Belfast: Private Black Cab Troubles Tour & Peace Walls

Summary

Stories of Belfast’s Troubles, murals, peace walls and old jail

You’ll ride through Belfast in a classic black cab with a local driver who lived through The Troubles—hearing firsthand stories as you pass murals on Falls and Shankill Roads, write your own message on the Peace Wall, and visit sites like Crumlin Road Gaol. Expect laughter, honest conversation, and moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already rolling down the Falls Road when I realized how much I didn’t know about Belfast. Our driver, Gerry, had that way of talking where you can’t tell if he’s joking or deadly serious—probably both. He pointed out the Bobby Sands mural before I’d even finished my coffee (which was still too hot), and there was this quiet respect in his voice. The colors on those walls almost hurt your eyes, but it’s the faces that stick with you. We stopped for a photo and he told us what it meant to people here—honestly, that hit harder than I expected.

The cab rattled a bit as we crossed over to Shankill Road. You could feel the tension shift—maybe it was just in my head, but even the air felt different somehow. Gerry explained how close everything is; “You can walk from one world to another in five minutes here,” he said. He showed us where families used to live just streets apart but worlds away. There were kids kicking a ball near one of the murals, laughing like none of this history touched them—which made me weirdly hopeful.

I’m not sure what I thought the Peace Wall would be like, but standing there with a marker in my hand felt strange—like adding my tiny voice to something huge and unfinished. The wall is massive (way taller than I imagined), covered in messages from everyone from presidents to pop stars. My handwriting looked pretty shaky next to Lady Gaga’s quote (yeah, really). After that we drove past the International Wall—murals for Cuba, Palestine, all sorts—and then stopped at Clonard Monastery where Gerry said secret talks happened back in the day. He had stories for every corner; some funny, some heavy.

We finished up at Crumlin Road Gaol—the old jail with its cold stone and echoes everywhere. It’s strange how two hours can stretch out when you’re listening to someone who lived through all this stuff. The tour started as just a day trip in Belfast for me, but now whenever I hear about Northern Ireland on the news I picture those walls and Gerry’s laugh instead of headlines.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Belfast's Troubles and Peace Walls

• Photo at Bobby Sands mural
• Visit Shankill Road Loyalist area
• Write on Belfast Peace Wall
• See murals on International Wall
• Visit Clonard Monastery talks site
• Learn history at Bombay Street
• Pass by Crumlin Road Gaol

Top questions

How long is the private Belfast taxi cab tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

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

Can children join this Belfast Troubles tour?

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

What sites are visited during the black cab tour?

You’ll see Falls Road murals including Bobby Sands’, Shankill Road, Peace Wall, International Wall, Clonard Monastery, Bombay Street, and Crumlin Road Gaol.

Is transport included in the price?

Yes, private transport by classic London black cab is included.

Will we have a local guide on this tour?

Yes, your guide is a local driver who lived through The Troubles.

Can we write on the Belfast Peace Wall during this tour?

Yes, you’ll have a chance to add your own message to the Peace Wall.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport in a classic London black cab with hotel or port pickup and drop-off. A local guide shares personal stories at each stop—from Falls Road murals to Shankill Road and Crumlin Road Gaol—and you’ll get time to write your own message on the famous Belfast Peace Wall before heading back.