Falls/Shankill Tour by Coiste Irish Political Tours in Belfast
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, with minimal physical exertion required.
Overview
Step into Belfast's history with a compelling 3-hour walking tour that uncovers the stories behind iconic murals, the Peace Wall, and the city’s divided communities. Guided by former prisoners, this experience offers an authentic look at Belfast’s past and ongoing peace efforts.
Falls/Shankill Tour
For all ages! • Duration 3 hours
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 3-hour walking tour through West Belfast, where you'll hear firsthand accounts from both republican and loyalist former prisoners. Explore the iconic Falls Road and Shankill Road, witnessing powerful murals and significant sites that reveal the complex narratives of Belfast's communities, all while tracing the historic Peace Wall.
Duration: 3 hours The joint Falls/Shankill Tour is a unique experience, blending the narratives of local republican former prisoners telling their story of the past decades whilst guiding visitors through the republican areas of West Belfast and then, at the famous gates of the Peace Wall, handing over the visitors to former loyalists activists to hear their narratives of their localities. This gives a unique first hand narrative of experiences across Belfast communities.
This three hours tour allows visitors to explore both the nationalist Falls Road and the unionist Shankill Road areas of Belfast. On the nationalist leg of the tour, the visitor will see the world famous International Wall with its political artworks, the Republican Memorial Garden and the world famous mural of Bobby Sands. This tour tracks the course of the “Peace Wall” and goes through Clonard with its famous Clonard Monastery Church and Bombay Street, the epicentre of events in 1969. The group will be then handed over to the loyalist tour guide who will bring it on to the Shankill Area, to hear the unionist/loyalist perspective on our past and visit local sites of interest.
This 3 hours walking tour starts at the Coiste’s mural at Divis Tower (Divis Street) and finishes on the Lower Shankill Road.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable footwear
The tour involves walking through urban neighborhoods; comfortable shoes are recommended for the three-hour experience.
Bring a camera or smartphone
Capture the vivid murals and meaningful sites along the route; the murals are particularly photogenic.
Dress for weather
Belfast weather can be unpredictable; bring rain gear or layers depending on the forecast.
Engage with guides
Listen closely to firsthand accounts from guides—they add depth and context to the sites visited.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons in the city parks
- Seagulls around the docks
History
Belfast’s murals and Peace Wall stand as living symbols of its turbulent past and ongoing efforts toward reconciliation.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to preserve Belfast’s street art and historic sites, balancing tourism with community-driven preservation programs.
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Adventure Hotspots in Belfast
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Urban walking demands sturdy, supportive shoes for comfort and safety.
Rain jacket or umbrella
Weather can be unpredictable; being prepared for rain makes the walk more enjoyable.
spring|fall|winter specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture murals and sites along the route to remember your experience.
Layers for warmth
Dress in layers to stay comfortable in cooler weather.
winter|fall specific