we wondered if it is ok to do a drive around the Falls Road, Shankhill Road and Cupar Way areas of Belfast as we will not have long in Belfast, and we will not be able to do a tour. Can we see enough from a vehicle, is it safe (presumably yes these days) is it easy to stop and take photos? Anyone who has done this, your feedback would be much appreciated - we leave in mid May. thanks
Posted by
317 posts
Greetings,
Ive driven this route in a private car and yes - it's safe.
As an American tourist its extra safe, no one is going to drag you down a dark alley, interrogate you and shoot you, which was sadly a weekly occurrence in these street less than 30 years ago. But even then American tourists were generally safe.
You'll miss out on lots of great info and little insights by not having a guide or local expert with you, but yes you can stop and take photos, there'll be hundreds of other tourists at most of the main mural stops.
Try and stick to the main thoroughfares and you'll be fine and won't get lost, beyond these its a rabbit-warren of streets.
My professional advice though, would be to park near city hall, have a black taxi meet you, pay him the £30-45 or so fee for an hour drive along the 3 areas you just mentioned. You'll see everything and be back at your car in an hour.
I once through Compton in a rental car, but learned nothing from it because i had no local with me to give me the insight and knowledge that I was sought, and I also stood out like a sore thumb. Next time, I'll recruit a local to take me. I recommended you do the same in Belfast.
Kindest regards from Ireland
Stephen McPhilemy
Rick Steves Ireland tour-guide
Derry, Dingle and Dublin
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Concur with Stephen. Driving it yourself would make for a very nerve-wracking experience...because of traffic congestion on the busy streets, not from any concerns about safety. You'd be so busy concentrating on traffic that you wouldn't be able to take in the murals, and without a guide or driver to provide context, and a bit of back story to what you're seeing, it wouldn't be worth it.
The Black Cab tour is definitely the way to go.
Posted by
Atlanta
5196 posts
Re: "...not have long in Belfast, ...not be able to do a tour". We've been there and believe me, if you have time to drive it yourself, you have time for an hour or hour and a half tour. That will be much better since you will not have to concentrate on traffic and navigating and trying to see places & things all at the same time. In addition, the driver / guides are very knowledgeable and their information is priceless. Strongly suggest you take a tour. Ours was most enlightening and we would not even consider driving ourselves.
Posted by
franktown, colorado
2252 posts
Agreeing with Stephen, Robert and TC. A guided black taxi tour is informative, fun and no-stress as you aren't doing the driving! And you'll get all the wonderful information a local guide can provide. It's quite a sobering and eye opening experience. I loved Belfast.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks for all that advice (we are Australian not American, but surely just as safe!!)
Our main concern in not doing a tour, apart from the time factor, was following advice to not leave luggage in our car. where we could safely park with our luggage safe while we did the tour. We only have one night accommodation and they do not have their own parking, only a nearby public carpark near the cathedral. Hate to have it all ripped off on day 3 of our trip! With luck the hotel will hold our luggage, we will do a tour if we can possibly manage it. Thanks again!
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
For me, this is the same category as driving Slea Head-we paid for a day tour and actually got to SEE the sights and relax. We arranged pickup at Belfast Central and had a "Black Taxi Tour". Unforgettable all that we learned from John, our driver. Stories, background, and insights-highly recommended!!
Taxi tour photos start here if you'd like to see:
Posted by
OP
6 posts
thanks everyone, maybe I worded my original query wrongly, I meant was it safe to stop your car parking-wise; will people be annoyed; not super worried for our safety! We were more worried about leaving our luggage in the rental car whilst doing a black cab tour than our personal safety in Ireland (i'm saving that worry for Napoli Palermo and Roma!!) We are trying to work out now how we can manage to fit in a Black Cab tour.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
We had an SUV with luggage in the back. We parked in a lot about a block from city hall that had an attendant so we felt car was safe. We walked to a coffee shop across the street, had tea and they called a Black Cab for us and he was there within minutes. There were five of us and we fit in fine. It was one of the very best things we did. You will really enjoy it. He stopped several places for us as well and took our pictures. Good luck.