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The Troubles and iconic black taxi driver private 2 hrs tour
4.9
21 Ratings
Belfast
Explore Belfast’s history with a 2-hour black taxi tour. Discover political murals and hear firsthand stories from original drivers who lived through The Troubles.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Falls Road - Located in Belfast, Falls Road is known as the heart of Republicanism and the birthplace of the Provisional Irish Republican Army. Your guide will provide a comprehensive history from a Republican perspective, and you’ll have the chance to photograph the world-famous Bobby Sands mural.
- Divis - Divis Flats mark the beginning of Falls Road and feature a welcoming mural. Your guide will discuss the British army’s use of the top three floors as a base, the use of civilians as human shields, the burning of Falls Road in 1969 by loyalists, and 800 years of Irish history.
- Clonard Monastery - An iconic site for the people of West Belfast, Clonard Monastery is central to the Catholic faith and was the venue for secret peace talks between Gerry Adams and John Hume.
- Shankill Road - The heart of the loyalist community and the birthplace of the UVF/UDA, dating back to 455 AD. Your guide will detail the murals painted by locals on family homes, 800 years of British history, and the community’s ongoing loyalty to the British crown.
- Crumlin Road Gaol - Built in the 1800s, this jail housed many notorious political prisoners and was a site for hangings until the 1960s. It features a tunnel under the road leading to Crumlin Road Courthouse.
- International Mural Wall Divis Street - This wall features over 40 murals that change monthly, depicting various global conflicts and oppressed peoples, such as those from Palestine, Kurdistan, and Cuba, supported by the Republican community.
- Peace Wall - Erected in 1969 to maintain peace, these massive walls still stand today. With over 30 throughout the city, you have the opportunity to write your name on one of them.
- Falls Road Library - The Bobby Sands IRA volunteer MP mural is located on the side of Sinn Fein headquarters, opposite the former Black and Tans base, Falls Library. Your guide will provide an in-depth history of the 1981 hunger strike.
- Shankill Graveyard - The upper and lower Shankill Road feature murals depicting the Protestant community’s loyalty to the British crown. You’ll have the chance to photograph these murals.
What's Included
- Pickup from Belfast city center (1 km radius from Belfast city hall)
What's Not Included
- Pickup from airports,train stations and cruise ship ports (surcharge to be paid on the day in cash only)
Additional Information
COMPREHENSIVE 2-HOUR TOUR OF POLITICAL MURALS HISTORY Every metropolis has its retail and café scene, but Belfast has a unique history, emerging from three-decade long conflict. Your tour guides are the original drivers who navigated their communities through the perilous period of THE TROUBLES, risking their lives every time they took their seats in their black taxis.
Northern Ireland is renowned for the murals adorning nearly every corner of the region. These depictions of IRA, UVF murals frequently make global news headlines or serve as backdrops during interviews. They often portray the history and political beliefs of both sides, acting as a method for demarcating territory. While these wall murals may appear menacing, they have become as much of a tourist magnet as many of Belfast’s conventional attractions and beyond.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
Falls Road
139 Falls Road
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(21 Ratings)
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Patrickfw9706aj
Aug 26, 2024
A first hand recollection of the Troubles - David, our host gave us a first person view of how the Troubles impacted him and his family. As he discussed those very difficult times , friends and neighbors waved and went about their business. He took time to answer lots of questions and give us a view of today's Belfast. I am old enough to remember the 1970-1980 conflict and it put a personal face on it. I think the standard deviation of tour guides is high and David is at the top of the list........highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamey_g
Oct 28, 2023
Five Stars! - David’s personal experiences and storytelling brought the tour to life. We definitely recommend this for Belfast visitors! Seeing both sides of the wall, and hearing both sides of the story was impactful.
Review provided by Viator
Mark_b
Sep 6, 2023
Gaining knowledge about... - Gaining knowledge about the “trouble”. Tour guides were professional and knowledgeable. They answered any questions we may have had.
Review provided by Viator
Dereklt9218uy
Jul 28, 2023
very enjoyable - excellent. brian was our driver. very honest, informed and interesting. well worth doing to give an understanding
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevsue2
Jul 22, 2023
Thought provoking - This was a thought provoking and interesting tour of the peace wall, Shankshill and Falls Roads. Taking in the murals of these contentious areas. The guides gave us first hand information of the history and what’s it’s like to live in these areas.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Loves2live64
Jul 15, 2023
Must do history lesson - JR was an extremely knowledgeable and professional tour guide. This is a must do for anyone visiting Belfast. So much history all within blocks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanda_s
Jul 12, 2023
Sean was knowledgeable... - Sean was knowledgeable and provided an equitable perspective on The Troubles and where the whole divide remains today.
Review provided by Viator
Alison_j
Jun 26, 2023
A Must Do - Mind expanding, educational and highly interesting. Gerard gave a personal but unbiased account of the Troubles. High recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Vanessa_l
Dec 3, 2022
Perfect , fantastic guide - Amazing , fascinating to understand a little more into the past troubles.
Loved our guide who brought everything to life
Review provided by Viator
Rita_n
Apr 26, 2023
Found the experience... - Found the experience didn't meet expectations as had heard how good they are. Got into taxi and was hit with an overwhelming smell of cigarettes. The driver seemed to be in a poor state of mind and didn't find the information was presented clearly.
Review provided by Viator
