Belfast: Troubles Murals, Street Art & Peace Wall Walk

Summary

Walk Belfast’s murals & peace wall, hear real stories from locals

You’ll walk Belfast’s streets with a local guide, hearing honest stories behind political murals and bold street art in Shankill and West Belfast. See the Peace Wall up close, feel the city’s changing energy, and catch those small moments—like laughter in drizzle or quiet reflection by painted walls—that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the start because I’d stopped for coffee and got lost in the Cathedral Quarter — those winding lanes are full of color, even before the murals. Our guide, Sean, just grinned when I finally caught up (five minutes late) and said, “You’re grand — happens all the time.” The group was small, mostly visitors like me but one local woman who wanted to see how things had changed. That surprised me. We set off under a sky that couldn’t decide if it wanted to rain or not — typical Belfast.

Sean didn’t sugarcoat anything as we walked through Shankill. He pointed at a mural and told us about the families behind it — not just names, but little details like someone’s favorite football team or how people still leave flowers there. There was this moment where we all went quiet looking at the Peace Wall; you could smell fresh paint but also something musty, like old stone after rain. Someone asked if people still write messages on it and Sean nodded, saying sometimes tourists try to be poetic and locals just write “hello” back. I liked that honesty.

The Bobby Sands mural was busier than I expected — a couple of teenagers were taking selfies while an older man shook his head at them (maybe he does that every day). We talked about the re-imaging project too; some of the new street art is wild, bright animals next to old political faces. It’s strange and hopeful at once. My shoes were soaked by then but honestly I didn’t care. There was so much to look at — layers of history you could almost touch. We finished back in the city center and Sean waved us off with a joke about needing sunglasses in Belfast (I’m still waiting for that sun).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Belfast street art and murals walk

• Discover modern street art
• View Loyalist murals and street art
• See murals for global causes
• View the Peace Wall
• See Bobby Sands mural
• Return to city centre passing more murals

Top questions

How long is the Belfast Troubles Murals walking tour?

The tour lasts between 2.5 to 3 hours.

Does this tour include visiting the Peace Wall?

Yes, you will visit and view the Belfast Peace Wall during the walk.

Is there a local guide on this street art tour?

Yes, a local guide leads the entire walking tour.

What areas of Belfast does this tour cover?

The tour covers Cathedral Quarter, Shankill, West Belfast, and returns to the city center.

Are there any health restrictions for this walking tour?

No specific health restrictions are listed but moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to where the tour starts.

What should I wear for this Belfast murals tour?

Dress for changeable weather; bring layers and possibly sun cream in summer.

Will I see both modern street art and political murals?

Yes, you’ll see both international street art pieces and traditional political murals.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk led by a knowledgeable local who shares personal stories behind each mural and artwork. You’ll explore neighborhoods like Shankill and West Belfast on foot, with flexible meeting points near public transport options—just remember to dress for unpredictable weather since rain or strong sunlight can both show up uninvited in Belfast.