Conflicting Stories – Taxi Tour

This tour is given by black Two taxis drivers, one from each community, the guests will change taxis at the halfway point. The only tour of Belfast conducted by ex-combatants who were personally involved in the troubles.

Discover a side of Belfast you won’t find in the Tourist books, as they invite you to travel the streets of the city in one of the famous Belfast taxis. You visit both sides of the Peace Line with the men and women who have served time in the prisons of Northern Ireland for standing up for their beliefs. Ex-combatants who are either ex-prisoners or ex-soldiers from both sides will share their own personal stories and the effects on their communities and explain the murals that tell the local history and culture of the area.

Unknown to most, modern-day Belfast remains a divided city. 40 kilometres of a physical wall, up to ten meters high in some locations separate two religious communities living side by side. For more than 30 years, the controversial time known as “The Troubles” has had a powerful impact on the city and its residents. Very few people, if any, were unaffected by the violence that plagued the area and everyone has a story to tell.​

BelfastLad invites you to hear first-hand accounts from both sides of this conflicted region. This is a unique opportunity for you to discover the real story you won’t get from history books, shared by people who were intimately involved in this turbulent period of modern history. Explore- up close the world-famous murals of the city that earns its reputation as the largest outdoor art gallery in the world and understand the stories behind them.

Upon arrival, you will be met by a Republican ex-political prisoner who will take you on a guided tour along the Falls Road and share their personal story on this 2+ hour tour. Photograph the local murals and witness visible signs of his community’s desire to be part of an Irish Republic. You will pass through the electronically-controlled gates leading to the predominately protestant area of The Shankill Road. Then you will meet with a Loyalist ex-political prisoner or local ex-soldier who will accompany you through the streets of the Shankill while sharing their personal story. You will witness the determination of the locals who wish to remain part of the United Kingdom. You will have the opportunity to sign the Peace Wall, leaving your thoughts alongside those of Bill Clinton and The Dalai Lama.

Please note:

The recent period known as ‘The Troubles’ is a very contentious time and is still raw in many peoples minds and hearts, the purpose of this tour is to give the guest insight to why young men and women would voluntary involve themselves in a conflict knowing that it would ultimately lead to their imprisonment at best or potential death. it will explain why people got involved in the violence that resulted in the loss of life of both combatants and innocent people alike. Any statements and opinions expressed on this tour by the guides are strictly their own and Belfast Free Walking Tour does not endorse any political view, the use of violence or the promotion of any political agenda. The guides are contracted to share their own personal story of the troubles.

​** Children are allowed at parents discretion Please be aware that graphic accounts of violence may be discussed on the tour.