Belfast: Political Mural Taxi Tour & Peace Wall Stories

Summary

Taxi through Belfast’s murals, stories from both sides, real voices

You’ll ride through Belfast’s neighborhoods with a local guide who lived through The Troubles, hearing real stories behind every mural on Falls Road and Shankill Road. Stand at the Peace Wall where you can leave your own message among thousands before heading back — expect honesty, laughter, maybe even goosebumps.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the bright blue paint on one of the murals along Falls Road — it almost glowed in the gray Belfast light. Our driver, Sean, pulled up by Divis Tower and just started talking, not like a guide really, more like someone telling you about their street. He’d lived here his whole life. I could still smell the rain on the pavement and hear kids yelling somewhere behind us. Sean explained how August 1969 wasn’t just a date in a book; for him and his neighbors, it was when everything changed.

We rolled slowly past row after row of political murals — some angry, some hopeful, all layered with history I’d only half-understood before. Sean didn’t sugarcoat anything. He pointed out bullet marks on a wall and told us about friends who’d left or never come back. At one stop he laughed when I tried to pronounce “Béal Feirste” (I definitely got it wrong). The whole time, people waved at him from their doors or just nodded as we passed — it felt like everyone knew each other here.

Crossing through the Peace Gates felt heavier than I expected. The gates clanged shut behind us (they actually lock them at night), and suddenly we were facing this massive stretch of concrete covered in messages — scribbled hopes and names from all over the world. Sean handed me a marker so I could write something too. My hand shook a little; I don’t know why that got to me so much. We talked about Clinton’s visit and how even now, things aren’t simple.

Shankill Road was different again — Union Jacks everywhere, murals of faces staring out at you. Sean told stories about growing up Protestant here but said he had friends on both sides now. It made me realize how complicated everything is under the surface. By the end of our Belfast mural taxi tour, my head was full but also kind of quiet inside — like I needed to sit with it for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Belfast's political murals and history

• Travel to Falls Road and Divis Tower
• Listen to introductory talk on Troubles
• View and photograph political murals
• Cross Peace Gates and visit Peace Wall
• Write message of peace on wall
• Enter Shankill Road and hear local stories
• Take photos at iconic buildings and murals

Top questions

How long does the Belfast mural taxi tour take?

The duration isn’t specified exactly but covers key sites like Falls Road, Shankill Road, and the Peace Wall with time for photos and questions.

Is there hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you’ll meet your guide at an agreed location in Belfast.

Are children allowed on this taxi tour?

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

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Will there be opportunities to take photos during the tour?

Yes, there are numerous photo stops at important buildings and murals along the route.

Do local guides share personal experiences during the tour?

Yes, guides have lived through The Troubles and share their own stories as part of the experience.

Can I write my own message on the Peace Wall?

Yes, you’ll have a chance to write your own message of peace on the wall during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by black taxi cab around Belfast’s historic neighborhoods with a fully certified local guide who grew up during The Troubles; there are plenty of photo stops at murals along Falls Road and Shankill Road plus time to write your own message on the Peace Wall before returning to your starting point.