If you get a chance, next time you’re in Belfast, visit the historic and colorful Falls Road.

The Falls was a powerful IRA-stronghold during the Northern Irish Troubles, as its many murals will attest. The larger than life, multi-colored paintings commemorate different events in Irish republican history, such as the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin and the loss of 10 IRA volunteers during the 1981 hunger strikes.

It’s nearly St Patty’s Day, but if you love Ireland, you don’t need an excuse to visit—the country or the culture. Whether you make an actual visit or armchair traveler visit, it’s always worth it.

If you’re not able to fly in to Dublin or Belfast just now, you might enjoy the excerpt below, from Adventures in Belfast: Northern Irish Life After the Peace Agreement, a nonfiction book about life in Belfast, past and present.

In The Best of Visiting Belfast: Part One, we covered Belfast attractions such as the Titanic Quarter, the Cathedral Quarter, Queen’s University area, some hot clubs and some lovely wee pubs. Now let’s hit some of the theatres and shops, and the historical murals Belfast is famous for.

Now firmly settled in peacetime living, Belfast loves visitors and knows how to treat them right. With its rich history, fun-loving folk, and international attitude, there’s plenty to do, no matter what time of year you visit.

Caroline Oceana Ryan is the Northern Ireland Editor for Wandering Educators.

Here's a compendium of her features here on Wandering Educators: