Belfast: Political Taxi Tour, Murals & Peace Wall Stories

Summary

Murals that speak, stories from both sides, Belfast’s living history

You’ll ride through Belfast with a local guide who lived its history — hearing raw stories as you pass Falls Road murals and Shankill’s loyalist art. Sign your name on the Peace Wall alongside thousands (and maybe spot Bill Clinton’s). This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s sharing space with real people and their hopes for peace.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down Falls Road before I realized how much I’d been holding my breath. Our driver — Tommy, who called himself “just a fella from West Belfast” — was pointing out the International Wall Murals through the window. The colors looked brighter than I expected, almost shouting at you from the brick in the grey light. Tommy didn’t sugarcoat anything; he just told us what he saw growing up here, sometimes pausing like he was weighing which memories to share. There’s a smell of rain on old stone that stuck with me — weird detail, but it felt important somehow.

When we reached the Belfast Peace Wall, Tommy handed me a marker and said, “Go on then — add your name.” I hesitated (my handwriting is tragic), but there it is now, next to thousands of others and apparently Bill Clinton’s too. Some kids were laughing nearby, trying to spot famous signatures. It hit me that this wall isn’t just for tourists or politicians — it’s for everyone who wants something better. We drove past Shankill after that, where the loyalist murals tell their own side of things. I tried reading one in Irish and got it so wrong Tommy nearly cried laughing.

The whole political taxi tour felt like riding through someone else’s family album — except the photos are stories painted across entire neighborhoods. There’s something about hearing it all from someone who actually lived through The Troubles; no museum plaque can touch that. Even now, days later, I keep thinking about those layers of paint and memory stacked up on every wall.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Belfast political history and murals

• Visit International Wall Murals
• Sign your name on Peace Wall
• See Home of The Peace Talks
• View Loyalist Murals in Shankill

Top questions

How long does the Belfast political taxi tour take?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but most similar tours last around 1.5–2 hours.

Can infants or small children join the taxi tour?

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

Is public transport available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby for easy access.

Will we see both sides of Belfast's political divide?

Yes, the tour covers both nationalist (Falls Road) and loyalist (Shankill) areas and murals.

Can I sign my name on the Belfast Peace Wall?

Yes, you’ll have a chance to sign your name alongside thousands of others at the Peace Wall.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels since most of it is by vehicle.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the political taxi tour in Belfast.

What’s included

Your day includes an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup by a local guide who shares personal stories as you explore Falls Road murals, Shankill art, and sign your name at the Belfast Peace Wall before heading back into town together.