Belfast: Political Taxi Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Non smoking
History
Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital, sits at the epicenter of The Troubles, a 30-year conflict (1968–1998) between nationalist/republican communities seeking a united Ireland and unionist/loyalist groups favoring UK ties. Rooted in centuries of tension, including the 17th-century Plantation of Ulster, the conflict escalated with civil rights marches, bombings, and the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre in nearby Derry. Belfast’s neighborhoods like Falls Road (nationalist) and Shankill Road (unionist) became symbols of division, separated by “Peace Walls” erected in the 1970s to curb violence.
The 1998 Good Friday Agreement ended large-scale fighting, fostering peace but leaving scars visible in murals and walls. Belfast’s taxi tours, led by local drivers with lived experiences, emerged post-conflict as a way to share unbiased stories, visited by figures like Anthony Bourdain. This tour delves into Belfast’s resilient transformation, from a divided city to a vibrant cultural hub.
Highlights
- Visit iconic murals from both sides of The Troubles on Falls and Shankill Roads
- Explore the Peace Walls dividing nationalist and unionist communities
- Hear personal stories from a local guide who lived through the conflict
- Learn unbiased facts about Belfast’s past, present, and future
- Get insider tips on shopping, eating, and fun in the city
Full Description
Step into Belfast’s complex history on this 1-hour private taxi tour, starting at the Leonardo Hotel Belfast (formerly Jurys Inn) on Great Victoria Street. Meet your English-speaking guide—a working Belfast cab driver with personal ties to The Troubles—and board an air-conditioned car for a safe, intimate journey through the city’s divided heart. This wheelchair-accessible tour offers a neutral perspective, letting you form your own views on Northern Ireland’s past.
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Cruise down Falls Road, the nationalist stronghold, to see murals depicting the hunger strikes and civil rights struggles, then head to Shankill Road for loyalist tributes to the Ulster Volunteer Force. Stop at the towering Peace Walls, graffiti-covered barriers that still separate communities, and hear firsthand accounts of life during the bombings, checkpoints, and daily tensions of the 1970s–1990s. Your guide shares how the 1998 Good Friday Agreement sparked change, transforming Belfast from a war zone to a UNESCO City of Film.
Beyond history, get practical tips on Belfast’s vibrant scene—from hidden pubs in the Cathedral Quarter to street art tours and gastropubs. Visited by celebrities like Anthony Bourdain and Vince Vaughn, this tour answers your questions, blending raw emotion with optimism for the city’s future, all from the comfort of a local’s cab.
Why Choose This Experience?
This tour is essential for history seekers, political enthusiasts, and travelers wanting an authentic Belfast experience. The private taxi format ensures a personal, unbiased narrative from a local who lived The Troubles, offering insights no group bus tour can match. At $100 for up to 2 people, it’s a shared value for couples or friends, with the 1-hour duration fitting busy schedules.
Wheelchair accessibility and air-conditioned comfort make it inclusive, while tips on local eats and sights extend your visit. Unlike walking tours, the cab allows deeper exploration of sensitive areas like the Peace Walls without fatigue, providing a balanced, reflective look at Belfast’s journey from conflict to reconciliation.
What’s Included
- 1-hour private political taxi tour
- English-speaking local guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Itinerary
- Meet at Leonardo Hotel Belfast, Great Victoria Street
- Drive through Falls Road, viewing nationalist murals
- Visit Shankill Road for loyalist perspectives
- Stop at the Peace Walls for photos and stories
- Learn about The Troubles, Good Friday Agreement, and city tips
- Return to Leonardo Hotel
Pricing
From $100 per group up to 2
Meeting Point
Meet at the front doors of the Leonardo Hotel Belfast (formerly Jurys Inn), Great Victoria Street, BT2 7AP. Your driver will call your name.
How to Get There
- By Foot: The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Belfast city center or Great Victoria Street Station.
- By Bus: Translink buses (e.g., routes 9A, 10) stop at Great Victoria Street, a 2-minute walk to the hotel.
- By Train: Great Victoria Street Station is adjacent to the hotel.
- By Car: Park at Grand Opera House Car Park (BT2 7FF), a 3-minute walk.
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing (tour may involve brief outdoor stops)
- Comfortable shoes for any short walks
- Notebook for guide’s city tips
Know Before You Go
- The tour is private for up to 2 people; wheelchair accessible with advance notice.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- The “reserve now, pay later” option allows booking without upfront payment.
- The tour is in English only, with no audio guides.
- Content covers sensitive topics like The Troubles; suitable for ages 12+.
- No alcohol or drugs allowed.
Reviews
- Brilliant tour! Billy was friendly, knowledgeable, and made it a pleasure. Highly recommend!
- Informative and balanced! Our guide gave a great overview of the conflict without overwhelming us. Perfect start to the day!
- Excellent experience! Rod was full of knowledge and welcomed questions. Would highly recommend!
Maps
Video
FAQ's
What is the duration and structure of the Belfast Political Taxi Tour?
This 1-hour private tour starts at the Leonardo Hotel Belfast, driving through Falls Road and Shankill Road to see murals and Peace Walls. Your local guide shares personal stories of The Troubles, the Good Friday Agreement, and city tips, ending back at the hotel. Check start times when booking to fit your Belfast plans, noting the sensitive content.
Is the tour suitable for families or those new to Belfast’s history?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly for ages 12+, offering a neutral introduction for newcomers. The private cab format keeps it intimate and non-overwhelming, with engaging stories that suit all levels of knowledge. Wheelchair accessible; contact the operator for needs. It’s a great way to start a Belfast visit, with tips for further exploration.
Can I cancel or modify my booking if plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for travelers adjusting their Belfast itinerary. The “reserve now, pay later” option allows booking without upfront payment. Modifications depend on availability—contact the operator via your booking confirmation email. Confirm terms at booking due to high demand.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, with air-conditioned cabs accommodating mobility aids; notify the operator in advance. Brief outdoor stops at murals and walls are flat, but comfortable shoes are recommended. The private format allows pacing adjustments, ensuring a comfortable experience.
What makes this tour unique compared to other Belfast tours?
This private taxi tour, led by a local who lived The Troubles, offers unbiased, personal insights into Falls and Shankill Roads’ murals and Peace Walls, unlike group bus tours. Visited by celebrities like Anthony Bourdain, it blends history with practical tips, providing a reflective, intimate look at Belfast’s past and future in just 1 hour.
