Belfast Murals & Peace Walls Bus Tour Guide

Belfast is famous worldwide for its political murals and Peace Walls. These are not just art; they are historical records and statements of identity from the Loyalist (Shankill Road) and Republican (Falls Road) communities.

seeing it from the Top Deck

The Hop-On Hop-Off bus is one of the best ways to view these areas respectfully. The elevated view from the top deck allows you to see over the high walls and get excellent photos of the large-scale gable wall art.

The Route Split

Usually, the bus will travel:

1. Falls Road: Famous for the International Wall, Bobby Sands mural, and republican history.
2. Shankill Road: Known for mural tributes to the monarchy, UVF/UFF murals, and loyalist culture.

The Peace Wall

The bus passes through the gates of the Peace Line that still separates these communities. You can often hop off here to sign your name on the wall, joining the likes of the Dalai Lama and Bill Clinton.

Note: The "Black Taxi Tours" are famous here, explicitly focusing on this history. However, the bus tour gives you a broader context, showing how these neighborhoods sit in relation to the modern city center.

Key Murals to Look For

• Bobby Sands (Seiwa Building): An iconic image on the Falls Road.
• The International Wall: Constantly changing murals depicting global solidarity causes.
• King William III: Historical depictions on the Shankill.

This part of the tour is often the most moving, offering a window into the complex history of the Troubles and the ongoing peace process.