Belfast: Troubles History Taxi Tour with Murals & Peace Wall

Summary

Belfast’s walls and murals tell their own story as you ride

You’ll ride through Belfast’s Falls and Shankill Roads with a local guide who grew up here, hear real stories from both communities, stop for photos at famous murals, and sign your name on the Peace Wall. Expect honest conversation, laughter, and small details you can’t get anywhere else—plus pickup right from your hotel or wherever you’re staying.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely pulled away from my hotel in central Belfast when our driver, Sean, started chatting about his childhood on the Falls Road. He pointed out a bakery that used to sell “the best baps in town”—I could almost smell the flour dust even though it’s a pharmacy now. It felt strange and kind of intimate hearing these memories while we rolled through streets he’d actually grown up on. I kept catching myself staring at the murals—some bright, some faded—and thinking how different this was from any museum tour I’ve done.

Sean didn’t sugarcoat anything. On Shankill Road, he slowed down so we could take in a mural with faces I didn’t recognize. “That one’s new,” he said, “they change every few years.” He told us stories about both sides of the community—sometimes stopping mid-sentence when another black taxi passed and they’d nod at each other like old friends. At one point, I tried to pronounce a street name in Irish; Sean laughed so hard I nearly missed his explanation about the peace lines still standing today.

When we reached the Peace Wall (it’s taller than I expected), Sean handed me a marker and just said, “Go on.” Writing my name next to messages from all over the world felt weirdly hopeful. The wall itself is rough under your hand—layers of paint and years of history stacked up. There was this moment of silence after, broken only by some kids shouting across the road. I still think about that view back toward the city center with all those colors behind me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Belfast's Troubles history

• Pickup by Belfast Taxi Tour Guide
• Drive through Falls Road (Catholic side)
• Drive through Shankill Road (Protestant side)
• Guide explains conflict history
• Stop at murals for photos
• Visit Belfast Peace Wall
• Write message on Peace Wall
• Tour ends with drop off

Top questions

How long is the Belfast Troubles taxi tour?

The tour lasts around 90 minutes from pickup to drop off.

Is hotel pickup included for this Belfast taxi tour?

Yes, pickup is included from your chosen location or the Leonardo Hotel in central Belfast.

Will we visit both Catholic and Protestant areas?

Yes, you’ll drive through both Falls Road (Catholic) and Shankill Road (Protestant) communities.

Can I take photos of the murals during the tour?

Yes, there are stops along the way for photos at key political murals.

Do we get to sign the Belfast Peace Wall?

Yes, you’ll have time to write your name or message on the Peace Wall during the tour.

Is this private taxi tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Are children allowed on this Belfast history taxi tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can sit on an adult’s lap or ride in a stroller.

Who leads this Troubles history taxi tour?

A local guide/driver who was born and raised in these communities leads each private tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private black taxi transport with a local guide who knows every street by heart, flexible stops for questions or photos of murals along Falls Road and Shankill Road, time to sign your name on the Peace Wall, plus pickup from your hotel or preferred spot in central Belfast before returning you where you started—or wherever you need to go next.