5 (63)
Belfast
Belfast Troubles Tour: Murals, Graves & Political Insight
180
Overview
IRA Troubles Conflict Private Tour: This special tour in Belfast dives deep into the history of Irish Republicanism. A guide, who is a former political activist, shares a unique view of the conflict and Irish history. Universities around the world recommend this tour for those studying political conflicts.
See important places like Falls Road, the Peace Walls, and Shankill Road. The tour visits Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden and the Republican Plot in Milltown Cemetery. People will also see the 2nd Battalion IRA Garden of Remembrance and Ballymurphy. Important murals like the Bobby Sands Mural and places like Clonard Monastery and Divis Tower are also visited.
This private tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. The guide will show you the Peace Walls and political murals up close. You can even write your name on the Peace Wall. This tour gives you a close look at Belfast’s history and culture. You will even get to see and handle plastic and rubber bullets that were used by the British Crown Forces. The tour does not include tips for your guide or upgrades to a luxury vehicle. 
Highlights
Explore Falls & Shankill Roads: See powerful political murals up close and learn about their meanings.
Visit Bobby Sands' Resting Place: Pay respects at the grave of a key figure in Irish Republicanism.
Write on the Peace Wall: Leave your mark on this famous symbol of division and hope.
Handle Historic Artifacts: See and touch plastic and rubber bullets used during the conflict.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers find the tour insightful and educational but political views can be strong.
Visitors loved hearing stories from people who lived through the conflict.
Many said the guides were very knowledgeable and gave a new understanding of the history.
Guests appreciated seeing places they wouldn't find on their own.
The tour helped them learn about a complex time in Belfast's history.
Some found the tour to be biased towards one side of the conflict.
A few felt uncomfortable with the strong political views shared by the guides.
The Journey
Falls Road
Delve into the heart of Belfast's Republican history on the Falls Road, a vibrant district steeped in political significance. Discover the stories behind the world-famous murals, powerful expressions of Republican identity and struggle, painted by ex-prisoners. Understand the origins and evolution of the conflict from an Irish Republican perspective, gaining insights into the current peace process and political landscape. Witness firsthand the impact of the Peace Walls, physical barriers that continue to divide Nationalist and Loyalist communities, and reflect on the ongoing challenges of reconciliation.
Peace Walls
Experience the stark reality of Belfast's divided communities at the Peace Walls, a series of separation barriers erected to separate Republican/Nationalist and Loyalist/Unionist neighborhoods. Visit both sides of these imposing structures, learning about their origins and the reasons they remain standing. Leave your mark on history by signing the wall and writing a message of peace, reflecting on the ongoing divisions and the hope for a united future. Witness firsthand the enduring impact of the Troubles on the city's social fabric.
Shankill Road
Explore the Loyalist heartland on the Shankill Road, a district still under the influence of Loyalist paramilitary groups. Capture images of the powerful murals depicting masked figures and weaponry, symbols of Ulster Loyalism's complex history. Learn about the development and evolution of Loyalism and its role during the Troubles, gaining insights into the perspectives of this community and the challenges it faces in the modern era.
Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden
Pay tribute to the fallen volunteers and civilian casualties of the Greater Clonard area at the Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden. This poignant site, commissioned by the Greater Clonard Ex-Prisoners' Association, features memorials to Republican prisoners who died since 1916 and victims of the conflict. Explore the garden's symbolic features, including the Celtic cross, granite plaques honoring volunteers, and shields representing the four provinces of Ireland. Understand the historical context of the area, including the events of 1969 when Bombay Street was burned out, leading to the construction of the first peace walls and the rise of the Provisional IRA.
Republican Plot, Milltown Cemetery
Visit the Republican Plot in Milltown Cemetery, a sacred resting place for Republican patriots. Pay your respects at the grave of Bobby Sands, the iconic IRA volunteer who died on hunger strike in 1981, becoming a symbol of resistance and sacrifice. Explore the broader Republican Plot, containing the remains of numerous IRA volunteers, marked with the Red Hand symbol, and learn about the National Graves Association's efforts to preserve and honor their memory.
2nd Battalion IRA Garden of Remembrance
Explore the 2nd Battalion IRA Garden of Remembrance, also known as D Company or "The Dogs", and learn about the Irish Republican Army's 30-year guerrilla war against British rule. Uncover the history of the "Battle of the Falls" in 1970 and the Falls Road Massacre of 1920, pivotal events in the conflict. See the photographs and names of 12 of the 22 Hunger Strikers, reflecting on their sacrifice and the impact of their protest.
Ballymurphy
Delve into the history of resistance against British occupation in Ireland with an Irish history specialist. If the museum is closed, explore Ballymurphy, a Republican stronghold, and hear firsthand accounts from ex-Prisoners of War about their experiences during the Conflict. Learn about the struggles and sacrifices made in the fight for Irish freedom.
Bobby Sands Mural
Visit and photograph the iconic mural of IRA Volunteer and Republican Hunger Striker Bobby Sands, a powerful symbol of Irish Republicanism. Learn about the Blanket and Dirty Protests, which ultimately led to the Hunger Strikes of 1981, a pivotal moment in the Troubles that captured international attention.
Clonard Monastery
Discover the historical significance of Clonard Monastery, a Catholic church located on the front-line of the Troubles, between the Falls Road and Shankill Road. Learn about the monastery's role in protecting local residents during the violence, including the attacks on Bombay Street in 1969. Reflect on the contributions of Frs. Alec Reid and Gerry Reynolds, two of Northern Ireland's most significant clergy who worked tirelessly for peace from within the monastery's walls.
D Company 2nd Battalion Belfast Brigade I.R.A. Garden of Remembrance
Explore the memorial dedicated to D Company, 2nd Battalion, Belfast Brigade of the Provisional IRA, understanding the context of the Belfast Brigade as the largest command area within the organization. Reflect on the historical organization of the Brigade into battalions and their presence in various nationalist enclaves throughout the city.
Divis Tower
Visit the famous Divis Tower, overlooking the Falls Republican Stronghold, once used as a British Army sniper nest and spy post until 2005. See the names and murals commemorating the first two victims of the Troubles, acknowledging the human cost of the conflict and the long road to peace.
Ballymurphy Murals
Drive through the streets of Republican Ballymurphy, observing the powerful murals dedicated to local volunteers. See the tribute to Jim Bryson and his "Big Louie" machine gun, a legendary figure in the community's resistance against the British Army. Learn about the area's history and the stories behind these impactful works of art.
Heartland of the Irish Republican Army
Experience the Welcome Wall and the heartland of the Irish Republican Army, immersing yourself in the history and culture of this significant area. Reflect on the events that shaped this community and its role in the broader conflict.
Biggest Peace Wall in Belfast
Drive by and see the biggest Peace Wall in Belfast, a stark reminder of the divisions that still exist in the city. Reflect on the history of these walls and the ongoing efforts to promote reconciliation and understanding between communities.
Know Before You Go
This private tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off. It offers a personalized itinerary to see the Peace Walls, political murals, and historical sites related to the Irish Republican Army. The tour provides a deep dive into Belfast's history and culture. Not included are tips for the guide and upgrades to a luxury Mercedes Benz V-Class. It stops at Falls Road, Peace Walls, Shankill Road, Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden, Republican Plot, Milltown Cemetery, 2nd Battalion IRA Garden of Remembrance, Ballymurphy, Bobby Sands Mural, Clonard Monastery, D Company 2nd Battalion Belfast Brigade I.R.A. Garden of Remembrance, Divis Tower, Ballymurphy Murals, Heartland of the Irish Republican Army, Biggest Peace Wall in Belfast.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers recommend doing this tour early in your Belfast visit to give important context to the city's history. Dress comfortably for walking and be prepared for sensitive content. It's a good idea to bring cash to tip the guide if you enjoyed the tour.
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