Belfast Wall Adds Minutes to Friends’ Walk

Why this is here: The Department of Justice reports that Northern Ireland has reduced the number of peace walls from 59 in 2010 to 39 currently.

In Belfast, Northern Ireland, Lily Brannon and Michelle Bradley live two minutes apart, but a peace wall extends their walk to 20 to 30 minutes. The women, a Protestant and a Catholic respectively, connected through a cross-community scheme at the Black Mountain Shared Space building. The International Fund for Ireland funds the program, which aims to bridge divides between nationalist and unionist areas.

Both women initially felt some reservation and suspicion when they first met, but quickly formed a close friendship. They share creative interests and have broadened their understanding of each other’s perspectives through open dialogue. Lily has even begun learning the Irish language, encouraged by Michelle’s involvement with the Gaelic Athletic Association.

Northern Ireland currently has 39 peace walls remaining, down from 59 in 2010. The International Fund for Ireland plans to continue supporting grassroots peace-building initiatives beyond its 40th anniversary, recognizing that much work remains to foster lasting cohesion.