Bobby Sands Mural, Belfast

The Bobby Sands Mural is a world-famous portrait of the IRA leader. It is painted on the walls of the Sinn Fein Political Party Press Office at the corner of Sevastopol Street and Falls Road. It is based on a photograph taken of Sands while he was imprisoned.

In 1977, Bobby Sands was imprisoned in Long Kesh Maze Prison for 14 years for gun possession along with a number of other IRA members and leaders. While in prison, Sands and his cohorts demanded that they not be forced to wear prison uniforms or do prison work. They also wanted to be able to associate with other prisoners and receive visitors and/or packages. Denied these demands, Sands and the others went on a hunger strike.

Sands was elected to the UK parliament during his time in prison. However, he died from the hunger strike before he was able to take his seat. This mural of his smiling face was created as a memorial in 1998. It is one of many murals in Belfast, but is arguably the most well known.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Sonse.

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Sight Name: Bobby Sands Mural
Sight Location: Belfast, Ireland (See walking tours in Belfast)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

The Troubles and Peace Process Landmarks

Walking Tours in Belfast, Ireland

Create Your Own Walk in Belfast

Creating your own self-guided walk in Belfast is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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