The best Belfast murals and peace walls
The Belfast murals are renowned worldwide. They’re an open-air gallery that adorns the city’s walls with stories, struggles and solidarity. What began as politically charged graffiti during the height of The Troubles has evolved into a powerful form of expression, transforming the urban landscape into a canvas of memory, pride, and peace.
While there are many brilliant museums in Belfast, you can learn a lot about this city’s incredible history by visiting its walls. They’re more than just street art, they are living history, cultural expression and community storytelling. While many murals reflect the political divisions of Northern Ireland’s past, especially The Troubles, others celebrate local heroes, sports, language, and global solidarity.
From powerful tributes to peace walls transformed into canvases of hope, Belfast’s murals offer a vivid journey through identity, resilience and creativity
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Republican & IRA Murals in Belfast
You can’t explore Belfast’s murals without encountering the vivid storytelling found in republican artwork. These pieces are especially prominent in nationalist areas like the Falls Road and tell the story of resistance, remembrance and a longing for a united Ireland. Many pay tribute to individuals who shaped the republican movement during The Troubles and beyond, making them an essential part of understanding Belfast’s political and cultural landscape.
Bobby Sands Mural
Perhaps the most famous Belfast mural, this tribute to Bobby Sands stands proudly on the side of Sinn Féin’s offices along the Falls Road. Sands was an IRA volunteer and MP who died on hunger strike in 1981 while imprisoned in the Maze. The mural painted in 1998 features his portrait alongside one of his poignant quotes: “Everyone, Republican or otherwise, has their own particular role to play.” It’s a powerful reminder of the human cost of political struggle.
You can easily reach it via our Belfast City Sightseeing bus, just hop off at Falls Road (Stop No. 13 on the Red Route).
Easter Rising Tribute
This mural remembers the 1916 Easter Rising, one of the defining moments in Irish history when Irish republicans took up arms against British rule in Dublin. The mural features scenes of volunteers in uniform and the Irish tricolour, with the words of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. It draws a direct line between past revolutions and Belfast’s contemporary republican identity.
Kieran Nugent and the Blanket Protest
Kieran Nugent became a symbol of resistance when he refused to wear a prison uniform in 1976, stating he was a political prisoner, not a criminal. This act sparked what became known as the Blanket Protest. This Belfast mural captures the raw defiance of that moment and the wider struggle for political status among republican prisoners.
The Clowney Phoenix
Just off the Falls Road on Clowney Street, this mural features a bold image of a phoenix rising from flames, a symbol of rebirth through struggle. It commemorates the resilience of the nationalist community, especially in the wake of the violence of 1969 and the hunger strikes of the early 1980s. Residents often see it as a metaphor for West Belfast itself rising, resisting, and reclaiming identity.
Frederick Douglass
Yes, you read that right, Frederick Douglass, the famed African American abolitionist, is honoured in Belfast too. He visited the city in the 1840s and was warmly received by the local community.
His mural speaks to shared struggles for justice across continents and time, reminding visitors that Belfast’s murals aren’t just about local history—they’re about global solidarity as well.
Building an Ireland of Equals
This powerful and hopeful mural on Oceanic Avenue features portraits of republican figures like Bobby Sands and Winifred Carney (a suffragist and secretary to James Connolly). It imagines a more inclusive Ireland, one that transcends religious and gender divisions. It’s less about conflict and more about vision, community and progress.
Protestant & Loyalist Murals in Belfast
Loyalist murals are a powerful expression of identity, memory, and allegiance within Belfast’s Protestant and unionist communities. Found mainly in areas like the Shankill Road, East Belfast, and Tiger’s Bay, these murals commemorate British heritage, military service, and the defence of Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom.
They often reflect pride in cultural traditions, remembrance of those lost during The Troubles, and a deep-rooted sense of loyalty to the Crown.
Ulster Freedom Corner
Tucked away at the junction of Newtownards Road and Templemore Avenue in East Belfast, Ulster Freedom Corner is one of the most recognisable loyalist mural sites in the city. It features a series of murals dedicated to the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and its youth wing, the Ulster Young Militants.
These murals have stood for over 35 years and include emblems, slogans and imagery of masked figures, symbols of loyalist resistance and identity during the height of The Troubles.
The Red Hand Commando Memorial
On Glenwood Street, just off the Shankill Road, this mural pays tribute to the Red Hand Commando, a small but fiercely loyalist paramilitary group closely aligned with the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).
The mural features portraits of prominent loyalist leaders such as Gusty Spence and David Ervine, alongside the Red Hand of Ulster and quotes about courage, sacrifice and remembrance. It’s both a memorial and a statement of enduring cultural pride.
King William and the Battle of the Boyne
This mural celebrates the 1690 Battle of the Boyne, where Protestant King William of Orange defeated Catholic King James II. The event is a cornerstone of unionist identity and is commemorated annually on the 12th of July.
It depicts King William on horseback, crossing the River Boyne, surrounded by banners and symbols of Protestant heritage. It’s a vivid reminder of the historical roots of loyalist tradition.
Summer of ’69
The mural titled Summer of ’69 recalls the eruption of sectarian violence in Belfast during August 1969, a period widely seen as the beginning of The Troubles.
It reflects the loyalist community’s experience of that summer, when homes were burned, families displaced and tensions exploded across the city. The mural serves as a stark reminder of the fear, loss and upheaval that marked the era.
Protestant Victims Memorial
Located on Derwent Street in East Belfast, this mural is a solemn tribute to Protestant civilians who lost their lives during The Troubles. It features newspaper-style panels listing attacks attributed to the IRA, with poppy symbols and stark messages about justice and remembrance.
The mural challenges narratives of the conflict and honours those who were, in the eyes of the community, innocent victims of political violence.
Tigers Bay Loyalist Symbols
In North Belfast’s Tigers Bay, this mural is a bold declaration of loyalist identity. It features Union Jacks, the Ulster Banner, and references to King Charles III’s coronation.
Biblical verses and the Red Hand of Ulster are also present, reflecting the intertwining of faith, monarchy, and cultural pride. This Belfast mural is a vivid expression of the community’s values and its enduring connection to British heritage.
Peace Walls in Belfast
Back in 1969, as tensions between Catholic and Protestant communities in Belfast boiled over into violence, the first peace walls were hastily erected. They were meant to be temporary, just a short-term measure to keep people safe. But over 50 years later, many of these walls still stand.
Today, they’re not just physical barriers; they’ve become powerful canvases for expression, covered in murals, political messages and calls for peace from around the world.
These walls are found mainly in West and North Belfast, often at “interface areas” where nationalist and unionist communities meet. While some locals still see them as necessary for safety, others view them as relics of a painful past.
Hop off at Stop No. 15 (Belfast Peace Wall) on the City Sightseeing route and take some time to explore this iconic landmark and its surroundings.
Cupar Way
This is the most iconic of all the peace walls. Stretching for hundreds of metres between the Falls Road (a nationalist area) and the Shankill Road (a unionist area), Cupar Way is a towering structure of steel and concrete. But what makes it truly remarkable is the artwork: layers upon layers of graffiti, peace messages, and political murals from visitors and locals alike.
You’ll see everything from calls for unity to tributes to global struggles for justice. It’s raw, emotional, and unforgettable.
Lanark Way Gates
Just around the corner from Cupar Way, the Lanark Way gates are a daily reminder of the city’s divided past. These gates physically close each night, separating the communities on either side. The surrounding walls are covered in murals and signatures, many left by tourists hoping for a more peaceful future.
It’s a surreal experience, walking through a gate that still locks in a modern European city.
Bombay Street Memorial Garden
This small but deeply moving memorial garden marks the site of one of the most traumatic events of 1969. During the early days of The Troubles, loyalist mobs burned down Bombay Street, forcing Catholic families to flee. The garden now features a mural and memorial stones honouring those who lost their homes and lives.
It’s a quiet, reflective space that captures the human cost of the conflict.
Workman Avenue Wall
Tucked away near the Springfield Road, the Workman Avenue wall is less well-known but no less significant. It marks another interface zone and is particularly notable during the marching season, when tensions can still flare.
The murals here often reflect both division and hope; some commemorate past violence, while others call for reconciliation and understanding.
Northumberland Street
This street is one of the few that still connect the Falls and Shankill Roads. It’s lined with murals from both communities, and it’s also home to part of the so-called “International Wall,” which features artwork supporting global causes like Palestinian solidarity and anti-racism.
The murals here change regularly, making it one of the most dynamic and thought-provoking parts of the city.
Clonard/Falls Interface
This area, near Clonard Monastery, is another key interface zone. The murals here often focus on themes of reconciliation, community resilience, and youth empowerment. Many have been painted by local school groups and community organisations, giving voice to a new generation that’s grown up in the shadow of the walls but is looking toward a different future.
Cultural and Social Murals in Belfast – Celebrating Identity and Community
Not all Belfast murals are about politics or conflict. Many are vibrant celebrations of everyday life, local heroes and shared values. These murals reflect the heartbeat of the city, its sports, language, diversity and community spirit.
While some may carry subtle political undertones, most are about pride, identity and belonging. They’re a brilliant way to see how Belfast expresses itself beyond the headlines.
Gaelic Sports Mural
Sport is a huge part of Irish identity, and nowhere is that more visible than in the mural dedicated to Gaelic games. One standout example is the mural for St. Malachy’s GAC, a local club founded in 1936. It features players in action, hurling, Gaelic football, and team huddles—wearing the club’s black and yellow stripes.
Women of Belfast
This Belfast mural is a powerful tribute to the women who’ve shaped Belfast’s past and present. From mothers and carers to activists and political leaders, it honours the often-overlooked contributions of women during The Troubles and beyond.
Some murals depict figures like Winifred Carney, a suffragist and secretary to James Connolly, while others highlight the everyday resilience of women in working-class communities.
These artworks challenge the traditional male-dominated narratives and give women their rightful place in the city’s visual history.
Irish Language Murals
These pieces often feature Irish proverbs, poetry, or slogans like “Labhair an teanga Gaeilge liom” (“Speak the Irish language with me”). They’re not just decorative; they’re statements of cultural pride and resistance, especially in areas where the language was once suppressed.
You’ll find these murals mostly in nationalist neighbourhoods, where they serve as both educational tools and cultural beacons.
Community Pride Murals
These are some of the most colourful and uplifting Belfast murals. They celebrate diversity, inclusion, and unity, often featuring rainbow flags, anti-racism messages and symbols of solidarity.
Whether it’s a mural supporting LGBTQ+ rights or one promoting mental health awareness, these artworks reflect a city that’s evolving and embracing its many identities. They’re often created through community projects, with input from local youth groups, artists, and residents
International Solidarity Murals
Belfast’s murals don’t just speak to local history; they echo global struggles for justice, freedom, and human rights. In areas like the Falls Road and Northumberland Street, you’ll find powerful tributes to international figures and movements that have inspired solidarity among Belfast’s communities.
These murals reflect a deep empathy with others who’ve faced oppression, and they draw striking parallels between Northern Ireland’s own past and the wider world.
Nelson Mandela Mural
This mural on Northumberland Street is one of the most iconic in Belfast. It features Nelson Mandela with his fist raised and the words “Friend of Ireland” beneath. Unveiled in 2013, it draws a direct connection between South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement and the Irish nationalist cause.
Mandela’s legacy of resistance, reconciliation and dignity resonates strongly in Belfast, where his image now symbolises hope and the possibility of peace after conflict.
Palestinian Solidarity Murals
The International Wall on Divis Street has become a focal point for murals supporting Palestine. These artworks often feature Palestinian flags, keffiyehs, and slogans calling for freedom and justice.
In recent years, local artists have collaborated with Palestinian creatives to recreate powerful images from Gaza and the West Bank, some of which couldn’t safely be painted in Palestine itself.
The connection is more than symbolic: many in Belfast’s nationalist communities see their own history reflected in the Palestinian struggle.
Basque Support Murals
Support for Basque independence has long been expressed through murals in West Belfast. The connection between Irish republicans and Basque nationalists dates back decades, with both movements sharing a history of resistance against centralised state power. The murals serve as a visual reminder of that transnational solidarity.
Catalan Support Murals
Often painted alongside the Basque murals, these pieces show support for Catalonia’s push for independence from Spain. They typically feature the Estelada (Catalan independence flag) and messages of unity between Catalan and Irish struggles.
One mural even depicts a handshake between Irish and Catalan activists beneath the slogan “Two nations, one fight”. These murals highlight how Belfast’s walls have become a platform for global voices seeking self-determination.
Contemporary Street Art and Other Non-Political Murals
While Belfast’s political murals often steal the spotlight, the city’s walls are also bursting with colour, creativity and cultural pride. These non-political murals celebrate everything from sporting legends to global TV sensations, and they offer a refreshing look at Belfast’s lighter, more playful side.
George Best Mural
You don’t have to be a football fanatic to appreciate the legacy of George Best. Born and raised in East Belfast, Best became a global icon with Manchester United in the 1960s and was named European Footballer of the Year in 1968.
The mural on the Cregagh Estate, where he grew up, shows him in his Northern Ireland kit, overlooking the very playing fields where he first kicked a ball. It’s a heartfelt tribute to a local lad who became a legend and a reminder that Belfast has always punched above its weight.
Titanic Murals
Belfast built the Titanic, and the city hasn’t forgotten it. Several murals across East Belfast and the Titanic Quarter pay tribute to the ship, the workers who built her, and those who lost their lives in the 1912 tragedy.
One particularly moving mural on Dee Street features the words “We forget them not”, alongside images of the ship and its chief designer, Thomas Andrews. These murals are a proud nod to Belfast’s industrial past and its role in one of the most famous stories in maritime history.
Healthcare Heroes Murals
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Belfast’s artists turned their talents to honouring NHS staff and frontline workers. These murals popped up across the city, from West Belfast to East, often near hospitals like the Royal Victoria and the Mater.
One striking piece on the Falls Road features a nurse in PPE with angel wings, surrounded by messages of hope and gratitude. These murals brought communities together during a dark time—and many still stand as lasting tributes to courage and compassion.
Game of Thrones Mural
Northern Ireland was the backdrop for much of Game of Thrones, and Belfast has fully embraced its role in the fantasy epic. The “Glass of Thrones” trail features six stunning stained-glass windows along the Maritime Mile, each depicting iconic scenes from the show.
But there are also painted murals, including one near the city centre that shows the Iron Throne and fan-favourite characters. Whether you’re Team Stark or rooting for the dragons, it’s a must-see for any Thrones enthusiast.
Belfast’s Walls, Belfast’s Stories
The Belfast murals are so much more than painted walls – they’re windows into history, identity, resilience, and hope. From the political battlegrounds of The Troubles to vibrant celebrations of sport, language, and global solidarity, each mural tells a story that’s both local and universal.
Best of all, visiting the murals is an experience for everyone. Whether you’re in Belfast with kids, or simply a curious traveller, you can enjoy the colour, creativity, and storytelling woven across Belfast’s streets. It’s a journey that entertains, educates, and inspires – making the Belfast murals a must-see for anyone exploring this remarkable city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Republican murals are typically found in Catholic/nationalist areas and support Irish unity, often referencing the IRA and historical uprisings. Loyalist murals, found in Protestant/unionist areas, celebrate British identity and commemorate loyalist paramilitary groups and British military history.
No. While they reflect a turbulent past, the murals are now part of Belfast’s cultural landscape. Most areas are safe to visit during the day, especially on guided tours.
The City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is one of the best ways to explore the murals comfortably. It stops at major mural locations and lets you explore at your own pace.