Belfast: Black Taxi Tour, Peace Wall & Murals with Local Stories

Summary

Murals, memories and divided streets on Belfast’s black taxi ride

You’ll feel Belfast’s history up close on this black taxi tour—murals you can touch, stories you’ll hear straight from locals like Billy, and places like Crumlin Road Gaol that linger in your mind long after you leave. Expect moments of quiet reflection mixed with laughter and real conversation as you cross both sides of the Peace Wall.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the steering wheel, our driver—Billy—didn’t bother with small talk at first. He just nodded at us in the mirror, then pointed out a mural streaked with blue and yellow paint. “That one’s for Ukraine,” he said, voice low but proud. The taxi rattled past rows of houses where kids kicked a ball against red brick walls. I could still smell yesterday’s rain in the air—everything felt damp but alive somehow. We stopped by a memorial garden I hadn’t even noticed from the road; Billy told us about families from Clonard who lost people here. He paused, let it hang in the silence a moment longer than I expected.

The Belfast black taxi tour really got under my skin when we pulled up at the Peace Wall. It’s taller than I thought—graffiti layered over decades, some messages angry, some hopeful. Billy handed me a marker and said, “Go on then.” My handwriting looked shaky next to all those others. On Shankill Road, he pointed out murals showing faces I didn’t recognize (I probably should have), telling stories about republican paramilitary groups and old wounds that haven’t quite healed. A local woman passed by with her shopping bags and gave Billy a wave—he grinned back like they’d known each other forever.

Crumlin Road Gaol was colder inside than outside—even in June. The echo of our footsteps made me shiver a bit (or maybe it was just thinking about what happened there). Seventeen executions, political prisoners waiting for their fate… heavy stuff for a day trip from anywhere really. There was something about hearing it from someone who grew up here that made it stick more than any museum sign ever could. I still think about that view through the barred window—gray sky, city stretching out like it’s holding its breath.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Belfast black taxi tour highlights

• Visit wall murals supporting global conflicts
• Explore memorial garden in Clonard district
• Pass by the Belfast Peace Wall
• Stop at Shankill murals of paramilitary atrocities
• See Crumlin Road Gaol prison site

Top questions

How long does the Belfast black taxi tour take?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several key sites around Belfast including Shankill Road, Peace Wall, and Crumlin Road Gaol.

Is the black taxi tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and all areas/surfaces can accommodate wheelchairs.

What sites are included on the Belfast black taxi tours?

You’ll visit wall murals (including international ones), memorial gardens in Clonard district, Shankill murals, Peace Wall, and Crumlin Road Gaol.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can ride on an adult’s lap or use specialized infant seats; prams/strollers are welcome too.

Can I customize my Belfast black taxi tour?

Yes, you can request custom tours or alternative pickup times/locations by contacting the company directly.

Who leads the Belfast black taxi tours?

The guides are all local residents who’ve lived near the Peace Wall and know these stories firsthand.

What’s included

Your guided day includes transport in an iconic black taxi around Belfast with stops at major murals on Shankill Road and Clonard district memorials; visits to the Peace Wall and Crumlin Road Gaol; plus flexible pickup options to suit your plans—all led by locals who share their own experiences along every street corner.