Belfast: Black Cab Tour with Original Drivers & Murals

Stories behind Belfast murals and peace walls in a classic cab

You’ll ride through Belfast in a classic black cab with one of the original drivers who lived through The Troubles—hearing real stories as you pass Shankill Road murals, touch the Peace Wall’s layered paint, and stand outside Crumlin Road Gaol. Expect honest moments and small surprises that linger long after you leave.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport in a classic London cab or MPV with one of Belfast’s original drivers as your guide. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or port (within 1 km of city hall) is covered—if you’re coming from further out like cruise ports or train stations there’s just a small cash surcharge paid directly to your guide on the day.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

76 verified traveler reviews

Ratings come from travelers who booked this exact experience. We never edit or filter them.

Read all the reviews ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Belfast's Troubles history

• Visit Shankill loyalist area
• See Crumlin Road Gaol prison
• View Divis flats film location
• Walk along Belfast Peace Wall
• Admire gothic themed building
• Explore republican murals
• Tour Falls Road IRA heartland

The Experience

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to feel nervous just getting into a taxi. But when our driver, Tommy, grinned and said he’d driven these same streets during The Troubles—sometimes ducking under the dashboard—I realized this wasn’t going to be an ordinary city tour. The engine hummed as we rolled past Shankill Road, and Tommy pointed out the first mural. He told us about the bonfires in July—his voice dropped a bit when he mentioned how close things got back then. There was a faint smell of rain on brick, and kids’ laughter echoing somewhere behind the walls. It’s strange how normal life keeps going in places that have seen so much.

We stopped at Crumlin Road Gaol. The stone felt cold even through my jacket sleeve when I leaned against it—maybe just me being dramatic, but you can almost sense all those stories trapped inside. Tommy shared how prisoners from both sides ended up here before being sent off to Maze or H blocks. He didn’t sugarcoat anything; I appreciated that. Sometimes he’d pause mid-story, like he was weighing what to share next. At the Peace Wall, I ran my fingers along the paint—there are quotes from Clinton and Lady Gaga (I know, right?) scribbled between layers of old graffiti.

Falls Road was louder somehow—more color, more movement. We passed Divis flats (Tommy called them “the real deal,” not just movie props), and he laughed when I tried to pronounce a street name in Irish. Probably butchered it. There’s something about seeing these places with someone who actually lived through all of it; you catch small details—the way people nod at each other across the street or how everyone seems to know which side they’re on without saying a word. We finished back near city hall, but honestly my mind stayed somewhere between those painted walls and Tommy’s stories for days after.

Top questions

How long is the Belfast black cab tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this Belfast taxi tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup is included within 1 km of city hall; further pickups require a cash surcharge.

Which sites do you visit on this Belfast mural tour?

You visit Falls Road Belfast, Shankill Road, Crumlin Road Gaol, Divis flats, and the Belfast Peace Wall.

Are the guides locals who experienced The Troubles?

Yes, your guides are original black cab drivers who lived through The Troubles in Belfast.

Can infants or children join this private cab tour?

Yes, infants can ride on an adult’s lap or in a stroller; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What vehicles are used for this black cab tour?

The tour uses classic London cabs or MPVs for transport around Belfast.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

Is public transportation nearby after the tour ends?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby at drop-off points.