The Troubles

In Belfast, Black Cab Tours are political tours that give insight into Northern Ireland's troubled past. Mostly you visit murals and memorials, representing both sides of the conflict. Troubles is the term used to describe the conflict between Republicans (Nationalists, mostly Catholic) and Loyalists (Unionists, mostly Protestants) that lasted from the 1960s until 1998 when the Good Friday Agreement was signed.  

Our cab driver and tour guide

Shankill Road had a significant role in the Troubles.

Mural commemorating Stevie McKeag (loyalist)

Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden

Celtic cross

Civilians killed by Loyalists and British forces

Rubber bullet used by the British Army

Killings by the IRA/Sinn-Fein

Attack on Protestants

Shankill/Falls Peace Line

Peace Wall

Our names on the Peace Wall

Women's Quilt

Tributes to the Queen

Bobby Sands Mural

The stories behind the murals and memorials were interesting. We had a good cab driver. It was hard to determine his loyalties. He gave us an unbiased tour. One of the places he took us was the Peace Wall (or Line). The Peace Walls are barriers that separate Catholics from Protestants. We were surprised to learn that they still exist. Not only that, but the gates are closed every night. Lara and I both signed the wall, supposedly near where Bill Clinton signed it.  Bill Clinton helped broker the Good Friday Agreement and is well-regarded in Northern Island (his successor not so much, nor Tony Blair).

The troubles aren't completely gone.