The Tailor-Made Guide to the Street Art Murals of Belfast City
Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to inspire curious travellers and share the experiences behind my bespoke itinerary designs, giving you a flavour of what is possible, and the confidence to reach out and make it happen.
The first thing that hits you on Falls Road isn't a photograph-ready panorama — it's the smell of fresh paint drying on a gable wall after the rain, and the low grumble of a black cab idling at the kerb while its driver waits for the next group of visitors. Turn a corner into the Cathedral Quarter and everything changes: the same cobbled lanes now carry the clatter of café shutters going up and the smell of coffee drifting out of doorways, backed by walls exploding with colour that have nothing to do with politics at all.
I'm Barry, and I've been building bespoke, self-guided travel itineraries since 2015 through Tailor-Made Itineraries — this isn't a guide stitched together from other people's blog posts. Every mural, laneway and black cab tour I mention here is one I've walked, stood in front of, and photographed myself, and I hold a history degree, so the stories behind the murals matter to me every bit as much as the images.
If you've been searching for information on Belfast murals, or you're an independent traveller trying to work out how to explore Belfast murals without wasting half your trip, you've landed in exactly the right place. Grab a coffee, and let's dive in.
Contents
Tailor-Made Itineraries specialises in creating expert, bespoke self-guided tours. If you'd like to explore the street art murals of Belfast as part of a professionally crafted itinerary, get in touch — we'd love to design something built around you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Overview of Belfast Street Art
Belfast's street art scene is one of the most fascinating and thought-provoking urban art experiences in the United Kingdom. Unlike many cities where street art painting exists purely for artistic expression, Belfast's walls tell the story of a city shaped by conflict, identity, politics, peace, and regeneration. The tradition of mural painting dates back over a century, but it became particularly prominent during The Troubles, when communities used walls and gable ends to express political and cultural viewpoints. Today, many of these historic murals in Belfast remain, while a new generation of artists has transformed the city into a genuine street art city and one of the most vibrant outdoor galleries anywhere.
Here's the thing: what makes Belfast unique is the contrast between old and new. Visitors can spend the morning viewing powerful political murals that document Northern Ireland's turbulent past before discovering colourful contemporary pieces celebrating creativity, diversity, and hope. Rather than replacing the historic murals, modern artists have added new layers to Belfast's visual identity, creating one of Europe's most compelling street art destinations.
Exploring Belfast's street art feels like walking through an open-air museum. Every mural has a story, whether it relates to local history, global politics, community identity, or artistic expression. The artwork is spread across several districts, each with its own character and perspective. Unlike traditional museums, these stories are presented within the communities where they originated, creating a much more immersive and authentic experience.
Belfast's murals were never intended purely as decoration. For decades they served as a highly visible form of communication, allowing communities to express political beliefs, commemorate important events, honour individuals, and tell their own version of history. Today, many of these murals of Northern Ireland11 remain important cultural landmarks, while newer artworks demonstrate how Belfast continues to evolve beyond its past.
Street Art Murals of Belfast City
Cathedral Quarter
The Cathedral Quarter represents the modern face of Belfast's street art scene. Centred around Commercial Court, Hill Street, and the area surrounding St Anne's Cathedral, this vibrant cultural district has embraced public art as part of its regeneration. What was once a largely industrial and commercial area has evolved into one of the city's most creative neighbourhoods, filled with independent cafés, pubs, galleries, and live music venues. Belfast street art has played a significant role in this transformation, with blank walls becoming canvases for both local and international artists.
Unlike the politically charged murals found elsewhere in Belfast, much of the Cathedral Quarter's artwork focuses on creativity, culture, and community. Visitors will find colourful murals, abstract works, portraits, and large-scale commissions tucked away in alleyways and courtyards — making it one of the best spots for anyone hoping to explore Belfast murals away from the city's more political districts.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Visit the Cathedral Quarter early in the morning before the cafés and pubs become busy. Not only will you have better opportunities for photography, but you'll also appreciate details within the artwork that are often missed later in the day.
Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter
Belfast Peace Wall
The Belfast Peace Wall stands as one of the city's most powerful and significant landmarks. Originally constructed in 1969 as a temporary measure to reduce violence between neighbouring communities during The Troubles, the barriers remain today and stretch for several miles across different parts of Belfast. While their original purpose was security, the walls have gradually become one of the most remarkable canvases for public expression anywhere in the world, and one of the most striking examples of wall murals in Belfast.
Visitors to the Peace Wall will find thousands of messages, signatures, artworks, and murals covering its surface. International politicians, celebrities, peace activists, and tourists have all left messages of hope and reconciliation. The experience is both moving and thought-provoking, as the wall serves as a reminder of Belfast's difficult past while also reflecting the city's ongoing journey toward peace. Few places offer such a direct and emotional insight into modern European history.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Bring a marker pen. Visitors are actively encouraged to leave a personal message on the Peace Wall alongside thousands of others from around the world.
Belfast Peace Wall Belfast Peace Wall Belfast Peace Wall
Falls Road
Falls Road is home to some of Belfast's most famous nationalist and republican murals, and the Falls Road murals Belfast are often where visitors' interest in Belfast IRA murals and the wider republican history of the city really begins. During The Troubles, the area became a focal point for republican communities, and many of the murals were created to commemorate important events, individuals, and causes associated with Irish nationalism. While some older murals have disappeared, many remain, providing a visual history lesson unlike anything found in a traditional museum.
Walking along Falls Road allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of how local communities viewed the events that shaped Northern Ireland's history. The murals cover a wide range of themes, including civil rights campaigns, hunger strikes, international solidarity movements, and cultural identity. Although the artwork can sometimes be politically challenging, it provides an authentic insight into the experiences and perspectives of the local community. The sheer scale and detail of many of the murals make this one of Belfast's most memorable street art murals destinations, and one of the defining areas of murals of west Belfast.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Allow yourself time to stop and read the interpretation panels that accompany many of the murals. Understanding the stories behind the artwork greatly enhances the experience.
If you are enjoying this list, remember and subscribe to my mailing list to receive my latest blog posts.
Bobby Sands Mural
Few murals in Belfast are as instantly recognisable as the Bobby Sands Mural on Falls Road. Painted on the side of Sinn Féin's headquarters, the image depicts Bobby Sands smiling and has become one of the most photographed landmarks in Northern Ireland. Sands was the first of ten republican prisoners to die during the 1981 hunger strikes at HM Prison Maze, an event that remains highly significant in Irish republican history.
For many visitors, the mural represents much more than the individual portrayed. It has become a symbol of political resistance, remembrance, and identity. Regardless of personal political views, the mural is undoubtedly one of Belfast's most important historical artworks because of its prominence and the conversations it continues to inspire.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Combine the Bobby Sands Mural with a walk along the wider Falls Road mural trail, where additional artworks help provide context to the events surrounding the 1981 hunger strikes.
Solidarity Wall
The Solidarity Wall forms part of the wider Falls Road mural trail and showcases Belfast's connections with international causes and political movements. Rather than focusing solely on local events, these murals highlight struggles for civil rights, freedom, and social justice around the world. Over the years, artwork has referenced campaigns from South Africa, Palestine, Cuba, and many other locations.
What makes the Solidarity Wall unique is its demonstration of how Belfast's mural culture extends beyond Northern Ireland's own history. The artwork illustrates how local communities saw parallels between their experiences and global movements elsewhere. For visitors, it provides an opportunity to understand Belfast's place within a broader network of international political activism and community solidarity.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Look closely at the dates and references included within the murals. Many contain historical details that reveal links between Belfast and international events you may not have previously known existed.
Solidarity Wall Solidarity Wall Solidarity Wall
Shankill Road
While Falls Road provides insight into the nationalist community, Shankill Road offers visitors the perspective of Belfast's loyalist and unionist traditions, and its Belfast loyalist murals form the other half of the story told by the murals of west Belfast. The murals here developed during The Troubles and often focus on British identity, community history, military service, and remembrance. Together with Falls Road, Shankill Road helps create a balanced understanding of the different experiences and viewpoints that existed during the conflict.
The murals on Shankill Road are often visually striking, featuring large portraits, commemorative imagery, and symbols associated with unionist culture. In recent years there has also been a shift towards artwork celebrating local history, sport, and community achievements. Visiting the area demonstrates how Belfast's murals continue to evolve while remaining deeply connected to local identity. It is an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the broader story of the city.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Visit both Shankill Road and Falls Road on the same day. Seeing both communities' stories side-by-side provides a far deeper understanding of Belfast's complex history.
Belfast Peace Gates – Lanark Way
The Peace Gates on Lanark Way are located between Falls Road and Shankill Road and are one of the sets of gates in west Belfast. These gates were originally installed to control movement and reduce tensions during periods of unrest. Remarkably, many still close overnight despite Northern Ireland's largely peaceful present-day society, highlighting the lasting legacy of the conflict. Visitors are often surprised to learn that physical barriers continue to exist within a modern European city. The gates therefore provide a fascinating and often unexpected insight into how Belfast continues to navigate its journey towards reconciliation.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Visit during daylight hours when the gates are open. This provides the best opportunity to appreciate how closely the communities sit alongside one another.
Belfast Peace Gates – Lanark Way Belfast Peace Gates – Lanark Way Belfast Peace Gates – Lanark Way
Black Cab Tours
But that's not all — for visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Belfast's murals and political history, a classic Belfast murals tour by black cab remains one of the city's most popular experiences. Emerging from the years following The Troubles, these tours are typically led by local guides with personal connections to the events they describe. Rather than simply viewing murals, visitors gain insight into the stories, communities, and historical events behind them.
A Black Cab Tour provides valuable context that can be difficult to obtain independently. Guides explain the symbolism, personalities, and events represented throughout Falls Road, Shankill Road, the Peace Wall, and other key locations. The experience often involves hearing personal stories from individuals who lived through The Troubles, making the history feel much more immediate and human. This, for me, has been the highlight of my travels in Belfast.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Choose a tour that allows time for photographs and questions. The best guides encourage discussion and help visitors understand the multiple perspectives behind Belfast's famous murals.
If you enjoy this kind of curated travel insight, you can subscribe to receive future guides and inspiration.
Getting to Belfast
Belfast is one of the easiest destinations on the island of Ireland to reach, with excellent air, sea and rail connections. The city is served by two airports: Belfast City Airport, located just a few miles from the city centre, and Belfast International Airport, around 30 minutes away by road. Direct flights operate from numerous cities across the United Kingdom and Europe, making Belfast an ideal destination for both short breaks and longer holidays. Visitors travelling from Dublin can take advantage of regular rail and coach services, with journeys between the two cities taking around two hours and offering a convenient way to explore both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland during the same trip.
For those who enjoy travelling at a slower pace, ferry services connect Belfast with several ports in Great Britain, including Cairnryan and Liverpool. Once in the city, Belfast is compact and easy to navigate, with many of its major attractions located within walking distance of one another. An excellent public transport network of buses and trains makes it simple to venture further afield, whether exploring the Titanic Quarter, visiting coastal towns along Belfast Lough, or taking day trips to attractions such as the Giant's Causeway and the Antrim Coast. Belfast city tourism has grown considerably in recent years, and transport links have kept pace.
How to Plan Your Time Viewing the Street Art Murals of Belfast
One of the biggest surprises when exploring Belfast's street art murals is that they aren't all concentrated in a single location. Instead, the murals naturally fall into a number of distinct areas, each telling a different part of Belfast's story. The contemporary artwork of the Cathedral Quarter offers a very different experience from the political murals of Falls Road, Shankill Road, the Peace Walls and the Peace Gates, and understanding how these areas fit together can have a significant impact on how much you get from your visit.
Many visitors initially assume they can simply move from one mural to another using an online map. In reality, Belfast's mural locations work best when viewed as a series of natural groupings rather than individual attractions. Some areas are highly walkable, others benefit from a different approach, and the order in which you visit them can dramatically change your understanding of the city's history and storytelling. The challenge isn't finding the murals. The challenge is knowing which locations complement each other, how much time to allow, and which experiences add the most context.
A half-day is generally enough to explore one of Belfast's main mural districts in depth, while a full day allows visitors to combine multiple areas and gain a far more rounded understanding of both the historic and contemporary street art scene. However, deciding which areas to prioritise, how to avoid doubling back on yourself, and where a Black Cab Tour adds the greatest value is often far less obvious than it first appears. And of course, the murals are only one part of the wider question of what to do in Belfast — they sit alongside a long list of other attractions in Belfast Northern Ireland worth weaving into your trip.
If you'd rather skip the guesswork and make the most of your time in Belfast, I create bespoke self-guided itineraries that bring together the city's murals, history, culture and hidden gems into a personalised day built around your interests, pace and travel style. Simply click [here] to get in touch and start planning your Tailor-Made Belfast experience.
I create only a limited number of bespoke itineraries each month to ensure every trip receives the attention it deserves, so if you're considering a personalised Belfast itinerary, it's always worth getting in touch early.
Quick Questions Answered
Where are the murals in Belfast? The most famous Belfast murals can be found along Falls Road, Shankill Road, and the Peace Walls in West Belfast, while more contemporary street art is concentrated in the Cathedral Quarter.
What is the most famous street in Belfast? For visitors interested in Belfast's mural culture, Falls Road is arguably the city's most famous street thanks to its world-renowned political murals, including the iconic Bobby Sands Mural.
Why are there so many murals in Belfast? Belfast's mural tradition dates back more than a century, but it expanded significantly during The Troubles when communities used murals to express political views, commemorate events, and reinforce local identity. Today, the murals serve as both historical records and artistic expressions.
Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter
Are Belfast murals free to visit? Yes, Belfast's murals are located in public spaces and can be viewed free of charge, making them one of the city's most accessible attractions.
Can you walk to the Belfast murals yourself? Yes, many visitors explore the murals independently, although guided tours can provide valuable insight into the history, symbolism, and stories behind the artwork.
Are Black Cab Tours worth it for seeing Belfast murals? Yes, Black Cab Tours are one of the best ways to experience Belfast's murals because local guides explain the historical and political context that many visitors would otherwise miss.
Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter
How long does it take to see the Belfast murals? You can see the major mural sites in two to three hours, although visitors interested in the history and stories behind the artwork may wish to allow half a day.
Which Belfast mural area is best for photography? The Cathedral Quarter is generally the best area for colourful contemporary street art photography, while Falls Road and the Peace Walls offer some of Belfast's most iconic and historically significant mural images.
Is Belfast safe to visit? Yes. Belfast is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, with millions of visitors enjoying the city every year. As with any city, it's sensible to remain aware of your surroundings and take normal precautions.
Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter
Is it disrespectful to photograph the Belfast murals? No, photography is welcomed and even encouraged at almost every mural site, but it's worth being considerate — avoid photographing people's homes or gardens directly, and be mindful that some murals commemorate real events and real people for the local community.
Do you need a guide to see the Belfast murals? No, you don't need a guide, and many independent travellers explore Belfast murals entirely on foot. That said, a guide — particularly on a Black Cab Tour — adds context and personal stories that are very hard to find on your own.
How much does a Black Cab Tour of the murals cost? Prices vary by operator and group size, but Black Cab Tours are generally considered good value for the amount of history and context you receive compared with a self-guided visit alone.
Conclusion
Belfast's street art murals are more than a photo opportunity — they're a walkable history lesson that moves from the political weight of Falls Road and Shankill Road, through the raw honesty of the Peace Wall, to the sheer creative energy of the Cathedral Quarter, and no two visitors leave with quite the same take on the city. Whether you choose to explore Belfast murals independently over a couple of hours, or build a full day around a Belfast murals tour and the wider Falls Road murals Belfast trail, you'll come away with a far richer understanding of Northern Ireland murals than any single photograph could ever give you. And if you'd rather have someone else connect the neighbourhoods for you and make sure you don't miss the pieces that matter most, that's exactly what I do for a living.
I'd love to hear which of Belfast's murals struck you the most, or which questions this guide didn't answer — drop a comment below and let me know.
Belfast Hotel Accommodation
Finding the right Belfast accommodation is easy, with the city offering everything from luxury hotels and boutique properties to serviced apartments, guest houses and budget hostels. Whether you're planning a weekend city break, a family holiday or a longer self-drive tour of Northern Ireland, you'll find plenty of accommodation in Belfast to suit all budgets and travel styles. Most visitors choose to stay in the city centre, where attractions such as Belfast City Hall, Titanic Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter are within easy walking distance. However, there are also excellent options in the leafy Queen's Quarter and along the waterfront for those seeking a quieter stay.
One of Belfast's biggest advantages is value for money. Compared with many major cities across the UK and Ireland, visitors can often find high-quality hotels at reasonable rates. Whether you're looking for luxury surroundings, family-friendly facilities or the cheapest accommodation in Belfast, there are excellent options available throughout the year.
Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter
Belfast City Centre Accommodation
Many first-time visitors choose Belfast city centre accommodation due to its convenience, although the best location depends on your priorities and how you intend to explore the city. Staying in the heart of the city puts you within walking distance of many of Belfast's main attractions, restaurants, pubs and shopping districts. The Cathedral Quarter and Linen Quarter are particularly popular locations, offering a lively atmosphere both day and night.
Recommended Belfast City Centre Hotels
The Merchant Hotel - One of Belfast's most luxurious hotels, located in the Cathedral Quarter. Expect elegant rooms, exceptional service and one of the finest cocktail bars in Northern Ireland.
Grand Central Hotel - The tallest hotel on the island of Ireland offers stunning city views and a central location close to transport links and major attractions.
Europa Hotel - Perhaps Belfast's most famous hotel, renowned for its history and excellent location opposite Grand Central Station.
Double Tree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square Hotel - Overlooking Belfast City Hall, this stylish hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the city on foot.
Bullitt Hotel - A trendy boutique hotel popular with younger travellers seeking modern design and a vibrant city-centre atmosphere.
Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter
Belfast Self Catering Accommodation
Travellers looking for extra space and flexibility may prefer Belfast self catering accommodation. Apartments and holiday rentals are particularly popular amongst families, groups and visitors planning longer stays. Many self-catering properties include fully equipped kitchens, separate living spaces and laundry facilities, making them a practical alternative to traditional hotels.
Recommended Self-Catering Options
Cordia Serviced Apartments - Spacious apartments located between the city centre and Queen's Quarter.
The Ulsterville Residences - Stylish, well-appointed apartments ideal for longer stays.
CK Serviced Apartments, Titanic Quarter - Perfect for visitors wanting to stay close to Titanic Belfast and the waterfront attractions.
Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter
Budget Accommodation in Belfast
Travelling on a budget? Belfast offers a wide range of affordable options, making it relatively easy to find the cheapest accommodation in Belfast without sacrificing location or comfort.
Recommended Budget Accommodation
Vagabonds Hostel - A friendly, independent hostel popular with backpackers and solo travellers.
Lagan Backpackers - One of Belfast's best-known budget hostels, offering both dormitory and private room options.
Travelodge Belfast Central - A reliable budget hotel with an excellent city-centre location.
ibis Belfast City Centre - Modern rooms and competitive prices close to the city's main attractions.
Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter Cathedral Quarter
Best Areas to Stay in Belfast
The best area depends on the type of trip you're planning:
City Centre / Linen Quarter — Ideal for first-time visitors and sightseeing.
Cathedral Quarter — Perfect for nightlife, restaurants and culture.
Queen's Quarter — Great for museums, cafés and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Titanic Quarter — Best for waterfront views and proximity to Titanic Belfast.
University Area — Popular with budget-conscious travellers and those seeking local character.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: For most visitors, staying within walking distance of Belfast City Hall offers the best balance of convenience, transport connections and easy access to the city's major attractions. Even if you're planning day trips around Northern Ireland, a central Belfast base makes exploring remarkably straightforward.
Related Blog Posts
Tailor-Made Itineraries specialises in creating expert, bespoke self-guided tours. If you'd like to explore the street art murals of Belfast as part of a professionally crafted itinerary, get in touch — we'd love to design something built around you.
If you would like more information on street art murals from around the world, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
Belfast Murals Map
Comments