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Places of interest #20 in Holywood

Bobby Sands Mural

4.6 · 1,734 reviews
Solemn and politically charged
Bobby Sands Mural, 49 Falls Rd, Belfast SY22 5HS, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The original mural was painted in 1981 shortly after the death of Bobby Sands.

2

The current version of the mural is the latest in a series of iterations, as the wall has been repainted numerous times over the decades.

3

The phrase 'Our revenge will be the laughter of our children' is a quote attributed to Bobby Sands from his writings while incarcerated.

4

The mural is situated directly on the gable end of the Sinn Féin constituency office.

5

The location remains one of the most photographed political landmarks in Northern Ireland.

Overview

The Bobby Sands Mural is a prominent piece of political street art located on the side of the Sinn Féin office on the Falls Road in Belfast. It serves as a memorial to Bobby Sands, a Provisional Irish Republican Army member who died during the 1981 hunger strike while imprisoned at HM Prison Maze. The mural depicts Sands' portrait alongside the tricolour flag of Ireland and the inscription 'Our revenge will be the laughter of our children'. It stands as a significant symbol of the Troubles and the republican movement's historical narrative. The site is part of a broader collection of murals found throughout West Belfast that document the region's complex political and social history. The image is frequently repainted and updated to maintain its visibility and impact. Visitors often combine this stop with walking tours that explain the local history surrounding the Falls Road area. It is a site of ongoing political significance and historical remembrance.

Photo spot

Directly across the street on the sidewalk to capture the full gable wall and the mural in its entirety.

Insider tips

Walk the surrounding streets to view other notable murals documenting different aspects of Belfast's political history.

Consider booking a guided walking tour led by local residents to gain deeper context on the symbolism present in the area.

What to avoid

Do not treat the surrounding residential streets as a standard open-air museum; be mindful of the local community.

Etiquette

Maintain a respectful tone as this is a site of political and historical significance for the local community.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
15-30 minutes
Best time to visit
Daylight hours in spring or autumn for comfortable walking conditions without high tourist crowds.
Address
Bobby Sands Mural, 49 Falls Rd, Belfast SY22 5HS, United Kingdom
54.598, -5.953
Get directions
Details
Historical SignificanceMemorial site of the 1981 hunger strike
Artistic StylePolitical propaganda mural

Frequently asked

Plan for about 15-30 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Daylight hours in spring or autumn for comfortable walking conditions without high tourist crowds..

Directly across the street on the sidewalk to capture the full gable wall and the mural in its entirety.

Close by you'll find Titanic Belfast, Peace Wall Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre.