Murals in Belfast, Northern Ireland

The city of Belfast was once infamous for violent conflicts between its nationalist (Catholic) and unionist (Protestant) factions. Today, the city enjoys a somewhat uneasy peace, and visitors are discovering the beauty and history of Northern Ireland for themselves.

The murals began as a way for nationalists and unionists to express their emotions about the violent conflicts between the two groups. Today, they stand as a record of Northern Ireland's troubled past and careful steps toward peace.

The best way to see the murals is to take a taxi tour. Some drivers will only go to either the nationalist areas or the unionist areas, but a few will take you to both Shankill Road and Falls Road. Touring the murals is an emotional experience; the huge paintings show the history of Ireland's "Troubles" in graphic, sometimes violent detail.