Discover Ireland’s Rich History Through a Tour of Belfast’s 20 Iconic Murals

Are you looking for a way to reach your 10,000-step goal for a day? Then, lace up your walking shoes and go on a Belfast mural tour. 

With this, you’ll be hitting two birds with one stone. As you wander the streets, you’ll be treated to a visual feast of vibrant, thought-provoking murals that tell the story of Ireland’s past.

In this article, we’ll explore the world of Belfast’s iconic murals and provide the insights you need to make the most of your mural-filled adventure in Belfast. So, let’s get started on this artistic adventure, shall we?

1. The Bobby Sands Tribute

Address: 49 Falls Rd, Belfast BT12 6AB, United Kingdom

The Bobby Sands Tribute mural depicts a smiling portrait of Bobby Sands, an IRA volunteer who died on hunger strike in 1981 while imprisoned by the British government.

The mural is considered one of the most famous in Belfast. It is a powerful symbol of the Irish republican struggle and Sands’ legacy as a political martyr.

2. James Connolly

Address: Clondara Street, Belfast

The James Connolly mural depicts the Irish republican socialist leader seated on a bench surrounded by books and newspapers, with one of his famous quotes displayed.

This mural pays tribute to Connolly’s role in the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule in Ireland. Beyond murals of hunger strikers, the Falls Road hosts an array of art pieces depicting historical figures like Connolly and Nelson Mandela.

3. Frederick Douglass

Address: Northumberland Street, Belfast BT13 2JQ, Northern Ireland

The Frederick Douglass mural honors not only Douglass but also other champions of human rights, such as Daniel O’Connell, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, and Congressman John Lewis.

The mural depicts Douglass at different stages of his life and other important figures in the global struggle for civil rights and freedom. It represents the connections between African-American and Irish Catholic experiences under oppressive rule.

4. Building an Ireland of Equals

Address: 2 Oceanic Avenue, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT15 2HT

The “Building an Ireland of Equals” mural depicts portraits of prominent Irish republican figures like Bobby Sands, Wolfe Tone, and suffragist Winifred Carney, set against the backdrop of the Cave Hill section of Belfast.

This mural is part of a larger collection of republican murals in the Falls Road area that express support for global causes like Palestinian liberation and Basque freedom. It serves as a visual representation of the republican community’s values and aspirations.

5. Red Hand Commando Memorial

Address: Shankhill Road, Belfast, Ireland

The Red Hand Commando Memorial Mural depicts three prominent loyalist politicians and serves as a memorial to the Red Hand Commando paramilitary group.

This mural is hard to miss and is considered one of the most significant loyalist murals in the city. When visiting, reflect on the complex history and ongoing tensions these murals represent in Northern Ireland.

6. Nelson Mandela

Address: Northumberland Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland

The Nelson Mandela mural expresses solidarity between Irish Republicans and the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. It features a quote from Mandela: “In my country, we go to prison first and then become President.”

This mural draws parallels between the Nationalist cause in Northern Ireland and the fight against apartheid, highlighting the interconnectedness of global struggles for freedom and justice. 

7. Gaelic Sports

Address: Brighton Street, Belfast, Ireland

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) mural is located on Hawthorn Street, part of the Falls Road murals in Belfast. It depicts Ireland’s largest sporting organization and its significance in the nationalist community.

The mural showcases contemporary and non-Gaelic sports, highlighting the GAA’s role in promoting Irish culture and identity. It serves as a visual representation of the nationalist community’s pride in their heritage and the unifying power of sports.

8. Easter Rising Memorial

Address: Beechmount Avenue in Belfast, Northern Ireland

The Easter Rising Memorial mural is located on the Falls Road in West Belfast. It depicts scenes from the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, an armed insurrection against British rule in Ireland.

The mural is a focal point for the annual Easter Rising commemoration parade in West Belfast. Thousands gather at the mural and Milltown Cemetery to honor those who fought and died for Irish independence.

9. The Dublin Rising

Address: Berwick Road in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The Dublin Rising mural depicts a dramatic black-and-white scene from inside the General Post Office in Dublin, set against the colors of the Irish flag draped behind the scene.

The mural is a powerful reminder of the Irish republican struggle for independence from British rule. It is one of the more prominent Republican murals in Belfast, reflecting the city’s deep political divisions.

10. Clowney Phoenix

Address: Clowney Street in the Falls area of Belfast

The Clowney Phoenix mural, dating back to 1989, is one of the oldest Republican murals in the city. It depicts a rising phoenix surrounded by the emblems of the four ancient provinces of Ireland: Ulster, Connacht, Munster, and Leinster.

The mural represents the resilience and rebirth of the Republican cause, with the phoenix symbolizing the ability to rise from the ashes of conflict. It is considered one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of Belfast’s political street art.

11. Kieran Nugent

Address: Rockville Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland

The Kieran Nugent mural depicts Kieran “Header” Nugent, a volunteer in the Provisional Irish Republican Army known for refusing to wear a prison uniform during the 1981 Irish hunger strike. The mural is on Falls Road, a prominent republican area in Belfast.

Nugent was the first blanket man, initiating the blanket protest against the removal of special category status for paramilitary prisoners. The mural serves as a memorial to Nugent and the republican struggle during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

12. Usual Suspects

Address: Springfield Road, Belfast, Ireland

The Protestant Victims mural depicts a row of 7 newspaper clippings discussing Protestant victims of The Troubles. This mural is a solemn reminder of the suffering experienced by the Protestant community during this tumultuous period in history.

The use of newspaper clippings as the central visual element sets this mural apart from many others in Belfast. The stark black-and-white design, combined with the sad subject matter, creates a powerful and thought-provoking piece of art.

13. Ulster Freedom Corner

Address: Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1QJ, UK

The Ulster Freedom Corner is a landmark location in East Belfast, featuring a collection of prominent loyalist murals. The mural at the center depicts Ulster’s red hand, backed by various flags, symbolizing the loyalist community’s claim to the region. 

This mural is surrounded by many other murals on Newtownards Road, creating an impactful visual display of loyalist culture and history. It provides a window into the perspectives and narratives of the loyalist community during the Troubles.

14. Summer of 69

Address: Hopewell Crescent off the Belfast Crumlin Road in the Protestant Shankill area of Belfast

The “Summer of 69” mural depicts two children no longer able to play outside due to the violence surrounding them, with an ironic reference to the Bryan Adams song of the same name.

This mural is often described as representing the year The Troubles began in Northern Ireland. It serves as a poignant reminder of the conflict’s impact on ordinary citizens’ lives, particularly children.

15. Untold Story

Address: Canada Street in Belfast, Ireland

The Untold Story mural recounts an event that took place during August 1971. The mural depicts Protestants fleeing their homes as the IRA launched an attack on Protestant communities throughout Belfast during this time.

This mural provides a perspective on the experiences of the Protestant community during The Troubles that is not as widely known. It serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflict in Northern Ireland.

16. Lest We Forget

Address: Killarney Close, Belfast

The “Lest We Forget” mural is a tribute to those who fell at the Battle of the Somme during World War I. It depicts a row of seven newspaper clippings discussing Protestant victims of The Troubles.

The mural is part of a memorial garden and serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the Protestant community. It stands as a testament to the lasting impact of the violence that plagued Northern Ireland for decades.

17. Tigers Bay

Address: Edlingham Street, Belfast

Tigers Bay is a small, working-class neighborhood in north Belfast known for its strong community bonds and rich cultural traditions. It depicts marching band members and highlights their significance in the local community. 

Pride of the Shore, a recent play, features compelling stories from Tigers Bay and surrounding areas, showcasing the neighborhood’s unique history and character.

18. Ulster History

Address: Thorndyke Street in Belfast, Ireland

The Ulster History mural is an impressive 40-foot-long recounting of Ulster’s history from a Loyalist perspective. This mural provides a detailed visual timeline of key events and figures that are significant to the Unionist community in Northern Ireland.

The mural covers various topics, from the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century to the modern-day Troubles. It powerfully represents Loyalist identity and the community’s interpretation of its history.

19. King William

Address: Tavanagh Street in Belfast 

The King William mural is one of Belfast’s most iconic Loyalist murals. It demonstrates the Protestant community’s historical roots and continual quest for identity and recognition in the region.

It vividly depicts King William III, also known as William of Orange, who defeated the Catholic King James II in the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Unionist communities in Northern Ireland commemorate this pivotal event annually. 

20. Protestant Victims

Address: Derwent St, Belfast, Ireland

The “Protestant Victims” mural depicts a row of seven newspaper clippings discussing Protestant victims of The Troubles. This mural is part of the Loyalist murals in Belfast, which reflect the history and culture of the Protestant and Unionist communities. 

This mural is unique because it focuses on the Protestant victims of the conflict, a significant aspect of the Loyalist narrative. This mural is a testament to the community’s resilience and remembers those affected by the violence.