Start our journey with Belfast's most iconic murals, which bear witness to the city's turbulent history. The first stop is the famous 'Bobby Sands Mural', located on the Falls Road. This impressive mural depicts Bobby Sands, an Irish republican and IRA member who died as a result of a hunger strike in 1981. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5, this mural is not only a work of art, but also an important memorial, attracting tourists from all over the world. Visitors emphasize that the mural provides an understanding of the complicated history of the Northern Ireland conflict. One reviewer noted: 'The difficult history of the Irish struggle for independence. The troubles lasted for 30 years or was it really necessary? A sea of blood was shed on both sides of the conflict...'.

Another highlight on the map of historical murals is the 'Peace Wall Belfast'. This wall, with a rating of 4.5, is a symbol of division, but also of hope for peace. It separates Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods and is covered with numerous paintings and inscriptions. One visitor shared his feelings: 'A place that still evokes emotions, I feel like it's something hanging in the air. The wall, while a reminder of a difficult past, has also become a canvas for artists expressing a desire for peace and reconciliation.

Moving on to more contemporary works, it is worth noting the mural 'The Son of Protagoras' by French artist MTO. This work, created in 2014, depicts a boy symbolizing the offspring of peace, with a dove pierced by arrows representing two opposing religions. This mural, rated 5 stars, is an example of how contemporary artists interpret Belfast's history and present. One reviewer described his impressions as follows: 'Sometimes I understand the artist's statement, sometimes I don't. At the time I didn't, but now I do, and I appreciate the story told through this one painting.'

The three murals - 'Bobby Sands Mural,' 'Peace Wall Belfast' and 'The Son of Protagoras' - represent a journey of sorts through Belfast's history, from times of conflict to contemporary aspirations for peace and understanding. Each offers a unique perspective on the city's past and its present, encouraging reflection and discussion. It is noteworthy that despite the differences in subject matter and style, all of these works are highly rated by visitors, a testament to their importance both artistically and historically.

When moving from historical murals to Belfast's contemporary street art scene, it is impossible to overlook fascinating works that give the city a new artistic flair. One such example is the 'Deep Love' mural by artist ADW, located at 16 Dunbar St. This work, rated at the maximum 5 stars, depicts a deep-sea fish and was created in 2017. One reviewer describes it as 'Big, ah, fish boy,' which captures the humorous and somewhat surreal nature of this mural. "Deep Love" is a great example of how contemporary street art in Belfast is moving away from political themes and focusing on creativity and aesthetics.

To fully appreciate the diversity and richness of street art in Belfast, take advantage of 'Mural tours Belfast'. This tour agency, also rated 5 stars, offers unique tours of the city's murals. The guides, such as John and Jim, are a treasure trove of knowledge about the history and significance of each work. One tour participant shared his opinion: 'A truly insightful tour that must be done while in Belfast. (...) A huge thank you, John, for an honest, insightful and interesting tour. We certainly left with many thoughts - exactly as you said!'. These tours are a great opportunity to see not only the most famous murals, but also to discover hidden gems of street art in less obvious locations.

For those who want to explore the world of contemporary art in Belfast, the 'Golden Thread Gallery' is invaluable. This gallery, with a rating of 4.7, showcases a wide range of contemporary art, including many works inspired by street art. As one visitor noted: "Great new space and very interesting works shown! Highly recommended! Golden Thread Gallery often organizes thematic exhibitions to understand the context and significance of street art in a broader artistic perspective.

Also not to be missed is 'ArtisAnn Gallery', which, with a rating of 4.8, is highly regarded by local artists and art lovers alike. This gallery, although smaller than Golden Thread, offers a more intimate experience and often showcases works by artists associated with the street art scene. One reviewer emphasized: 'A bright, friendly, private gallery with a large selection of artwork. Includes prints, paintings, sculptures, etc. Includes works by Irish/Northern Irish artists and internationally renowned artists.'

For those who want to see artists at work, 'Queen Street Studios' is worth a visit. Despite a low rating (1 star) due to a single negative noise review, these studios are an important place on the artistic map of Belfast. It is here that many street art artists create their designs before taking them to the city streets.

When comparing these places, it's worth noting that each offers a different experience. 'Mural tours Belfast' is the best choice for those who want to learn about the history and context of murals. Golden Thread Gallery and ArtisAnn Gallery are ideal for those interested in contemporary art in a more traditional gallery setting. Queen Street Studios, on the other hand, is the place for those who want to feel the atmosphere of artistic creation. Ticket prices and opening hours vary from place to place, so it's worth checking the official websites for up-to-date information before visiting.

Street art in Belfast is not just colorful murals and impressive graffiti - it's a living testimony to the evolution of the city, its culture and identity. Walking the streets of Belfast, one can see how street art has become an integral part of the urban landscape, reflecting the social and political changes that have taken place in recent decades.

One of the best examples of this transformation is the 'The Son of Protagoras' mural, which combines elements of traditional symbolism with a modern message. This work, created by French artist MTO in 2014, shows how contemporary artists interpret Belfast's complex history. With a maximum rating of 5 stars, the mural is proof that street art in Belfast transcends the local context, attracting international artists and inspiring a global audience.

In contrast, the 'Deep Love Mural', by ADW, represents a new trend in Belfast street art - a move away from political themes to more universal, often surreal motifs. This mural, also rated 5 stars, shows that street art in Belfast is evolving, becoming a platform for creative expression beyond historical conflicts.

To fully understand the importance of street art to Belfast's identity, check out 'Mural tours Belfast'. This highly rated (5 stars) tour agency offers an insightful look into the history and context of the city's murals. As one participant noted: "I believe this tour was probably the most authentic, informative and sincere experience one could have had - without having to relive those times in Ireland.

For those who want to explore the topic of contemporary art in Belfast, visits to galleries such as 'Golden Thread Gallery' (rated 4.7) and 'ArtisAnn Gallery' (rated 4.8) are invaluable. These spaces not only showcase works by artists associated with the street art scene, but also hold thematic exhibitions that help understand the city's broader artistic context. As one visitor to ArtisAnn Gallery noted: 'I am fortunate to be able to buy quality paintings from this brilliant local resource. Belfast is blessed with galleries of this quality, which combine a friendly atmosphere with a great deal of knowledge and depth about the exciting young local art scene.'

Also worth mentioning is 'Queen Street Studios,' which despite its low rating (1 star) resulting from a single negative review, remains an important venue for local artists. It is here that ideas are often born that later find their way onto the city streets in the form of murals or installations.

When comparing these venues, it's clear that each offers a different perspective on street art in Belfast. Mural tours Belfast provide historical and cultural context, galleries such as Golden Thread and ArtisAnn allow you to see how street art influences the contemporary art scene, and Queen Street Studios provide insight into the artists' creative process.

In summary, street art in Belfast is a dynamic medium that evolves with the city. From political murals to surrealist works to exhibitions in renowned galleries, street art in Belfast reflects the complex identity of the city and its people. It is a living testament to how art can be a tool for social transformation, dialogue and cultural expression. Exploring Belfast's street art reveals not only the city's history, but also its present and vision for the future - colorful, diverse and hopeful.