What is the peace line in Ireland?

What is the peace line in Ireland?

The peace lines or peace walls are a series of separation barriers in Northern Ireland that separate predominantly republican and nationalist Catholic neighbourhoods from predominantly loyalist and unionist Protestant neighbourhoods. They have been built at urban interface areas in Belfast and elsewhere.

Who built the peace walls?

Now, more than 40 years after the British Army constructed the first of those barriers, Belfast is still scarred by them: corrugated iron fences, some as high as 18ft, topped with barbed wire.

What parts of Belfast are Catholic?

As you can see, west Belfast is mainly Catholic, in most areas over 90%. For many years, the Catholic population expanded to the southwest, but in recent years it has started expanding around the Shankill and into north Belfast. The east of the city is predominantly Protestant, typically 90% or more.

How high is the peace wall in Belfast?

This is what peace looks like in Northern Ireland – communities separated by a wall up to six metres high; gates along its length that are still locked at night; and artwork painted on either side that talks of harmony but with messages of revenge or oppression.

What exactly is peace?

Peace is a stress-free state of security and calmness that comes when there's no fighting or war, everything coexisting in perfect harmony and freedom. ... When you feel at peace with yourself, you are content to be the person you are, flaws and everything.

Is Belfast safe today?

Today, it is a very peaceful and safe place to live. In fact, it is the safest region of the U.K., and it's capital, Belfast, is much safer to visit than other U.K. cities, including Manchester and London.

Is Dublin Protestant or Catholic?

The predominant religion in the Republic of Ireland is Christianity, with the largest church being the Catholic Church. The Constitution of Ireland says that the state may not endorse any particular religion and guarantees freedom of religion.

Is Londonderry Catholic or Protestant?

Religious Segregation Although Derry was originally an almost exclusively Protestant city, it has become increasingly Catholic over recent centuries. At the last (1991) census, the population of the Derry Local Government District was approximately 69% Catholic.

Where are the peace lines in Northern Ireland?

• Peace lines. A 5.5 metre high Peace Line along Springmartin Road in Belfast, with a fortified police station at one end. The peace line along Cupar Way in Belfast, seen from the predominantly Protestant side. The peace line at Bombay Street/Cupar Way in Belfast, seen from the predominantly Catholic side.

Is it safe to visit the peace lines?

• While it is safe for tourists to visit, the peace lines are some way from the city center, so the best way to get there is to ask a black cab driver to take you, plus they will usually be happy to give you more of the backstory. Sightseeing bus tours also visit the peace lines.

When were the first peace lines built?

• The first peace lines were built in 1969, following the outbreak of the 1969 Northern Ireland riots and "the Troubles". They were built as temporary structures meant to last only six months, but due to their effective nature they have become wider, longer and more permanent.

How tall is the peace line in Belfast?

• A 5.5 metre high Peace Line along Springmartin Road in Belfast, with a fortified police station at one end. The peace line along Cupar Way in Belfast, seen from the predominantly Protestant side. The peace line at Bombay Street/Cupar Way in Belfast, seen from the predominantly Catholic side.