monastery and Peacewalls give a nuanced picture of Belfast’s history of division and reconciliation. These sites provide context that enriches the understanding of Belfast’s social fabric.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This private, flexible tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, Game of Thrones fans, and families seeking an educational yet personalized experience. The tour’s focus on political murals and historic landmarks makes it particularly appealing to those interested in Belfast’s social and political evolution.

The knowledgeable guide enhances the experience, making complex stories accessible and engaging. Travelers who prefer a more tailored experience than large group tours will find this option especially valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, providing a thorough overview of Belfast’s murals and landmarks.

What is the price for the entire group?
The cost is $247.61 for up to 2 people, covering the private experience and transport from your Belfast city center accommodation.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children, and child seats can be provided if requested beforehand.

What stops are included in the tour?
Stops include the Peacewalls, Crumlin Road Courthouse, Shankill Road murals, Clonard Monastery, International Mural Wall, and the Bobby Sands murals.

Can I choose my start time?
Yes, you can select a start time from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM, offering flexibility to fit your schedule.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from all Belfast city center accommodation are included, with the tour conducted in a private black cab.

This N0 1 Belfast black cab Irish and British mural 2-hour private tour combines Belfast’s historic sites with its iconic murals, making it a compelling choice for travelers seeking an intimate, insightful exploration of the city’s complex past and vibrant street art.