Belfast: Black Cab Troubles Tour & Murals with Local Driver

Summary

Belfast’s murals peace walls and stories from both sides

You’ll ride through Belfast’s city centre in a classic black cab with a local guide who shares real stories from both sides of The Troubles. See powerful murals along Falls and Shankill Roads, touch the Peace Wall where messages still appear, and visit Crumlin Road Gaol—all with hotel pickup included. It’s honest, moving, and will probably stay with you longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

Red brick walls and spray-painted faces slid past as our black cab turned onto Falls Road—honestly, I hadn’t expected the city to feel so raw and alive at 10am. Our guide, Gerry, had that dry Belfast humor (“You’ll know you’re on Shankill when the flags change color—don’t blink!”) but he also paused sometimes, like the stories still sat heavy in his chest. He’d lived here during The Troubles. You could tell.

The murals were bigger than I thought—some fresh, some faded, all shouting or whispering something. Gerry explained each one without sounding rehearsed. I remember the smell of wet concrete near the Peace Wall (it had rained earlier), and how people still leave flowers or scrawled notes in the cracks. We stopped at Crumlin Road Gaol too—the old prison gates looked cold even in June. He told us about prisoners released after the Good Friday Agreement; I caught myself picturing their families waiting outside.

On Shankill Road, a kid zipped past on a bike, waving at Gerry like they knew each other (maybe they did). The Protestant murals felt different—hard edges, bonfire stacks already piled up for July. We talked about bonfires and parades; he didn’t sugarcoat anything but there was hope in his voice when he pointed out Clinton’s message on the Peace Wall. It’s strange—this day trip around Belfast city centre made me see how close everything is, but also how far apart it can feel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Belfast conflict and peace tour

• Visit Divis flats British army base
• Explore narrow street from films
• See murals on Falls Road
• Pass by Crumlin Road Gaol
• View murals for Palestine and others
• Tour Shankill Road loyalist murals
• Visit gothic monastery peace talks site
• Walk along Belfast Peace Wall

Top questions

How long is the Belfast black cab tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup in Belfast?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included.

Which sites do we visit on this Belfast city centre tour?

You’ll see Falls Road, Shankill Road, Crumlin Road Gaol, and the Belfast Peace Wall.

Is this a private tour or group tour?

This is a private tour for your group only.

Are children allowed on the black cab tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Can infants ride in a stroller or pram during the tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is there WiFi available during the black cab tour?

Yes, WiFi is provided on board your vehicle.

Will our guide be someone who lived through The Troubles?

Yes, guides are locals who experienced The Troubles firsthand.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport in an original London cab or Mercedes with air conditioning and WiFi onboard; pickup and drop-off at your hotel or port; a local guide who lived through The Troubles sharing personal insights; plus stops at famous sites like Falls Road murals, Shankill Road murals, Crumlin Road Gaol, and the Belfast Peace Wall before returning to your starting point.