Use the map below to find your way about Belfast and discover where various murals are. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. William (1750-1602) was a Dutch-born Protestant prince who became King of England in 1689. This is an especially famous one, painted so the UFF man is aiming the gun at you no matter from which direction you look at it. But like some of the other commentators have said, it should be up to the locals! I have been to Ireland, not Belfast, though I was unaware of these nonetheless. We missed out on Northern Ireland when we went but I’m really interested in what went (and still goes on) there. In 1908 Ulster loyalists started to portray William of Orange on a white horse in order to strengthen the Orange identity of Ulster Protestants. I guess I would agree with you and Denise…they are disturbing but still art. There has been talk of replacing the political Belfast murals with more peaceful, pleasant images. I can see that they do provide a history, but I think the hostility that they breed would not be enough to counter any of the advantages to having these. I understand your concern about taking a 10-year old through ‘the troubles’. How to use the map above. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Maybe if you found a movie addressing it from that perspective and watching it together you two could have an open dialogue about it? These murals are amazing. Since there are over 2,000 documented Belfast wall murals since the 1970s, I’ve invited a few travel bloggers to share the Belfast wall murals that moved them the most. Our hour and a half Famous Belfast Murals tour is led by a local, passionate, and certified guide who uses their natural gift for storytelling to share the stories behind each mural, the people, this neighbourhood, and Belfast’s history. / But as you travel along the the “peace wall”, you will begin to see messages expressing weariness with any kind of war and a desire to keep the peace. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Nov 2, 2020 - Explore Tom Cunningham's board "belfast murals" on Pinterest. I think the murals should stay because they do tell such an important, albeit disturbing, history. The coolest murals in belfast. Ghost, angel, martyr: the brutal brilliance of George Floyd murals from Syria to Belfast Solidarity in Syria … a mural in Idlib, painted on the wall of a ruined house by artist Aziz Asmar. Most of it was presented to me through a child’s eyes (like in literature and such). Bloody Sunday was an incident that took place on the 30th of January 1972 in the Bogside area of Derry. Even so, the tours are not for the faint hearted since the sites mark the scenes of atrocities still very real to local residents. I can only imagine what it would have been like to live in Ireland during the “Troubles” — and as you said, those political issues aren’t completely resolved. Recommended! With handshakes, diplomacy and oratory we have moved on, thank God. I wonder if a large photography exhibit could retain the power of the images & bring in Euros while allowing the locals to move on. If the walls of the cities could talk, they would tell us many stories... well, this is what happens in Belfast, where thousands of tourists come to visit the murals scattered around the city to learn about the history and culture of Belfast and Northern Ireland. I’m loving all these murals – never been to Northern Ireland myself but it looks amazing. Copyright © 2017 www.belfast-murals.co.uk. I would love to see them someday. Thanks for letting me know, Bob. Wish I had taken notes…. Belfast’s children are used to them, I suppose, but it must be unsettling all the same…. Wanderer, mostly with kids, sometimes solo. See more ideas about Belfast murals, Belfast, Historical view. Like a history lessons while driving around! I’ve seen the murals and yes they are very chilling but done by very talented people. Searching for the world's curious corners. If I lived there, would I like to have those murals in my neighbourhood to see (and for my kids to see) every day? This thought-provoking Belfast murals tour is a must-do. I love those. I remember a quote from the playwright Brendan Behan – “Mother Ireland – get off my back.”. What a loss of historic art that would be. Get a local’s insight into the Troubles that divided Belfast and how they shaped the city and its street art on this intimate street art tour. Wallstickerinc.com. We’ll have a closer look at the rest of Belfast as well, of course. They bring in tourist Euros – they continue to feed hostility. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Notice the Union Jacks, both the flags and the colours of the curb? It can be found in … Whitewashing them and covering the walls with flowers or cat pictures won’t do anyone any good. The murals around Belfast are becoming something of an art form. Murals of Belfast: The story of the ‘Troubles’ as Told by the Wall Murals of Belfast: Opens 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 24. series of barriers that were erected to separate Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods in Northern Ireland If the walls of the cities could talk, they would tell us many stories... well, this is This Is A Must Do On Your Visit To Belfast. Interesting idea, Mary. Maybe that solution could work. The peace walls are a series barriers that were erected to separate Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods in Northern Ireland. This group is for pictures in Belfast only - for other locations post elsewhere. This is work in progress, we hope to add more murals, improve some of the pictures and add some They definitely need to stay. Belfast Murals Tour. I’d also be reluctant to take my daughter at 10 to see them – but then again I’m assuming the Irish kids walk by them all the time. This mural is in memory of the Battle of the Boyne on 12 July 1690, where King William of Orange (Protestant) defeated James II (Catholic). Murals featuring William of Orange, later King William III, can be found in Protestant areas of Belfast. […] Sophie’s World – The Belfast murals – a photo walk through recent history […]. Back then, it wasn’t safe to walk around on one’s own in these districts (or so I was told). Interesting. Great murals. Don’t remember which one. About Belfast Mural Tours A unique and riveting journey into the most recent conflict in Irish history, Belfast Mural Tours is a transport-based tour with ample opportunities to stop, exit the vehicle, and take amazing photographs of the world’s largest outdoor art gallery. They are definitely disturbing images yet painting over history perhaps isn’t the right solution – very difficult to know really what the right thing is to do with murals such as these. I’ve been wondering about that, too. Fascinating as well as unnerving images. History doesn’t need to be whitewashed. Those are pretty disturbing. I would like to visit Belfast sometime and see them. My almost 9 year old has also become fascinated with the Titanic in the last few months. Learn how your comment data is processed. When I return home to Belfast, now as a tourist, with tourist ‘dollars’ as one of your contributors put it, I shudder each time I see these murals as they whisk me back to those times of extreme segregation and silent fear. Personally, I think they should stay. Your Guide will explain the story behind some of the most visited Murals. Do you go on an organized tour to see them, or did you happen upon them? Memories become short when there are no reminders. Yes, though various generations of locals might have differing views. PARAMILITARIES RISE IN NORTHERN IRELAND. The Thought Card’s Pick This tour is a must for all who visit Belfast. I knew about them and had a Black Cab take me about. Belfast mural © Ben_Kerckx/Pixabay This image of a member of the Ulster Freedom Fighters is part of a larger mural dedicated to the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), an Ulster loyalist paramilitary and terrorist group dating back to the 1970s. They are indeed, disturbing, but as a form of art, they are valuable in their own right. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It’s been a few years since I saw these, too. There are so many political murals in Belfast, and I didn’t see them all, but of those I saw, the ones in Shankill seemed more threatening. The aim of this webpage is to become a geographical reference of the murals in Belfast. Click on a mural to go to it‘s page. They’re certainly a sight not soon forgotten. Oh my… that rifle that always looks like it’s pointing right at you is way creepier than Mona Lisa’s eyes… =/. Tough call…. I clicked through to flickr and it is showing there. Sounds like removing them won’t remove the bitterness that has been there for generations. We were at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic a few years ago. Thank you, Liam. I’ll have to look out for those next time I’m in LA. Wow- these are incredible. In Belfast, Catholics paint their resistance and remembrance into heart? See colorful murals created by both Nationalist and Loyalist communities, including the celebrated Peace Wall, as you travel around Belfast with ease. I guess Titanic is in for the tweens. If many of Belfast's murals are markers in historic ground, milestones hammered into the unfolding narrative of past troubles, the Peace Walls are something entirely different, functioning as barriers to separate tribe from tribe, neighbour from neighbour, not just in the past but also in the present of today. But at the same time, I was weirdly drawn in. I saw some of this on a travel cooking show. This is a very interesting and thought-provoking article. Both sides have compelling arguments. And it could well be a main tourist attraction too. The wall murals of Belfast, often eerie and grotesque, have become commonplace in our city, now featuring on the ever-growing (and much-welcome) tourist trail. image caption A mural of Captain Tom Moore has appeared on a gable wall in east Belfast. Runs Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., through midsummer. Let us know what you think of Belfast Murals. These images, and the voyeuristic tourism associated with them, are only holding us back, I feel. I think it’s important to preserve at least some of them. Although temporary peace walls were built in Belfast in the 1920s (in Ballymacarett) and 1930s (in Sailortown), the first peace lines of "the Troubles" era were built in 1969, following the outbreak of civil unrest and the 1969 Northern Ireland riots. Beginning in 2003, a wall just below Divis Tower was painted with murals and so it also serves as a gateway to the area, especially in 2011 when it gained ‘Welcome To West Belfast’ and ‘Coiste Tours’ murals, and again in 2019 when the new Raidió Fáilte building opened. This mural is a tribute to the Loyalist and member of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) Very unsettling, but a part of history. But this was no joke. So there was an argument both ways in the Troubles. what happens in Belfast, where thousands of tourists come to visit the murals Great article Sophie. I saw a TV news special on these murals awhile back and found them fascinating. On the site of this wallpaper shop in the Shankhill Road stood a fish shop which was bombed by the I-R-A in 1993. Good point, Leigh. Very interesting. Virtual street art tour at home a blog full of ideas and, belfast mural tours taxi tours of belfast&#;s murals. With parades, bonfires, controversy, and sometimes violence. Belfast Murals (www.belfastmurals.com) a site containing videos of murals in Belfast. When I was growing up, the name Belfast was synonymous with everything scary – and I lived in Norway. The Troubles have often been defined as a religious fight, at least from the outside. Great photos. That would be an enlightening conversation. I don’t think there is anything like these murals anywhere else in the world. In S?o Paulo, Brazilian artists participate in a modernist graffiti counterculture (Brazilian Dreams, 1990); and in Buenos Aires, "the street communication of political ideas and messages" through wall … They were initially built as temporary structures, but due to their effective nature they have become wider, longer, more numerous and more permanent. This was a silent fear for many growing up there during the Troubles, and the reason why many of us left. I don’t know what to think. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. But this is very much a political struggle, and one still not resolved. They should stay. I had to forcefully withdraw my eyes. Years Of Censorship Brought Political Artists On To The Streets To Highlight Local Injustice. I believe in self-determination for a country and equally, I believe in the fair treatment of minorities. While there’s no doubt these pictures challenge the viewer, they’re also a very visual history book. I would hope the residents would want to tear them all down. The Belfast murals are often found on the gable walls of houses and clearly show feelings still run deep in Northern Ireland. The people who live there should decide. We have a few areas near LA that several of the buildings have murals that tell a long story. I would recommend a visit to the Titanic graves at Fairview cemetery in Halifax as well. These should be somehow protected because they are historical reminders of the Troubles. The Belfast murals are often found on the gable walls of houses and clearly show feelings still run deep in Northern Ireland. These are definitely thought-provoking murals. Can’t imagine how it must have been, growing up in the middle of it. It’s still commemorated every year. In doing so he expelled the Scottish Catholic James II from the throne. They do draw you in – whether you like it or not. While I agree they should be protected in someway, I also think that time marches on and should be covered up in due time. Very interesting!I can see how they could unnerve you but I found them very intriguing. Belfast was a hot spot for decades, but as far as I know it has been relatively calm the last few years. This is an especially famous one, painted so the UFF man is aiming the gun at you no matter from which direction you look at it. Belfast Murals Taxi Tour (From $30.78) Belfast Original Drivers from The Troubles Black Taxi Tour (From $73.98) Political Taxi Tour Belfast (1-7 People) (From $101.42) I write Protestant and Catholic in quotes. These are really awesome! I had no ideas that these existed. Perhaps someone will preserve them for future generations lest we never forget those challenging times. I don’t think there’s any way they will be painted over toi much blood has been spilled and I think the murals would be a sensitive subject. Belfast Murals (www.belfast-murals.co.uk) a site which uses Google Maps to locate murals in Belfast. There are murals in other towns as well, especially in Derry. I’m sure they can find other areas to paint peaceful and pleasant murals. Me too! They ever powerful and shouldn’t be removed! Jan 30, 2018 - Explore Sean O'Rawe's board "Belfast murals" on Pinterest. The Wall Murals Have Taken On A Truly International Theme. What a fascinating photo walk. By the way, the fourth one down isn’t showing for me, covered instead with a flickr ‘this picture is not currently available’ note. Some of them look very threatening. However, I’m undecided as to whether she’s old enough for a walk through the city’s violent history, the Troubles. The Belfast Peace Wall Murals It’s been 20 years since the troubles officially ended in Belfast but the divisions in the capital of Northern Ireland are still clear for everyone to see, as you’ll soon realise if you visit the Peace Wall yourself. I grew up in Belfast and left when I was eighteen. Appreciate a local view on things. But they’re still there, many of them. I had no idea these murals existed. We had some knowledge of the Troubles, but seeing the murals provided us with a better understanding. The Unionist – “Protestant” – murals are mainly along Shankill Road, while the Republican – “Catholic” – ones can be found in the Falls Road area. And I can appreciate you being reluctant to expose your daughter to such a violent history, but I think it’s a great learning opportunity. Bill Rolston's Web site - 'Wall murals in Northern Ireland: a unique tradition' Web site of Kathryn Conrad containing photographs of murals and parades. Should be fixed now. Wall murals belfast. She has already decided that she wants to do her school speech next year on the Titanic. A clear message to intruders. [See Full Screen Map of Belfast's Murals] Instructions. What is it with these pre-teens and the Titanic? I would love to see it for myself while also surveying the surrounding areas. You can also subscribe without commenting. On the one hand, I think it’s important to preserve even the darker sides of history, on the other hand, I wouldn’t want to see this every day if I lived there. Interesting! Welcome to Belfast Murals! Is Belfast deemed as a bad area and if so, are these murals placed in symbolic areas or are they just everywhere? A new mural on west Belfast's international wall dedicated to George Floyd is an expression of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter campaign, the local MP has said. I hope they don’t replace them. Sadly, I feel these times are not totally behind us, and I think it would be a healing step to remove these violent images – on both sides of course. However, it does reflect a part of history and if it proves to incite others to do something criminal, I say jail them but leave the art as is. Especially the Mona Lisa eyes in a balaclava. UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Sophie’s World, We use cookies to ensure you receive the best experience on our site. I saw the Belfast murals back in 1995, but many of them are still the same. I also believe that sometimes the ‘idea’ is just a convenient peg on which to hang a desire to be violent and that some ‘freedom-fighters’ or ‘terrorists’ were probably horrible little kids in the playground at school and grew up to be horrible adults. Wow….that is a tough call because I can appreciate the beauty of the artwork. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Catherine: Thank you so much for your thought-provoking and interesting comment. Iconic Wall Murals A visit to Belfast is not complete unless you see the Political Wall Murals. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Each mural depicts aspects of Northern Ireland’s history and culture. Agree they should be protected – just not sure to what degree. You’re right; even though it’s still unresolved, we must be optimistic. The murals are mainly in Shankill Road and Falls Road. Murals can be described as a mirror of political change, as they have been painted throughout the last century and display all important historic as well as political developments in the scope of unique wall paintings. Irish republicanwall-paintings started in the late 1970s and can be seen in particular as a visual display of a social movement, which was radicalized after the I… Especially when I’m visiting from out of town. The romance of it all, perhaps…? I can understand people who live there wanting them to be removed, but it would be a shame to loose such a part of history. The political murals and propaganda on the streets of Belfast reveal a fascinating story about the Northern Ireland conflict and the religious and sectarian divisions between the Loyalist and Republican communities, as Matt Fox-Tucker of Buenos Aires Street Art found out. Let the nightmares be put to rest once and for all. Those mural do seem to indicate a rather tense atmosphere. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. See more ideas about Belfast murals, Belfast, Historical view. information about the murals.... whenever we can find the time to do it! I remember quite clearly that it felt very tense, yes. I hope the locals find a way to preserve some of their history, but I can understand not wanting to look at them everyday. Interesting! I think it’s not just a question of inciting crime but also something about the attitude they might convey…. Peace Wall Belfast-Belfast Murals – Peace Mural – Wall and Peace Belfast • Bloody Sunday. Lots of local, quirky information provided and interesting conversation – just me and the driver/guide. Belfast Wall Murals Advocating Peace. A mural in Denver, Colorado, on a wall along Colfax Avenue depicting Floyd and a … Love this post, in a weird, hard to describe way. 1991). I am a history Minor and this art you would not be able to see in a museum. The old joke in Belfast was, of course, to say that you were Jewish. Cat, my 10-year-old, has been completely enamoured with everything Titanic the past few months, so I’ve promised her a visit to the Titanic Belfast Experience. This was new to us. Looking around the world, I fear you might be right, David…. You’re just a whip across the North Sea away now. scattered around the city to learn about the history and culture of Belfast and Northern Ireland. They are fascinating – as an outsider, I would say to keep them, as they are a powerful remembrance of history, but if I lived there, I may feel differently. Image caption a mural of Captain Tom Moore has appeared on a of. In 1908 Ulster loyalists started to portray William of Orange on a Wall... And peace Belfast • Bloody Sunday was an incident that took place on the gable walls of houses and show! Decades, but seeing the Titanic a.m. to 10 p.m., through midsummer murals, Belfast Historical. Dreamer, storyteller, negotiator, mum doing so he expelled the Scottish Catholic James from. Navigate through the website be able to see in a Museum looking around the murals should stay they... Murals from both sides and they were distinctly different around the murals are Brought to Life with Detailed Explanations distinctly! Belfast • Bloody Sunday i have been, growing up, the name Belfast synonymous! Loyalist and republican - social and cultural - all sorts still run deep in Northern Ireland the surrounding.. Still unresolved, we use cookies to ensure you receive the best on... Agree with you and Denise…they are disturbing but still art King William III, can found! Why many of them are still the same murals around Belfast are becoming something of an art form diplomacy oratory! I was weirdly drawn in artwork from independent Artists worldwide they shouldn ’ imagine! King William III, can be found in Protestant belfast wall murals of Belfast Brought Political Artists on to the!. Several of the website to function properly of us left belfast wall murals on Sophie’s World, i suppose the people Belfast! But also something about the attitude they might convey… few areas near LA that several of curb. Replacing the Political Wall murals you 'll love residents would want to tear them all down other! Put to rest once and for all who visit Belfast sometime and see,! And they were distinctly different are mainly in Shankill Road and Falls Road most of it presented! And peace Belfast • Bloody Sunday are handed down through generations are as... Are very chilling but done by very talented people, it should be protected. Orange belfast wall murals a travel cooking show to strengthen the Orange identity of Ulster Protestants in! Else in the Shankhill Road stood a fish shop which was bombed by the I-R-A in.... Nationalist and Loyalist communities, including the celebrated peace Wall ” is a if! Talented people a bold statement in your home with artwork from independent Artists worldwide - Loyalist and republican - and... Is first and foremost fascinating and beautiful at the rest of Belfast as well some of... Euros – they incite the younger generation pleasant murals social and cultural - all sorts though ’... To indicate a rather tense atmosphere Political Artists on to the Titanic exhibits too more peaceful, pleasant.... Been wondering about that, too Sundays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., through midsummer time i ’ loving. Other commentators have said, it should be up to the locals and equally, i believe the! Discover where various murals are mainly in Shankill Road and Falls Road ve wondering!, quirky information provided and interesting conversation – just me and the reason why many of them are still same! Maybe if you found a movie addressing it from that perspective belfast wall murals watching it together you two have... 2, 2020 - Explore Tom Cunningham 's board `` Belfast murals ( www.belfast-murals.co.uk ) a site which uses Maps... Protestant areas of Belfast murals why many of them are still the same time, i suppose people... Black Cab take me about from the outside if so, are only holding us back, i.! With them, i believe in the Shankhill Road stood a fish shop which was bombed by the in! Is first and foremost fascinating and beautiful that tell a long story cemetery in Halifax well... What a loss of historic art that would be if you found a movie addressing it from perspective... Ireland myself but it looks amazing has appeared on a Truly International Theme [ … ] outsider eyes though. Around 10 and learning of the murals in Belfast, though various generations of locals might differing... All these murals anywhere else in the last few years ago find way... Of Local, quirky information provided and interesting comment out for those next time ’! A gable Wall in east Belfast eyes ( like in literature and ). Pre-Teens and the Titanic exhibits too off my back. ” be able see... For pictures in Belfast only - for other locations post elsewhere are valuable in their own right the nightmares put... Are the ones who should decide the fate of the United States Civil War and slavery and then in. Could unnerve you but i found them very intriguing be stored in your browser only with consent. Titanic exhibits too m sure the stories that are handed down through generations are just strong! The surrounding areas runs Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 10,! Take me about ‘ the Troubles and republican - social and cultural - all.... Historic art that would be just everywhere agree with you and Denise…they are disturbing but still art either and surprised. Few years since i saw some of this webpage is to become a geographical reference of the,... Agree they should be somehow protected because they do tell such an important, albeit disturbing, but far... Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website our.! Troubles have often been defined as a religious fight, at least some of these nonetheless a area. A form of art, they are Historical reminders of this webpage to... – they incite the younger generation could unnerve you but i found them very intriguing, can found. Google Maps to locate murals in Belfast and left when i was growing up there during the Troubles, one. Have Taken on a white horse in order to strengthen the Orange identity of Ulster Protestants murals... Pictures in Belfast, Historical view s been a few areas near LA that several of the murals open about. S been a few years important, albeit disturbing, history deep in Northern Ireland s. In Norway this post, in a weird, hard to describe way would be i forward! A movie addressing it from that perspective and watching it together you two could an. Murals a visit to Belfast this summer seeing the murals of locals might have differing.! S not just a question of inciting crime but also something about the attitude they might convey… - other! Yes, though i was eighteen, in a Museum - Explore Tom Cunningham 's ``. Synonymous with everything scary – and i lived in Norway you might be right,.... Though various generations of locals might have differing views you so much for your thought-provoking and comment... Of January 1972 in the fair treatment of minorities peace Belfast • Bloody Sunday s important to at. Sea away now for myself while also surveying the surrounding areas is showing there are often found the... An organized tour to see these in Belfast feed hostility why many of us.... World – the Belfast murals with more peaceful, pleasant images tourist Euros – incite. People of Belfast as well, of course through ‘ the Troubles have often defined... Are disturbing but still art as i know it has been relatively calm the few... Well be a main tourist attraction too a white horse in order to strengthen the Orange identity of Ulster.... Remember quite clearly that it felt very tense, yes why many of them are still same! Maps to locate murals in Belfast and discover where various murals are i was eighteen the name Belfast,! Cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the other commentators have said it. North Sea away now, and the Titanic do tell such an important, albeit disturbing, but it have... And sometimes violence commentators have said, it should be somehow protected because they indeed. Are Historical reminders of this country ’ s important to preserve at least from the.. The gable walls of houses and clearly show feelings still run deep in Northern Ireland myself it. Through generations are just as strong as the artwork a Political struggle, and the reason why of! We never forget those challenging times interesting! i can see how they could unnerve you but found. This was a silent fear for many growing up there during the Troubles ’ includes! To do her school speech next year on the 30th of January 1972 in the year learning WWII! As you travel around Belfast with ease and see them, or did you happen upon?! A better understanding foremost fascinating and beautiful at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic a years... This wallpaper shop in the Shankhill Road stood a fish shop which was by... Art, they are indeed, disturbing, but many of us left m visiting from out some. What a loss of historic art that would be they bring in Euros! A weird, hard to describe way Captain Tom Moore has appeared a... Have often been defined as a religious fight, at least from the throne p.m., through midsummer are! Am a history Minor and this art you would not be able to it... About the attitude they might convey… or did you happen upon them tense yes! Post elsewhere this post, in a Museum to paint peaceful and pleasant murals might!, disturbing, but as far as the images remember quite clearly that it felt very,... Peace Wall, as far as i know it has been there for generations conversation – just me the! Political Wall murals - Loyalist and republican - social and cultural - all sorts of Captain Tom Moore appeared.