Shankill Road

Autumn activities

Meet your guide, a working Belfast cab driver, and hear about their personal involvement in The Troubles on this car tour. Be welcomed to Belfast and dive into this facinating political conflict from a local perspective. Explore important locations from the conflict like the Falls Road and Shankill Road. See how two communities are still separated by the looming Peace Walls. View many telling political murals. Be transported back in time by stories from those who lived through the conflict. Take the same tour as notable public figures like Anthony Bourdain, Vince Vaughn, and George Negus. Experience unique insights from the past and present. Have your burning questions about the city's troubled history answered. Discover how the city has undergone changes and find out about its future. Get recommendations from a local about where to shop, eat, drink, or do for fun.

City Sightseeing Belfast - The open-top bus tour gives you the chance to ride around the city, whilst hopping on and off at many different bus stops around Belfast at your own leisure. The tour takes in the ever-changing Titanic Quarter, birth place of the RMS Titanic, and now an exciting new development for the city. The tour then continues onward to visit the impressive Parliament Buildings at Stormont. Then you'll make your way back into the city center to visit the political areas of the Shankhill Road as well as the political Wall Murals and peace lines at Falls Road. The tour then makes its way through the Queens University area back to the city center. Tour Stops: 1. Belfast City Hall 2. SSE Arena 3. Titanic Quarter 4. HMS Caroline 5. Titanic Belfast 6. Waterfront / Laganside / St. George's Market 7. Great Victoria Street 8. Dublin Road 9. Shaftsbury Square 10. Queen's University 11. Eglantine Avenue 12. Cultúrlan McAdam Ó Fiaich 13. Falls Road 14. International Wall Murals 15. Belfast Peace Wall 16. Spectrum Tourist Information Centre 17. Shankill Memorial Garden 18. Crumlin Road Gaol 19. Donegall Street

Immerse yourself in the history of the Troubles in Belfast on this taxi tour and see some of the city's most iconic murals. The murals depict the most important events and figures in Belfast's political history.  Get picked up from your hotel and head to your first stop, Divis Tower. Learn about its importance during the Troubles and take some photos. Continue to the International Wall and learn about the wall's current murals.  At your next stop, the Peace Wall, hear its history and write a message on the wall. Continue to West Belfast to see several political murals and hear their stories. Stop at Bombay Street to see where the Troubles started and visit the memorial garden. Learn about political segregation at Crumlin Road Gaol before continuing to Lower Shankill, Belfast's main Protestant area. Here, see the Shankill's most important murals and learn about their history before getting dropped off back at your hotel.

Venture beyond the guidebooks and explore Belfast through the political conflict known as The Troubles. Walk the streets on both sides of the Peace Line with men and women who were intimately involved as combatants in the period known as The Troubles.  Hear stories from both the Republican and Loyalist communities about the effects of the conflict, and get explanations about the political murals that tell the history and culture of the area from a unique perspective. Start by meeting a Republican ex-political prisoner for a guided walk along the infamous Falls Road. See visible signs of the community's desire to be part of an Irish Republic.  Then, pass through the electronically-controlled gates to the predominately Protestant area of Shankill Road, where you will meet with either a Loyalist ex-political prisoner or an ex-member of the security forces who is from the area. Investigate the determination of the locals who wish to remain part of the United Kingdom. For more than 30 years, The Troubles have had a powerful impact on the city and its residents. Very few people were unaffected by the violence, and everyone has a tale to tell. Investigate the real stories beyond the history books with first-hand accounts from those intimately involved.  Explore the world’s largest, outdoor art gallery as you examine the many murals, and get the opportunity to sign the Peace Wall and leave your thoughts alongside those of Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama.

Departure points: 7:00 AM at The Starbucks Cafe, 1 College Green, Dublin 2 7:05 AM at Dublin Bus Office, 59 O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 Travel through the Boyne Valley on a full-day scenic tour from Dublin. Upon arrival in Belfast you have the option to take a political sightseeing tour in an iconic black cab (taxi) or visit the Titanic Experience. For the black cab tour you will see sites that have played a key role in the city’s political history, such as the Falls and Shankill neighbourhoods. Learn about the industrial roots of Belfast, and the 4 decades of civil unrest in the late 20th century. Sign the peace line, the towering wall that divides the communities, and read the political murals. A guide will relate their own family experiences to give your tour a more personal touch. Alternatively, go to the world’s largest state-of-the-art Titanic experience in Belfast’s new Titanic Quarter, located in the former shipyards of Harland and Wolf. Relive the liner’s tragic voyage, sinking, and eventful discovery on the seabed, via exhibits that explain her construction, launch and history in 9 different galleries. Typically the tour would visit the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge. However, it is currently closed for tour operators and it is not yet clear as to when it will reopen. As an alternative attraction, visit the very popular Dunluce Castle. Enjoy this historic castle that dates back over 500 years and which is dramatically positioned on the edge of a cliff over the Atlantic. Discover this castle which has been used to film things like Game of Thrones. Visit and peruse the castle and grounds for 30 minutes. Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Giant’s Causeway, formed over 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions. Admire its distinctive rock formations that span nearly 18 miles of coastline. Hike to the formations known as “The Wishing Chair”, “Giant's Boot”, and “Giant's Organ.” Learn the legend of the Irish giant Finn McCool, said to be the Causeway's creator. This is where you have the option to have lunch in a number of venues located at the Causeway. With 2.5-hours there is ample time to lunch and walk this fabulous coastal landscape. Continue along the Antrim Coastal, driving past spectacular scenery of stony shores, wooded glens and sheltered harbors. See the remains of Dunseverick Castle, and admire views of the Mull of Kintyre. On a clear day, see Scotland in the distance. The route back to Dublin is different than the route taken to the Causeway earlier in the day, giving you different scenery to enjoy. Arrive back in Dublin City Center at roughly 8:15 PM and enjoy the rest of your evening. The tour guide will be on hand to help you with any directions or information you need.

Enjoy an open-top bus tour around Belfast and experience all the city has to offer in 1 or 2 days. Stop at 19 locations around the city so you can fully discover each of them at your own leisure. The tour takes in the ever-changing Titanic Quarter, the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, and travels between the peace lines and walls. You'll be able to take in panoramic views from the top deck as you make your way to your next stop. Hop off at any stop, walk around as long as you like, and be picked up every 20 to 30 minutes at the same point. Your ticket also gets you discounted entrance fees to some of the top Belfast attractions. STOP 1 - Donegall Square West STOP 2 - SSE Arena - Odyssey, W5 Discovery, Cinema, Bowling STOP 3 - Titanic Quarter - Premier Inn STOP 4 - HMS Caroline - Titanic Dock, Green Light - Maritime Mile STOP 5 - Titanic Belfast - Titanic Visitor Experience, SS Nomadic STOP 6 - St. George’s Market - Market Days - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday STOP 7 - Great Victoria Street - Crown Bar, Europa Hotel, Grand Opera House STOP 8 - Dublin Road - Golden Mile, Etap Hotel STOP 9 - Shaftsbury Square, Lavery's Bar, Crescent Arts Centre STOP 10 - Queens University - Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Tropical Hot House STOP 11 - Eglantine Avenue - International Football Stadium, Lisburn Road Shopping STOP 12 - Culturlann McAdam O'Fiaich - Art Gallery, Bookshop and Gifts STOP 13 - Falls Road - Falls Memorial Garden, Bobby Sands Mural STOP 14 - International Peace Wall - Peace wall, St Peter's Cathedral STOP 15 - Peace Wall - Sign The Famous Wall STOP 16 - Spectrum Centre - Shankill Road - Murals History STOP 17 - Remembrance Garden - Shankill Road STOP 18 - Crumlin Road Jail House STOP 19 - Donegall Street - Cathedral Quarter St Patricks, St Anne's Cathedral

Immerse yourself in Belfast's troubled political history through its murals on a 1.5 Hour guided black taxi tour. Listen to challenging narratives and personal recollections from your accredited guide as you journey through the most important locations in the city's past, including the Falls and Shankill Roads.Picking you up from your Hotel, you will travel to our first Mural at the base of the world Famous Divis Flats a former British Army Watch Tower,. Your guide will always explain the context of the murals on the way. Your guide will always try and find out your level of knowledge, this ensures that the tour will always be pitched at the right level. Under no circumstances will you arrive at the Murals and jump right in. Next you will visit the International Wall which marks entry into Republican West Belfast. Learn about these Murals that show support for various oppressed communities, local and international events. As you drive around this area, listen to remarkable stories from your guide. Your next stop is the Hunger Strike Mural featuring Bobby Sands. Continue your tour by entering Loyalist Belfast, starting by signing your name on the Peace Wall (not compulsory) before driving along the Shankill Road. Here, see many memorial murals of UVF and UFF Volunteers, The Royal Family and many memorials to victims of the conflict Remember this is your tour, please let your guide know your requirements. You may want to concentrate on seeing mural after murals with just a basic description from your guide. Other visitors are interested in the politics and getting to know about life growing up in the areas visited. Please don't suffer in silence, your guide will be more than happy to alter the format of the tour Please be advised that because of the pricing bracket there is no solo traveller option on this tour. The price per person decreases as your private group increases. Please only book when you are totally satisfied with the price.

Discover the turbulent political history of Belfast on a cab tour. Exploring the Shankill Road and the Falls Road to learn about the events of the conflict which became known as The Troubles. Stopping at various murals which give each community its own distinctive character. We start with pickup from your hotel/location within the city and meet your guide who will escort you on a journey through the two different communities within Belfast. Learn about the origins of The Troubles from your guide who has lived through the conflict, and gain firsthand insight into local history. First, travel up the Shankill Road, the heart of the unionist community in the city. See a variety of murals displaying tributes to the British monarchy and Union Jack flags. Continue onto the Falls Road, located only a short distance away, and see the Irish Republican murals and Irish tricolors that adorn the homes and businesses. Hear about the key events of The Troubles, the effect it had on the citizens who lived within Belfast and beyond, and how communities are dealing with its consequences today. Pass by Crumlin Road Gaol, which housed prisoners who were members of paramilitary organizations that characterized the conflict. Arrive at the so-called "Peace Wall" that was built between 1969 and 1971, and continues to separate both communities today. Finally, with a comprehensive insight into the conflict, be dropped back at your hotel to enjoy the rest of your stay in the city.

*Day 1 - Giants Causeway Tour Information: Depart central Belfast onboard your luxury coach and head out onto the world famous causeway coastal road, voted one of the worlds best drives! Our first stop of the day is Carrickfergus castle where you will have time to grab a quick photo, the castle was built in 12th century by the Normans and still looks incredible even today. Next we will travel through the glens of antrim and navigate the tight famous coastal road to carnlough harbour, a picturesque Irish fishing village that time has almost forgotten. Disembark and stretch your legs, and explore the harbour or grab refreshemnts and use the toilets. We now travel deeper into the glens of antrim and to cushendun caves, discover the stunning caves and enjoy spectacular views over looking the mull of kintyre in Scotland which is easy to see on any clear day. The iconic dark hedges is our next port of call, and is one of the most instagramable spots in Northern Ireland, you will have the chance to walk along the famous road and also grab lunch at your own expense at the local pub. After lunch we re-board the coach and head to the highlight of the tour, the Giant's Causeway. At Ireland’s only World Heritage Site, you’ll spend some time climbing over the ancient stones and enjoying the myths and legends that surrounds this world-famous attraction at no extra cost! After the Giant’s Causeway, we make a short stop at the ancient ruins of Dunluce Castle where you can grab a quick photo before heading back to central Belfast for the final leg of the tour. *Day 2-3 Hop on Hop off Tour Enjoy an open-top bus tour around Belfast to experience all the city has to offer in over 2 days. This sightseeing ticket makes stops at 19 locations around the city so you can discover each of them at your leisure. Stop 1 - Donegall Square West 2 - SSE Arena - Odyssey, W5 Discovery, Cinema, Bowling 3 - Titanic Quarter - Premier Inn 4 - HMS Caroline - Titanic Dock, Green Light - Maritime Mile 5 - Titanic Belfast - Titanic Visitor Experience, SS Nomadic 6 - St. George’s Market - Market Days - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 7 - Great Victoria Street - Crown Bar, Europa Hotel, Grand Opera House 8 - Dublin Road - Golden Mile, Etap Hotel 9 - Shaftsbury Square, Lavery's Bar, Crescent Arts Centre 10 - Queens University - Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Tropical Hot House 11 - Eglantine Avenue - International Football Stadium, Lisburn Road Shopping 12 - Culturlann McAdam O'Fiaich - Art Gallery, Bookshop and Gifts 13 - Falls Road - Falls Memorial Garden, Bobby Sands Mural 14 - International Peace Wall - Peace wall, St Peter's Cathedral 15 - Peace Wall - Sign The Famous Wall 16 - Spectrum Centre - Shankill Road - Murals History 17 - Remembrance Garden - Shankill Road 18 - Crumlin Road Jail House 19 - Donegall Street - Cathedral Quarter St Patricks, St Anne's Cathedral

Embark on a day tour from Belfast and discover some of the highlights of Northern Ireland. See the Giant's Causeway, comprising about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Get up close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. Learn from our guides how the Causeway was formed by the mythical giant, Finn McCool. Stop at the Dark Hedges, a centuries-old lane of beech trees that have been featured in films and on television. Make a stop at Dunluce Castle for a quick photo opportunity. This ruined Castle is edged by a cliff with magnificent views of the sea. Visit the Titanic Museum and learn the story of the Titanic ocean liner and her ill-fated maiden voyage. The story comes alive with innovative technology, scale models, and more. Return to Belfast in the late afternoon.