Europe 2019 (Pt. 73) - Black Cab Tour of the Troubles in Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
August 14, 2019 - The Troubles is putting it lightly. This low-level war was waged from 1969 to 1998 between the Irish Republican Army and the United Kingdom, and Belfast was ground zero. The Troubles stemmed from many causes, but one large one was the British colonization of Northern Ireland (thus making it part of the UK), and the Irish resistance to this, for a unified nation on the Isle of Ireland.
Much is made of the Troubles being a war between the Catholics and Protestants, but this is not the case; it just so happened to be that most from the United Kingdom were Protestant, whereas most of the Irish were Catholic.
Over 20 years have passed, and even though it's not nearly as heated as it once was, with clashes and bombings and the like, there is still tension in the air, particularly in the districts of town where you can find the ever-changing murals, the Peace Wall, the Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden, Sinn Féin office, and the gates between the Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods of Belfast, JUST IN CASE.
Music by:
Stay the Course by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
Belfast, Northern Ireland: A Black Cab Tour of Falls Road
More info about travel to Belfast: A cab is the best way to tour Belfast's sectarian neighborhoods and their gripping political murals. Just west of downtown, Falls Road (Catholic) and the Shankhill Road (Protestant) are two well-known areas. And your ride can come with an education; for a reasonable hourly fee, many cabbies give visitors impromptu tours that will give you insights into the Troubles, a conflict that is thankfully much less volatile than it has been in the past.
For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit
Black Taxis - Full Documentary
Brendan, Gerald and Tom are former volunteers of the Irish Republican Army. For them, and for all Irish republicans, the time of the armed struggle is now over.
- But how to live in peace after thirty years of war and sacrificed life?
- How then rebuild his life that under the company, it remains a criminal?
- And how to accept that peace does not look like victory?
Today they are drivers of Black Taxi
Republicans in the ghettos of Belfast.
Black Taxis are one of the strongest symbols of resistance. They were created at the beginning of the war, when the British government decided to suspend the bus service which served these neighborhoods.
In Belfast, the buses were driven by Protestants, who refused to risk their lives in these republican areas. The people were so organized, they bought old taxis to make their transit.
These taxis are still today their privileged transportation, 7/7, from morning to night, plying the same route.
Riding a Black Taxi is one of the few possible jobs for former prisoners. Moreover,
this Community transport system was also created in order to give them work.
These trips represent confinement and lack of horizon of a generation that has spent the first half of his life in war, in combat or in prison.
This film shows the loneliness, the loneliness of a day of war and the passing history and
Un film d'Elisabeth Jonniaux
Produit par Marie Hélène Ranc
Belfast and the Best of Northern Ireland
Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide | We start in bustling Belfast's City Hall and Ulster Museum, then head out to Northern Ireland's favorite resort: Portrush, along the Antrim Coast, where we taste-test Irish whiskey, scramble over some six-sided geology in the Giant's Causeway, drop in on a world-class golf course, and stomp our feet to some traditional music.
© 2004 Rick Steves' Europe
Belfast Walking Tour
Experience Belfast provides 2 city tours, one long, one short. See the sights and understand what makes Belfast special, from history, to the troubles to punk music! We're the original walking tour and deliver unique personal experiences that people love. We have small groups and local guides and you'll leave with a smile on your face and better insight into our wonderful city. Group sizes are small limited to 10 people, don't delay, for more info and to book see experiencebelfast.com
Belfast Murals Tours
An in depth tour of the political history of the TROUBLES
local guides with local knowledge
Belfast 'Black Taxi' Tour.
Yes the rocket is red. Any visit to Belfast must include a trip of the historic regions of the city. After this 12 km trip...I walked it to capture the real feel of the city and see more murals. Took all day - but a drink at every pub kept me going. A great day!
Belfast political taxi tours
Award winning tours of loyalist and Republican areas throughout Belfast.
Taxi Troubles
Glengall St. contraflow cycle lane. Public Hire Taxis blocking both sides of the road, including the cycle lane, one has to move to allow a private hire tax to pass, whilst the other donut muncher forces me to head into oncoming traffic.
Belfast Tour
A moving tour of Belfast, Northern ireland, travelling from the centre of the city to the East
Political Taxi Tour, Belfast, Northern Ireland
This video is about the Political Taxi Tour in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Belfast Tour
Nov 12, 2010 in Belfast. Black Cab Tour. Highly recommend it.
Belfast black taxi tours
Belfast school and university political conflict resolution tours of Belfast.Travel the famous Falls and Shankill road and hear first hand accounts of The troubles
Giants Causeway, Belfast & Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge 1 Day Tour
Discover the Titanic Experience Belfast, or take a Black Taxi political tour around the city. On your way to the breathtaking Giants Causeway, you will stop at Dunluce castle, known from Game of Thrones, to take some awesome pictures. Finish the day by crossing the famous Carrick a Rede rope bridge. Find out more or book at
Depart Dublin and travel by luxury coach, you have a dedicated Tour Guide who will tell you of the many story's and many historical events which occurred along the way.
Arriving in BELFAST CITY you will immediately observe how different it will look compared to the city which you departed, Dublin. Belfast was the only city in Ireland which experienced the Industrial Revolution of Britain during the 19th century. Now your Guide will explain the different options open to you during your visit to Belfast. All attractions on your tour are included. You choose between the world famous BLACK TAXI POLITICAL TOUR or to visit the TITANIC EXPERIENCE AND QUARTER . Even if some in your family want to visit one attraction and another wants to do the other, thats perfectly alright. The whole group rejoins when we depart for the Giants Causeway.
BLACK TAXI (CAB) Your local guide will talk you through the highs and lows of Belfast’s fascinating political history. Hear of its industrial roots, the past four decades of civil unrest. Visit and sign the Peace Line and join the list of world celebrities who have signed their name to the wall. Sign your name next to the Da Lai Lama and Bill Clinton. Walk along this huge wall which divides the two religious / national communties of east Belfast. The political murals some of which are the most spectacular in the world reflect a harrowing and tragic chapter in the history of Northern Ireland. A conflict between the two communties of Northern Ireland which cost the lives of thousands of people. A war between the paramilitary element of the minority nationalist community with the British State and the paramilitary element of the Protestant Loyalist community. The two paramilitary groups are depicted on many of the murals reflecting the different communities allegances.Your personal local Guide will relate to you their personal and family experiences of life in Belfast. Some of the stories you quite simply wont believe. (2 hours + 10 mins)
TITANIC EXPERIENCE/QUARTER - Visit the world’s largest state of the art Titanic Visitor’s Experience. Now you can experience the life and story of Titanic Ship, the entire faithful voyage and her eventful discovery on the seabed. Learn of the origins, construction, launch and history of the Titanic. The visitors centre expands over nine galleries and draws together special effects, dark rides and full scale reconstructions. The experience contains interactive features so you can truly explore the Titanic story in an insightful light. The journey will take you beyond the aftermath of the sinking to the later discovery of the ship. This tour will also take you to the present day with a tour of the live undersea exploration centre. See the huge Samson and Goliath cranes which were the symbol of Harland and Wolff shipyard. (2 hours + 10 mins)
Departing Belfast we hit the road deeper into the heart of the six counties of Northern Ireland making our way to the NORTH IRISH COAST. We visit the remarkably unique DUN LUCE CASTLE an amazing photo opportunity.The castle is located on the edge of the north Atlantic coast and is a popular location during the filming of the series the GAME OF THRONES.Passing the village of Bushmills best associated with the popular drink water of life / uisce beatha Irish whiskey. Following a route known as the Antrim Coastal Drive, pass spectacular scenery including stony shores, densely wooded glens and picture perfect sheltered harbours. DUN LUCE CASTLE
Arriving at the Unesco World Heritage-listed GIANTS CAUSEWAY created more than 60 million years ago after a series of volcanic eruptions, the Causeway is best known for its distinctive rock formations that span nearly 18 miles (29kms) of coastline. Stroll this spectacular site and see the formations known as “The Wishing Chair” “Giants Boot” and “Giants Organ” to name a few. The beautiful coastal paths surrounded by unparalleled views and legends of the Irish Giant Finn McCool, said to be the Causeway's creator. This is where you can enjoy lunch with a choice of providers on site. (2 hours)
What next, yes there is more. We continue our day to the CARRICK A REDE ROPE BRIDGE close to Ballintoy. This absolutely fabulous attraction is a must when visiting the north coast. You have the opportunity to walk over this world-famous salmon fishermen's rope bridge. That's if you're brave enough. A truly clifftop experience, 30- metre deep and 20- metre wide chasm is traversed by a rope bridge traditionally erected by salmon fishermen. The location is STUNNING!
Ireland - Entering Belfast. (Early 2010)
Was in Ireland in 2010 for a few weeks. All of it is very interesting. For mine Belfast was the absolute highlight. Walking around the different places of history of the 'troubles'. Compared to way down south you would swear you were in a different country all together.
The Wall (Belfast Short documentary)
’The Wall’ details the history of the Belfast peace line between the communities of the Falls and Shankill Roads. It is illustrated through the personal story of filmmaker, Seán Murray whose family charts its history from polarising sides of the divide.
Belfast Troubles Return
Belfast bus tour operator Benn Allen talks about his fear that the recent murders in Northern Ireland will destroy the city's burgeoning tourist trade. Film by Alastair Good
MADE IN BELFAST. A punk documentary from BUTTZ TV
Buttz travels to Belfast to spend one mad weekend with original punk band The Defects & their mates, Stiff Little Fingers, XSLF, Buck Eejit, Some Outcasts, Steven VX, the legend who is Terri Hooley, and a cast of over 2,000 at the Ulster Hall. Join us on a tour of the City in a black cab, on a walking tour with Terri & backstage passes to the biggest gig in the City 2014.
Belfast City Hall - Northern Ireland - NI - History Tour
Starting the day with a different alone kind of experience which was early in the morning - around 6 AM - and which the main reason behind it was to experience the sunrise of Belfast with a view of the city - it was a magnificent experience and the weather was even good.
Getting back home after witnessing the sunrise and getting the chance to even film those cows moving around, I decided to head back home again after the sun was up and after I managed to take some good pictures for the scenes to be welcomed with the artistic children who were coloring around then playing with their Lego.
Having breakfast at home with the family was the first step in the day coming ahead and which was about visiting Belfast City Hall. Belfast City Hall is the civic building of Belfast City Council that is located in Donegall Square; this building is believed to effectively divide the business and the commercial areas of city centre (
When we reached that place in Belfast city centre where we are supposed to find that City Hall building, we parked at a place which is not directly next to the building, so we had to walk a little bit. This walking experience was interesting for the kids - we as well - because they got the chance to see those statues which were placed in the street to resemble some characters from the past - the woman who used to work both on the typewriter and while being on the telephone - some of these were unknown characters but they tend to resemble one thing or another that was famous back during the old days of Belfast.
Reaching Belfast City Hall started the real journey we intended to go to - the kids were excited about it all that they even started running and playing around the building before we even got inside. Belfast City Hall is known to be the place where the Titanic Memorial is located; in memorial to the victims of the sinking RMS Titanic and there is also the Titanic Garden there which is the only memorial in the world that commemorate all the victims of the Titanic, both passengers and crew. We should mention that Titanic was believed to be built in Northern Ireland back in the old days and that is why it is always given great attention in Belfast (
The interiors of Belfast City Hall building make the whole experience more different due to the elegance of the place and the different things it has to offer. Inside the building, there is the Porte-Cochere and Grand Entrance, the Grand Staircase, the Reception Room and the Great Hall. There are different portraits found inside the building and it is also finished with using Carrara, Pavonazzo, and Brascia marbles as well as the stained glass windows which the kids got the chance to play with its reflection on the wall - me directing them to pick the color that am going to say.
Walking through those rooms is very different - usually happens when one gets the chance to visit such a royal and old palace - because you will be moving through those high ceiling walls and those rooms which are decorated in the royal ways and you will fall in love with the whole experience - it might be more interesting for adults because they could understand at least what they are seeing or even reading which will not always be the same case when it comes to the kids.
Being at Belfast City Hall, we then decided to head to our favorite restaurant in order to have something to eat - which of course was the favorite fish and chips dish - before going back home again.
If you are going to visit Belfast and your plan is to head to the City Hall then it is important to know that there are other touristic destinations and locations which you could also check and pass by and which include Belfast Castle ( the Ulster Museum in Belfast which is a mixture of art, history and natural history ( check the Peace Wall in Belfast ( visit Victoria Park ( checking Narnia and CS Lewis Museum in Belfast ( or even just deciding to go on a walking tour or take the tour bus that would bring them around the city (
There are actually lots of things that one could see in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and lots of different places that one could visit that might even include the restaurants and the shopping places or even those events which might be held during specific times of the year, so people should always know that Belfast is definitely a place to consider and come check all the hidden treasures that it might be carrying and which people might not be knowing much about.
The best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
BELFAST (As Chosen By You!)
You guys voted and I travelled! This is Vlog 1 of the Chosen By You series - I hope you guys enjoy the content as much as I enjoyed Belfast! Make sure to like, share and subscribe!
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Music: The Witch Kids - 99 Bottles
Cost of Trip:
Flights - £126 (Ryanair & EasyJet inc. additional hold luggage)
Accommodation - £63 (John Bell House City Centre - Double room)
Travel to and from Airport - £22 (Airport Translink Bus Return)
Taxi Tour - £40 (inc. £5 Tip)
Giants Causeway Tour - £36
Prison Tickets - £15
Hop on & Off Bus Tour - £13
Buying Dinner for some homeless people - £20
Breakfast - £12 (Yorkshire Wrap, Cheese Potatoes & Belvita Biscuits)
Lunches - £48 (Cafe Sandwiches, Pub Lunch & Special Prison Restaurant)
Dinners - £24 (Burritos at Boojums both Nights)
Extra Supplies & Snacks - £12
Total Cost = £431 (£215.50 Per Person).