Official World Famous Belfast Black Taxi Tour

The Official World Famous Belfast Black Taxi Tour provides an engaging and insightful way to understand the complex history of Belfast and Northern Ireland. Priced at $132.12 per person, this private tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours and covers key sites linked to The Troubles. With pickup options and group discounts, the tour is designed to give visitors a comprehensive look at Belfast’s murals, peace walls, and memorials, all while traveling comfortably in a black taxi.

What sets this tour apart is the expert driver-guide who narrates the story behind the murals and landmarks, helping visitors grasp the background without prior research. The itinerary includes notable sites such as the Falls Road murals, Shankill Road, Peace Walls, and memorial gardens—each offering a different perspective on Belfast’s divided past. The positive reviews, all rating this 5-star, highlight the guides’ knowledge and the visual impact of the murals, making it a worthwhile experience for anyone interested in Irish history or political conflicts.

Key Points

• Private, guided Belfast Murals and Peace Walls tour lasting up to 2 hours.
• Expert driver-guide explains the history of The Troubles with photos and videos.
• Visits key sites like Falls Road murals, Shankill Road, Peace Walls, and memorial gardens.
• Travel in a private black taxi to save time and avoid walking long distances.
• Group discounts available, with pickup and drop-off options from hotels or B&Bs.
• This tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join.

Starting at the Divis Area and Murals of Belfast

The tour begins at the Welcome Wall at the start of Falls Road, where the driver-guide provides a personalized introduction to Belfast’s murals. These murals, painted by ex-prisoners from both communities, depict stories of conflict, civil rights, prison protests, and community resilience. The guide shares local knowledge and shows photographs and videos from the 1970s onward, helping to visualize the atmosphere of Belfast during its most turbulent times.

This initial stop sets the tone for the tour, emphasizing the personal stories behind the art. Visitors get to stand at the exact locations where historic events unfolded, creating a powerful connection to Belfast’s troubled past.

Exploring the International Mural Wall on Divis Street

Next, the International Mural Wall takes center stage as the largest outdoor gallery of political art in Western Europe. Here, the murals include tributes to Bobby Sands and the 1981 Hunger Strikers, as well as murals related to global conflicts like Palestine/Israel and Black Lives Matter. The guide explains the battle between Margaret Thatcher and republican prisoners, giving context to each piece.

Photographers will appreciate the vivid and politically charged murals, which include images of Nelson Mandela, George Floyd, and other icons. This stop underscores the international dimension of Belfast’s murals, showing how local conflicts connect with worldwide struggles.

The Significance of Belfast’s Peace Walls

The Peace Walls are a defining feature of Belfast’s landscape, and this tour includes a visit to the most extensive section. These barriers, built to minimize inter-communal violence, separate Catholic nationalist neighborhoods from Protestant loyalist areas. The walls stretch for hundreds of yards in some places, symbolizing both division and the hope for peace.

Visitors can take photos of the walls, which feature signatures from notable figures like Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama. The guide explains the history and purpose of these walls, providing a clear understanding of their role in Belfast’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation.

Loyalist Murals on Shankill Road

The tour then heads to Shankill Road, known as the heartland of Ulster Loyalism. Here, murals depict Loyalist figures, including King Billy, and symbols such as flags and bonfire traditions. The Bayardo Bar Memorial is a poignant stop, commemorating those lost during the Troubles, and murals of Queen Elizabeth II and UVF paramilitaries are prominent.

The guide shares insights into Loyalist history and community pride, offering visitors a balanced view of the Loyalist perspective. This stop highlights the role of Loyalist identity during the conflict and how it continues to influence Belfast’s landscape.

Visiting the Peace Wall Signatures and Messages

Returning to the Peace Wall, the tour allows time for visitors to write their names or messages on the wall. This interactive element is a meaningful way to participate in Belfast’s ongoing story of hope and remembrance. The wall also features signatures from world leaders, emphasizing its international significance.

Photographs taken here capture the messages of peace and unity, contrasting with the murals’ often political or historical themes.

The Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden and Republican Memorials

The tour includes visits to Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden and the IRA D Company Garden of Remembrance. These sites honor Republican volunteers who lost their lives, with plaques bearing their names and stories. The Irish Republican Memorial Garden provides context around the sacrifices made and the ongoing struggle for Irish identity.

These gardens are places of reflection, and the guide explains their symbolic importance within Belfast’s Republican community, adding depth to the tour experience.

The Political Murals of Bobby Sands and Sinn Féin

The Bobby Sands mural on Falls Road is one of Belfast’s most iconic images, depicting the IRA hunger striker who became a symbol of resistance. The tour includes a visit to the office of Sinn Féin, where the Political Wing of the IRA is based.

This site provides a close look at Sands’ legacy and the ongoing political movement, giving visitors insight into current Irish republican politics.

Loyalist Memorial Gardens and Murals of Armed Paramilitaries

The tour concludes with visits to the Loyalist Memorial Garden at the site of the Bayardo Bar and the murals of armed Loyalist paramilitaries at 56 Sherbrook Cl. These sites commemorate those who fought and died for Loyalist causes, offering a complementary perspective on Belfast’s divided history.

Visitors can observe the symbols and murals that continue to honor Loyalist fighters, framing the broader picture of Belfast’s ongoing peace process.

Practicalities and Additional Information

The tour includes a local professional driver guide, a Belfast Black Taxi, and free hotel or B&B pickup and drop-off if requested. Group discounts are available, and the tour is limited to 18 people, ensuring an intimate experience. Optional upgrades, such as a luxury Mercedes Benz vehicle or extra drop-offs at Titanic Museum or Crumlin Road Gaol, are available for additional fees.

This tour starts at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm, with the flexibility to specify preferred times and pickup points when booking. The cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts on the Belfast Black Taxi Tour

This offering from Giants Causeway Tours delivers a comprehensive, well-guided exploration of Belfast’s murals and peace walls, providing rich storytelling supported by photographs and videos. The personalized nature of the tour, with a knowledgeable driver-guide, makes it especially valuable for those wanting an in-depth understanding of Belfast’s troubled history.

While it may not be suitable for travelers seeking a casual sightseeing experience, history enthusiasts and those interested in political conflicts will find this tour highly rewarding. The high ratings and glowing reviews attest to its quality and authenticity. Be prepared for a thought-provoking journey through Belfast’s past, with insights that remain relevant today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and most participants can join. However, the content focuses on historical conflict, so parental discretion is advised for very young children.

Can I customize the pickup time?
Yes, when booking, you should state your preferred start time and pickup point. The tour runs at multiple times daily, from 9 am to 5 pm.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a local professional driver guide, private Belfast black taxi, and free pickup and drop-off from your hotel or B&B if requested.

Are there any additional costs?
Optional extras include drop-offs at Titanic Museum or Crumlin Road Gaol for £10, pickup from Belfast Cruise Ship Port for £20 each way, and upgrade to a luxury vehicle for £20, subject to availability.

What makes this tour stand out?
The expert storytelling, visits to key murals and memorials, and the interactive message-writing at the Peace Wall are key highlights. The tour’s private setting ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

This Belfast Black Taxi Tour offers a thoughtful and thorough journey into the city’s mural art and political landscape, ideal for those eager to understand one of the most complex histories in Europe.