Belfast political tour Original Drivers 2 hour private adventure

If you’re trying to get a genuine feel for Belfast’s recent past, this private black taxi tour might be just what you need. Specializing in the stories behind the city’s famous murals, peace walls, and key historical sites, this experience offers a personal touch that larger group tours often can’t match. While we’ve never taken it ourselves, reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and eye-opening stops, making it clear that this tour could be a meaningful addition to your Belfast visit.

What we especially appreciate is how flexible and intimate this experience seems—offering private attention and plenty of stops for photos and questions. Plus, the chance to hear firsthand accounts from local guides enriches the storytelling far beyond what you might read in a guidebook. However, the price point is something to consider, especially if you’re on a tight budget, since it’s around $158 per person for only two hours.

This tour is particularly suited for travelers interested in history, politics, and understanding Belfast’s divided past. If you’re curious about the Troubles or want to see Belfast’s murals with a knowledgeable local, this could be a deep and authentic way to spend part of your trip. It’s not a casual sightseeing jaunt but rather a focused, insightful exploration of the city’s complex landscape.

Key Points

• Private & Personal: Only your group participates, allowing for customized questions and flexible stops.
• Rich Storytelling: Guides share personal stories and in-depth insights into Belfast’s Troubles era.
• Iconic Stops: Murals, peace walls, and historical sites like Clonard Monastery and Divis are visited.
• Photo Opportunities: Plenty of chances to capture Belfast’s murals and street art.
• Flexible Schedule: Multiple morning and afternoon departures suit different travel plans.
• Cost & Value: At around $158, it’s a more expensive option but offers expert-guided, focused content.

Why Consider This Tour?

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill city tour. It’s specially designed for those who want to understand Belfast’s recent history through the lens of those who lived it. The use of a traditional black taxi adds a classic, local feel, and the tailored attention ensures you won’t be rushing from stop to stop like on busier tours.

The reviews reaffirm that guides like Davy and Brendan bring the history alive with personal stories and engaging explanations. Elizabeth_N mentions Davy sharing personal anecdotes about living through the Troubles, which “offered hope for peace,” highlighting the emotional depth this tour can provide.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Shankill Road

This area is central in loyalist history and the birthplace of groups like the UDA and UVF. Here, guides explain the conflict between Loyalists and Republicans and describe the murals painted by locals. Elizabeth_N highlights the history behind the murals and the July bonfires, providing context that helps visitors understand the local community’s pride and history.

The 30-minute stop for Shankill Road is a chance to see the street’s political murals and hear about the fight against the IRA. Although the admission isn’t included, the visit provides a compelling visual and storytelling experience. Expect to learn about the British presence and its role in the conflict, which guides will illuminate with local insights.

Stop 2: Divis Flats

Famous for their portrayal in films like The Name of Father and 71, Divis Flats are more than just a block of flats—they’re a symbol of Belfast’s divided streets. The 10-minute stop offers a glimpse into the social fabric and tensions of the area. This site often sparks conversations around urban conflict and community resilience.

Stop 3: Peace Wall

Built in 1969, these massive walls stand as stark reminders of Belfast’s unrest. Over 50 years old, they stretch across the city with peace quotes from figures like Clinton and Lady Gaga. These walls are no longer just barriers but canvases for messages of hope and reconciliation.

This 10-minute stop lets you see these murals up close and hear how they evolved from symbols of division to symbols of peace, according to guides. The walls serve as tangible evidence of Belfast’s journey through conflict.

Stop 4: Clonard Monastery

Constructed over a century ago, the Gothic design of Clonard Monastery adds a spiritual dimension to this tour. Guides mention its role in secret peace talks before they became public, making it a site of quiet significance. The 10-minute stop here is more about appreciating the architecture and understanding its part in the peace process.

Stop 5: International Mural Wall on Divis Street

This wall features over 40 murals with international themes, representing solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide. The murals’ themes shift monthly, reflecting ongoing political currents and community support. The 10-minute stop allows you to admire the artistry and hear about the stories behind these murals.

Stop 6: Bobby Sands Mural

Arguably the most famous site, this mural celebrates Bobby Sands, the IRA member who became a symbol of resistance. The 30-minute stop includes a detailed explanation of the history of the Troubles, the 1969 riots, and the subsequent British military response. As Elizabeth_N notes, guides like Davy or Brendan share personal stories and historical context, making this stop quite impactful.

The Experience: What’s Included & What You Should Know

Your ticket covers transportation in a private vehicle—a classic black taxi—plus hotel or port pickup and drop-off. The guide is dedicated to your group alone, which allows for more engaging conversations and tailored questions.

The price, at approximately $158 per person, reflects the personalized nature of the experience and the depth of insight offered. Given the focus on history, politics, and local stories, many travelers find it a worthwhile investment, especially if they want more than surface-level sightseeing.

While the stops are brief—generally around 10-30 minutes—the richness of the stories and the chance to see Belfast’s murals firsthand makes the time feel well spent. Photographers will appreciate the stops for capturing murals and street scenes, while history buffs will find the stories from guides like Brendan and Davy illuminating.

The Practicalities

• Tour duration: Around 2 hours, which is just enough time to see key sites without feeling rushed.
• Departure options: Multiple times in the morning or afternoon, so you can fit this into your Belfast schedule.
• Children and accessibility: Children must be accompanied by an adult; service animals are allowed.
• Weather considerations: The tour is weather-dependent, so check the forecast or be prepared for rain, which won’t stop the experience but could affect comfort.

Authentic Feedback: What Travelers Say

The high ratings—a perfect 5 out of 5 from 73 reviews—show that most travelers are happy with the experience. Elizabeth_N appreciated the personal stories and the hope conveyed through Davy’s narration, saying it left her with a sense of peace amid the complex history.

Matthew_T praised Brendan for making the political history “interesting” for both adults and teens, highlighting the guide’s ability to communicate complex topics engagingly. Several reviews emphasize the knowledgeability of guides and the stunning visual impact of Belfast’s murals as highlights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private Belfast tour is best suited for travelers who are genuinely interested in history, politics, and local stories. If you want to understand the conflicted past of Belfast through the eyes of locals, this experience offers an authentic perspective. It’s not ideal if you’re short on time or seeking a quick overview, but if you’re willing to spend a couple of hours diving deep into Belfast’s story, you’ll likely find this very rewarding.

It’s especially good for those who prefer personalized attention and want to explore Belfast’s murals and peace walls without the hustle of larger tour groups. If you’re traveling with a group that enjoys meaningful stories and historical context, this will suit you well.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. While the content is historical and political, many families with older kids or teenagers interested in history find it engaging.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, covering multiple stops and plenty of commentary.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, multiple morning and afternoon departures are available, allowing some flexibility.

What’s included in the price?
Private transportation in a traditional black taxi, a dedicated guide, and hotel or port pickup/drop-off.

Are the stops at sites like murals and peace walls included in the price?
Yes, all listed stops are part of the tour, but admission tickets for specific sites aren’t included and may be extra if applicable.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather; in poor conditions, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled for a different date.

Is there any commentary on current events?
The focus is primarily on historical sites and the Troubles, with guides sharing personal stories and insights that help contextualize Belfast’s ongoing peace process.

How does the private tour enhance the experience?
With only your group, guides can tailor the conversation, answer your questions in depth, and stop for photos or discussions as you like, creating a more personal and meaningful experience.

In the end, this Belfast political tour offers a meaningful, insight-rich way to understand the city’s complex past through vivid murals, historic sites, and stories straight from the locals. If you’re keen on history and want an authentic experience that respects the city’s divided yet peaceful present, it’s likely worth considering.