Loyalist Wall Murals in Belfast and Northern Ireland

Very large versions of the following photos are available for sale. All pictures were taken with a nikon digital SLR camera. They will be expertly printed, poster-sized and be a massive 18 inches x 12 inches.  The small pictures below, obviously do not do justice to the large photos. Each photograph is printed on proper photo paper and is approximately 3008 x 2000 pixels. Photos will be delivered carefully rolled, in a securely sealed hard cardboard postal tube from the UK / Ireland printer. The text that follows each picture describes a little bit of context about the piece.

Loyalist mural on Belfast's famous Shankill Road depicting the legend of the Red Hand of Ulster, a potent symbol of identity used by both sides, but predominantly by Loyalist factions. Cultural murals such as the above are increasingly replacing the militaristic images of illegal organizations.

Buy Above Photo Now $45 Top quality poster sized photograph. 18 inches x 12 inches. Free Shipping Worldwide.

Mural of Edward Carson, an iconic Loyalist leader who was instrumental in forming the Ulster Volunteer Force in 1912, when Unionists stoically resisted Irish efforts to completely eradicate the political links with Britain. Other scenes in the mural feature the 36th Ulster Division fighting during the Battle of the Somme. This battle was a tragedy, during which the allies lost 20,000 men on hte first day.

 

Buy Above Photo Now $45 Top quality poster sized photograph. 18 inches x 12 inches. Free Shipping Worldwide.

Potent symbolism in the Loyalist heartland of the Shankill Road, portray changing times in Belfast. Tourists now flock to the mean streets of Belfast observing the hot spots. The image in the mural shows a scene of rioting youths and burning buildings which was common in the city until recently, along with an expression of hope for change.

Buy Above Photo Now $45 Top quality poster sized photograph. 18 inches x 12 inches. Free Shipping Worldwide.

Children pose beside a huge commemorative mural in Newtonabbey. Panels portray the history of the signing of the Ulster covenant, which was organised against Home Rule in 1912. Guns were smuggled and an army trained. Such was the determination of the Unionist people, that many of the 237,000 male signatories signed in their own blood.

Buy Above Photo Now $45 Top quality poster sized photograph. 18 inches x 12 inches. Free Shipping Worldwide.

Oliver Cromwell was a prime figure in one of the most troubled periods of British history. Cromwell is recognised among some Protestant groups as a defender of the faith. Typical of the murals in Northern Ireland is their ability to project one truth while ignoring other different truths of equal value, which favour the opposing group. No section of the religious divide in Ireland has a monopoly on truth.

Buy Above Photo Now $45 Top quality poster sized photograph. 18 inches x 12 inches. Free Shipping Worldwide.

Mural of the Ulster Volunteer Force in the Village area of Belfast, in memory of a fallen colleague. This type of mural is increasingly common, as the warring factions gradually fade away, leaving memorials as a testimony to their existence.

 

Buy Above Photo Now $45 Top quality poster sized photograph. 18 inches x 12 inches. Free Shipping Worldwide.

Tigers Bay is a small Loyalist enclave in a largely Republican area of North Belfast. The area was very run down as rows of 19th century houses predominated. When new council homes were developed, several were immediately marked out in this fashion. Territorial claims are common were divisions run deep and social housing pressures are great. This painting bears the insignia of a Loyalist marching band, and names of deceased members of the Ulster Defence Association.

 

Buy Above Photo Now $45 Top quality poster sized photograph. 18 inches x 12 inches. Free Shipping Worldwide.

This artwork displays the insignia of the East Belfast Volunteers and the 8th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles. A tremendous amount of research and effort goes into each mural, and is often a labour of love for the artist involved. Some of the artists can trace back relatives who fought in the First World War as part of the Royal Irish Rifles.

Buy Above Photo Now $45 Top quality poster sized photograph. 18 inches x 12 inches. Free Shipping Worldwide.

 

This mural in West belfast's Hghfield estate, traces the history of Ulster's Loyalists, even controversially laying claim to Cuchulainn, a legendary Irish warrior. He was originally named Setanta, but gained his better-known name as a child after he killed Culann's fierce guard-dog. Unusually the mythological figure is claimed by both opposing sides as a champion of their cause. The mural also includes detailed insignia of recent Loyalist fighting groups.

Buy Above Photo Now $45 Top quality poster sized photograph. 18 inches x 12 inches. Free Shipping Worldwide.

 

A common theme among Loyalist groups in the 1990s was the portrayal of the Eddie figure (of the Iron Maiden rock band), as a marauding Loyalist killer. Many murals of varying quality were painted on gable ends throughout Northern Ireland, featuring this threatening figure, with equally vivid messages. This one adorns a house in South Belfast.

Buy Above Photo Now $45 Top quality poster sized photograph. 18 inches x 12 inches. Free Shipping Worldwide.

 

As the violent groups begin to wind down, many murals have received a welcome makeover. This image of the famous Northern Ireland soccer star George Best was commisioned to replace a picture of a well known Loyalist group (with their consent). George Best tragically passed away at an early age. He was born and lived in this housing area in Belfast.

Buy Above Photo Now $45 Top quality poster sized photograph. 18 inches x 12 inches. Free Shipping Worldwide.