Belfast peace lines
The peace lines are walls and fences that still separate nationalist and loyalist neighbourhoods in west Belfast. The stretch around Bombay Street and Cupar Way, between the Falls and Shankill Roads, is the one most visitors see, covered in murals and messages left by people from around the world.
Photos
Nathan Morrison
Why the walls are here
The first barrier of the Troubles era formed on 15 August 1969, when British soldiers made a human chain between the Falls and Shankill. That week loyalist crowds destroyed 44 Catholic homes on Bombay Street in Clonard. Army engineers put up the first official barrier at Cupar Street on 10 September 1969, and the walls have grown since; around 116 barriers remain across Northern Ireland.
What you see
At Cupar Way the wall is the tallest in Northern Ireland at about 45 feet, a mix of concrete, steel and mesh. Visitors add their names and messages, and the murals around it change over time. Bombay Street, rebuilt after 1969, sits right up against the barrier next to Clonard Monastery.
Visiting respectfully
These are lived-in streets, not a museum. Many people come on a black taxi or walking tour with a local guide, which gives context from both communities. If you go alone, keep noise down and be mindful when photographing homes and residents. Clonard Monastery is a short walk away, and Crumlin Road Gaol makes a strong follow-on for more Troubles history. Allow time to read the messages; they say a lot about how the walls are seen today.
Highlights
- Tallest peace wall in Northern Ireland at Cupar Way
- Bombay Street, rebuilt after its destruction in 1969
- Messages and murals left by visitors
- First official barrier built in September 1969
Good to know
- Residential area - be respectful when taking photos.
- Guided taxi and walking tours give context from both sides of the wall.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: irishnews.com