Belfast's political murals are one of Europe's most unique tourist experiences. Here's your complete guide to the Falls Road, Shankill Road, and Peace Walls.
Belfast's political murals are a living monument to one of Europe's most complex 20th-century conflicts. The murals of the Falls Road (Nationalist) and the Shankill Road (Unionist) tell the story of the Troubles through vivid street art — and have become one of Belfast's most compelling tourist attractions.
Understanding the Context The Troubles (roughly 1968–1998) was a period of ethnic and political conflict in Northern Ireland. The mainly Catholic/Nationalist community sought a united Ireland, while the mainly Protestant/Unionist community wished to remain part of the United Kingdom. The conflict resulted in over 3,500 deaths.
The Falls Road — Nationalist/Republican Area The Falls Road in West Belfast is the heart of the Nationalist community. Key murals and sites include:
Bobby Sands Mural (Sinn Féin HQ) — The largest and most famous mural, on the Sinn Féin headquarters. Bobby Sands was a member of the Irish Republican Army who died on hunger strike in 1981. He is depicted here as a young man; his story remains deeply felt in this community.
International Wall — A long wall opposite Sinn Féin HQ featuring murals from international causes of solidarity — Palestine, the Basque Country, Native Americans — reflecting the Falls Road community's sense of affinity with other persecuted groups.
Republican Murals — Dozens of murals commemorating IRA volunteers, hunger strikers, and the broader struggle for Irish independence. Many are profoundly moving works of art.
Conway Mill — An 1842 spinning mill that now houses artist studios and community organisations. A fascinating insight into the community's cultural life.
The Shankill Road — Unionist/Loyalist Area Just minutes from the Falls Road, the Shankill Road is the heart of the Unionist community and tells a very different story:
Loyalist Murals — Murals here feature King William of Orange at the Battle of the Boyne (1690), the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), Ulster Defence Association (UDA), and the Red Hand of Ulster. Many are powerful, almost heraldic works.
King Billy Mural — King William III ('King Billy') crossing the Boyne is a recurring image, representing the Protestant victory that shaped Northern Ireland's political identity.
Shankill Memorial Garden — A garden of remembrance for Shankill Road victims of the Troubles.
The Peace Walls The Peace Lines are a series of separation barriers dividing mainly Nationalist and Unionist residential areas. The longest is on Cupar Way, running between the Falls Road and Shankill Road. Originally temporary, many have been standing for over 50 years.
Thousands of visitors have left their signatures and messages of peace on the Peace Wall. Your private guide can facilitate this if you wish.
Is it Safe? Absolutely. The mural areas are completely safe for visitors and are some of Belfast's most visited tourist destinations. The conflict ended over 25 years ago, and both communities welcome curious visitors respectfully.
Our Murals Tour Our private Belfast Murals & Political Tour covers both the Falls Road and Shankill Road with an expert guide who presents multiple perspectives respectfully and informatively. The tour includes the Peace Wall, Bobby Sands mural, International Wall, and Shankill loyalist murals — approximately 3 hours.
Contact Belfast Transfers and Tours to book your private political tour of Belfast.