If you have the opportunity to go on one of CabtoursNI tours, take it! Going on one of their black taxi tours was one of the best things that I did throughout my trip in Europe. I had studied Irish history in college, so I was not really looking for the historical aspect, but the human perspective.
My tour guide, Paddy Kane, gave me an amazing glimpse into his life throughout the troubles. Since I was by myself, he let me sit up front in the space meant for luggage. "Don't put your seatbelt on in case we have to make a quick getaway! It will only slow us down," he told me. We got out of the car every few minutes, so that I could take pictures and he could tell me about each landmark. It was amazing seeing what I had learned in textbooks come to life! Since I already knew much of the history and he didn't have to spend a whole lot of time explaining who everyone was, he drove me over to the Irish Republican History Museum, so that I could look at some artifacts. Paddy and the man working at the museum were both so friendly - they invited me to go back to the museum the next day if I was interested in learning more. He also showed me where the mural artists set up shop and said that if I asked, someone would probably get me in to see everything.
I wish I could go back to Northern Ireland and thank Paddy again. He may just say that he is a cab driver, but he really made an impact on me. It was more than just showing some American tourist a few political sites around the city. He really made me feel at home in Belfast and seemed to take a genuine interest in the fact that I was interested in his home. I will remember what he showed me and what he told me for the rest of my life. Thank you Paddy! read more