Belfast black cab tours of the Peace Walls and Shankill Road is definitely one of the major tourist attractions of the Northern Ireland capital city.
But in fact, it is all a shattering and important piece of history, revealing nationalist war behind city walls and the background of escalating violence. I never imagined such a huge conflict still exists in Northern Ireland, I mean, I knew there was a problem, but the scale of it is just intimidating.
Belfast black cab tours.
Black cab tours in Belfast are a gateway to understanding the tumultuous history of the region. The knowledgeable drivers—many of whom have lived through the Troubles—will guide you through pivotal locations that tell the story of Northern Ireland’s past.
From the peace wall that separates communities, to murals that express the complex narratives of both unionists and nationalists, each stop is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by many residents.
There’s nothing more interesting than getting historical facts from a passionate inhabitant, someone who lived those hard times and can tell the story of his life. Now he drives Belfast black cab tours. I was very lucky to go on the trip with my three native Irish friends to find out how Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland are still deeply divided in society.
History written on walls!
The peace process that has lasted over the last 20 years did bring some results, but those two communities still live apart and the tension between British and Irish identities remains unresolved.
The political murals tell facts about ongoing wars and fights for justice and peace.
Today's conflict is still out there!
You won’t see it on television and the newspapers won’t tell ya.. but the conflict is still out there live.
Just in the middle of the Northern Ireland capital city – Belfast, 6 meters metal wired fencing spreads across the city to imprison one religion from another. ‘The troubles’ – also known as the Northern Ireland conflict started in late 1960s.
It is an ongoing conflict between Unions, who are mostly Protestants. They always wanted Northern Ireland to remain within the United Kingdom. On the other hand we have Irish nationalists (Republicans & mostly Catholics), who want Northern Ireland to join a united Ireland.
Protestants and Catholic children have been thought in different schools. Religion segregation also reflected on work places for the parents. After introducing Charter of Human Rights it was no longer legal to ask a religious question during job interview. They asked about a school instead, as most of the Catholic school was named after a saint man, but none of the Protestants would. Job discrimination was omnipresent and none of the Catholics had a chance to work in best work places like shipyard. Only Protestants were employed there.
In one of the most powerful European Union country, with significant human right pillar, a huge wall in the middle of Belfast city centre segregates those two communities. Union flags are flutter all over Belfast street lights and windows. They remind you’re treading British paths. Every day a man on a bicycle circles across Belfast to close all 5 gates at 6 pm and the last 6th at 10.30 p.m. to reopen them for 6 am next day.
Although the fencing seems like taken from one of the most restricted prisons it still does not quiet the anger. Dirtiest rubbish and droppings are being thrown inside the internal wall. The streets on both sides of those internal walls are showing ethnic antagonism: flags, murals of paramilitary heroes, political graffiti, nationalist slogans.
The two communities have been fighting over each other for ages. The Grey part, where the two communities live together is located in the northern part of the city. Europa Hotel is the most bombed hotel in the world, suffered 36 bomb attacks during the Troubles. Shankill Road – one of the most famous streets in Belfast, located in the western part of the city, remained Unionist so IRA bomb attacks still happen.
The black cab tour in Belfast is a great choice if you want to hear real stories behide this city. It takes 1h 30 min and a taxi takes up to 4 people for approx. £60. It’s possible to explore the city walls Belfast tour on your own but you will get much more from the tour if you do it with a local guide. And remember you might get two different versions depending on the driver origin. 🙂
Is it safe to take Belfast black cab tours?
No worries, the drivers know how to make the trip safe. Fortunately, black cab drivers are familiar with the safest routes and areas to visit. They have a comprehensive understanding of the city and can navigate potential pitfalls while keeping the tour enjoyable.
How to book a black cab tour in Belfast.
Well, pre-booking is recommended especially during peak tourist seasons. It is also recommended to book a tour in advance to make sure you get the best driver – who is also your guide! Trust me, the driver is going to make your trip exceptional. But you can just flag down a cab in the city.
How much is a black cab tour in Belfast?
Belfast Black Cab Tours start at just £50 for two people, with £25 per person thereafter. The tour takes about 3 hours.
Most cabs accept payment by credit or debit card.
Here are two most popular Belfast Black Cab Tours on Tripadvisor – highlighting Belfast’s history—a 30-year period of conflict between nationalists and unionists—known as ‘The Troubles’:
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