Content
From the city’s airport at Aldergrove, 13 miles (21 km) northwest, services are maintained with some principal international cities. Educational institutions in Belfast include Queen’s University at Belfast (founded in 1845 as the Queen’s College), the University of Ulster at Belfast (1849), and Union Theological College (1853). The city is the shopping, retail, educational, commercial, entertainment, and service centre for Northern Ireland and the seat of many of its largest businesses and hospitals. By the 17th century, the town was a busy port with small shipbuilding interests, which became firmly established after William Ritchie founded a shipyard (1791) and a graving (dry) dock (1796). By the late 1730s the castle had been destroyed, but Belfast was beginning to acquire economic importance, superseding both Lisburn as the chief bridge town and Carrickfergus as a port. He did much to encourage the growth of the town, which received a charter of incorporation in 1613.
Ashes to Fashion at The Ulster Museum
Celebrate local life with a lively year-round calendar of events Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is the city’s buzzing, creative soul, where Belfast’s vibrant cultural life bubbles visibly to the surface. West Belfast is a canvas of history and community arts, characterised by vibrant murals that tell the stories of its cultural heritage.
South Belfast
Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. The tour covers historical, cultural, and political topics, including the period known as The Troubles. Yes, there are multiple stop-off points during the tour where passengers can exit the vehicle to take photos, explore, and ask questions. A standard black taxi can comfortably accommodate up to 6 passengers, we have larger vehicles for 7 to 8 passengers making it ideal for families, couples, and small groups. The final stop will be the International Wall, where you will see a variety of different murals in Belfast.
- Walking is a great option if you’re wanting to see the sights of Belfast City Centre.
- It is an experience led by drivers who grew up during the Troubles and have personal knowledge of the areas, murals, and stories we share.
- The airport is located about 20 miles outside of the city but is well connected by the Airport Express 300 bus.
- Guests can explore famous murals, peace walls, historic neighbourhoods, and key landmarks while gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s past and present.
With decades of experience as a black cab tour guide, Hugh offers more than just facts — he offers lived insight into The Troubles, the peace process, and how murals continue to reflect the voices of the communities on both sides of the peace walls. This allows you to book with confidence, knowing your plans can change without risk.How many passengers can you accommodate ? It is an experience led by drivers who grew up during the Troubles and have personal knowledge of the areas, murals, and stories belfast taxi numbers we share. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student of conflict resolution, or a curious traveller, Hugh’s black cab tour offers a rare, respectful, and educational experience.
North Belfast and Shankill
While some local feeder and return marches have a history of sectarian disturbance, in recent years, events have generally passed off without serious incident. The greater part of Belfast’s music scene is accommodated in the city’s pubs and clubs. It has grown from its original August Féile on the Falls Road, to a year-round programme with a broad range of arts events, talks and discussions. The city has a number of community arts, and arts education, centres, among them the Crescent Arts Centre in south Belfast, the Irish-language Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich in west Belfast, The Duncairn in north Belfast and, in the east of the city, EastSide Arts.
Founded in 1951, this is one of Belfast’s top spots for picnics, walking and outdoor events. What better way to get to know Belfast than through its pubs, markets, restaurants and cafes? Were these 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created by an ancient volcanic eruption, or built by the fabled giant Finn MacCool? Even 100 years after this mighty ship sank, its story still captures our imagination – brought to life by Titanic Belfast. Glide around Belfast on a Belfast city bike tour for an exciting and eco-friendly way to see the city’s sights – don’t forget to stop off for some ice-cream at the docks.
Belfast Taxi General Information and Tips
Follow the stained-glass trail all over Belfast to see Game of Thrones® come to life! Explore the real-world Westeros at these iconic filming locations from the hit series. Hop on a bus or train from Belfast and explore some of the island’s most thrilling sights.
Whether it’s a quick city ride or a long-distance journey, our focus on punctuality and passenger comfort remains unmatched. We cover all major airports, hotels, and intercity routes — offering dependable service for business trips, airport transfers, and leisure travel. Our courteous chauffeurs are trained to provide top-tier service, and every vehicle is equipped with modern amenities to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Do not include any personal or financial information, for example National Insurance, credit card, or phone numbers. They can also provide services under contract for the education and health authorities.
You can either take an organised tour or explore the locations yourself, stopping at Castle Ward Estate (Winterfell), The Dark Hedges (Kingsroad) and Cushendun Caves (The Stormlands) and many more. Take in the history of this city with a walking tour, including the iconic Peace Bridge and the fully intact 17th century city walls. Belfast is the perfect base for those looking to explore both the Irish countryside and the infamous Causeway Coast. From the bustling St. George’s Market in Belfast to affordable Michelin star restaurants, Northern Ireland will always excite your taste buds. Let The Black Cab Tour show you the best clubs, pubs, shops and galleries and then head to the west of the city to see the open air gallery of street murals.
Family-Friendly Activities in Belfast
At the end of the Second World War, the Unionist government undertook programmes of "slum clearance" (the Blitz had exposed the "uninhabitable" condition of much of the city’s housing) which involved decanting populations out of mill and factory built red-brick terraces and into new peripheral housing estates. In the greatest loss of life in any air raid outside of London, more than a thousand people were killed. In addition to the shipyards and the Short & Harland aircraft factory, the Belfast Blitz severely damaged or destroyed more than half the city’s housing stock, and devastated the old town centre around High Street.
Inside, you’ll discover the story of the most famous ship in the world, the people who built her, and its ill-fated journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Belfast now boasts three Michelin starred restaurants. Today, it’s full of Belfast’s young and those in the know out for a night of craic and fine food. Sunday includes the lot and even throws in music from local bands. If you’re looking for pointers, check out the multi-award winning Taste & Tour NI.
All of our Murals Tours are private and by local guides providing political and historical background information and local knowledge about the murals and ‘The Troubles’ and conflict in Northern Ireland. On this Belfast black taxi tour passengers discover and experience the world-famous West Belfast murals from the comfort of a London style black taxi or one of our executive vehicle. By joining us at Cab Tours Belfast, you can experience the best black taxi tour Belfast has to offer with a political, historic, and culturally rich tour of Belfast City and beyond.