The Falls Road is the main road through west Belfast, Northern Ireland, running from Divis Street in Belfast city centre to Andersonstown in the suburbs. Its name is synonymous with the republican community in the city, whilst the neighbouring Shankill Road is predominantly loyalist, separated from the Falls Road by peace lines. The road is usually referred to as the Falls Road, rather than as Falls Road. It is known as the Faas Raa in Ulster-Scots.HistoryThe Falls Road derives its name from the Irish túath na bhFál, an Irish petty-kingdom whose name means "territory of the enclosures". This territory was roughly the same as that of the ecclesiastical parish of the Shankill, which spanned a large portion of modern-day Belfast.The Falls Road itself was originally a country lane leading from the city centre but the population of the area expanded rapidly in the 19th century with the construction of several large linen mills. All of these have now closed or have been repurposed. This original area, which was centred on the junction of modern-day Millfield and Hamill Street on what is now Divis Street, was known as Falls and lent its name to the road, which had previously been called "the Pound". The housing in the area developed in the 19th century and was organised in narrow streets of small terraced housing. Many of these streets were named after characters and events in the Crimean War (1853–1856) which was occurring at that time. It couldn't be easier to arrange your visit to Falls Road and many more Belfast attractions: make an itinerary online using Inspirock's Belfast tour planner.
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Tours to Falls Road
Falls Road reviews
-
We visited the area with a Black Taxi tour but I can see it would also be interesting to visit alone to be able to stop at the murals you want. The murals are not particularly beautiful or artistic...
We visited the area with a Black Taxi tour but I can see it would also be interesting to visit alone to be able to stop at the murals you want. The murals are not particularly beautiful or artistic... more »
-
The Falls Road is the Republican heartland of Belfast. Stop and read the murals from this point of view.
The Falls Road is the Republican heartland of Belfast. Stop and read the murals from this point of view. more »
Plan your trip to Belfast
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Belfast
Side trips from Belfast
Museums in Belfast
Hidden gems in Belfast
Historic Sites in Belfast
Nearby attractions in Belfast
Trips in Falls Road by other users
24 days in Northern Ireland
BY A USER FROM CANADA
Belfast
Ballycastle
Enniskillen
32 days in Al Madinah Province & Belfast
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Medina
Yanbu
Belfast
16 days in Northern Ireland
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Belfast
Enniskillen
Portrush
56 days in Asia, Europe, Caribbean & South America
BY A USER FROM THE NETHERLANDS
Taipei
Nice
Caceres
19 days in United Kingdom & Ireland
BY A USER FROM CHILE
London
Salisbury
Cardiff
60 days in Northern Ireland
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Bushmills
Enniskillen
Kilkeel