Belfast: Troubles Murals Tour with Local Stories & Pickup

Summary

Walk Belfast’s murals, hear real stories, feel the city’s pulse

You’ll walk Belfast’s famous murals with someone who lived through the Troubles, hear personal stories behind each painting, and even sign your name on the Peace Wall if you want. With pickup included and time for questions along Shankill and Falls Road, you’ll leave feeling connected to Belfast’s past — not just as a visitor but as part of its ongoing story.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a “murals tour” in Belfast. Maybe some street art, a few facts? But the moment our guide — John — started talking about growing up here during the Troubles, it felt different. The van was quiet except for his voice and the low hum of traffic outside. He pointed out the first mural on Shankill Road, colors brighter than I’d pictured, and told us about the people behind them — not just history, but neighbors he’d actually known.

We stopped at the Peace Wall next. It’s taller than you think, covered in layers of writing and paint. There was this sharp smell of spray paint lingering near one section (someone had just left a fresh message), and John handed us a marker if we wanted to sign too. I hesitated — it felt strange to leave my mark on something so heavy with meaning — but he just nodded and said, “It’s part of the story now.” Someone in our group tried to pronounce “Slán” and got it all wrong; John laughed and showed us how to say it right. Small moment but I still remember that laugh echoing off the wall.

The Falls Road murals were next — more faces, more stories. Some were faded at the edges where rain had worn them down over years. We asked questions as we went; John didn’t dodge any of them. He talked about fear and hope in equal measure, sometimes pausing like he was searching for words that would do justice to what he’d seen. At one point I caught myself just listening to the city sounds: distant church bells, a bus rumbling past, someone calling their dog across the street.

I keep thinking back to that hour and a half — how close everything felt together in Belfast, how much history is packed into these streets. It’s not really about seeing murals or ticking off sites; it’s hearing what they meant (and still mean) from someone who lived through it all. That stays with you longer than any photo ever could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Belfast murals and historical narrative

• Photo stop with historic narrative
• Photo stop and mural stories
• Photo stop with narrative at Falls Road
• Photo stop, visit, and narrative
• Photo stop at Peace Wall with narrative
• Photo stop with narrative at Shankill

Top questions

How long does the Belfast Murals Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this Belfast murals tour?

Yes, pickup is included; you can state your preferred location when booking.

Are children allowed on this Belfast murals tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

What sites are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit Shankill Road, Falls Road murals, and the Belfast Peace Wall.

Can I ask questions during the tour?

Yes, participants are encouraged to ask questions throughout for deeper insight.

Is this a private or group tour?

The reference content does not specify private or group; check with provider when booking.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport between key sites like Shankill Road and Falls Road with an expert local guide sharing personal stories throughout. Pickup is arranged at your chosen point in Belfast before heading out together; air conditioning keeps things comfortable no matter the weather outside.