As you explore the city of Belfast, you will see an immense amount of artwork and graffiti on most walls. Most images convey a political message ranging from getting justice for slain family members to promoting peace amongst the Protestant and Catholic communities. It’s important to note that the murals aren’t always found on the Peace Walls but can be seen on many buildings throughout the city.
Our group had several opportunities to see many of the murals and Peace Walls throughout Belfast and inquire the purpose behind these structures. The Peace Walls were erected several years ago during the Troubles as a means for creating a barrier between the fighting communities. Some Peace Walls had to be extended with steel fencing to block projectiles and bombs from being thrown over. We observed one wall that had two levels of steel as individuals found ways to throw objects higher than the current structure.
The Youth Works organization that our group was working with focuses on peace and reconciliation through their programs at their youth centers. The leaders of this organization spent a great deal of time educating our students on the Troubles in Northern Ireland; in particular, the city of Belfast. At the end of our trip, we were invited to a section of Peace Walls where visitors from all over the world come to scribe a message of peace on a section of the Walls. Below you will see our Penn State students writing their messages to the Belfast community.
Learn more about the Peace Walls here!