Belfast: Black Taxi Murals Tour & Crumlin Road Gaol Entry

Summary

Murals, gaol tales and Belfast’s voices in one private day

You’ll ride through West Belfast in a black taxi with a local guide who shares real stories behind famous murals and the Peace Wall. Entry into Crumlin Road Gaol is included — no waiting in line — where you’ll walk echoing halls and hear what life was like inside during the Troubles. It’s honest, sometimes heavy, but gives you something real to take home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the silence when our black taxi first pulled up at the Peace Wall — just this low hum from the city behind us and our guide, Tommy, pausing before he started talking. He had that Belfast way of telling a story — dry, sometimes sharp, but always honest. We’d just left the Shankill Road murals behind; colors everywhere, some faded, some fresh. I kept thinking how strange it felt to see all this history painted right onto people’s houses. The air smelled faintly of rain on brick, even though it hadn’t rained yet. Tommy explained how both sides would paint their stories — not just for tourists like me but for each other.

After that we headed to Crumlin Road Gaol. The outside is colder than you’d think; heavy stone and iron gates that creak when you walk through. Our entry was included so we didn’t have to wait around (which was good because I was already a bit nervous). Inside, the old corridors echo when you talk — our group went quiet as soon as we stepped in. The guide here told us about prisoners from both sides during the Troubles, and there was this moment where she pointed out a cell door and said, “This one’s never been opened since.” Gave me goosebumps. I tried to imagine what it must’ve sounded like at night in there.

I’m glad we did both parts of this combo — the black taxi tour for the street-level view of Belfast’s past and then Crumlin Road Gaol for something heavier. It’s not really about picking sides here (Tommy joked about that too; his company is run by both Catholic and Protestant owners), more about seeing how people live with their history every day. I still think about some of those murals — especially one with kids holding hands across a painted line. Anyway, if you want to actually feel Belfast instead of just ticking off sights… well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Black Taxi and Crumlin Road Gaol tours

• Taxi tour of Belfast wall murals
• Visit peace wall in West Belfast
• Tour Crumlin Road Gaol prison

Top questions

How long does the Black Taxi Tour & Crumlin Road Gaol combo take?

The full experience usually takes half a day including travel between sites.

Is entry to Crumlin Road Gaol included?

Yes, your ticket includes entry into Crumlin Road Gaol.

Are the taxis wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

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

Do I need to book tickets separately for each part?

No, everything is included as part of your booking for this combo tour.

Is public transport available near pickup points?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in one of Belfast’s iconic black taxis with local guides sharing personal stories along mural-lined streets; entry into Crumlin Road Gaol so you can explore inside without extra tickets or waiting; plus flexible access for wheelchairs or strollers if needed.