Throughout the week in Belfast, we explored different narratives of the history of Belfast and Northern Ireland through guided tours, museum visits, and guest talks. Through these experiences, I learned different perspectives and powerful stories about The Troubles, a 30 year sectarian conflict.

By simply listening, watching, and reflecting within the physical landscape and environment of the conflict, I better understood the complexities and their impact on the community. My first “aha” moment was when we walked from City Hall to Shankill Road. On the route, colorful murals mark support and remembrance for various groups during The Troubles as well as advocacy for nations who are struggling with civil conflict today. When you reach Shankill Road, you enter the gates of an interface, which was installed to restrict adjacent communities and neighborhoods from interacting. The peace wall is a physical reminder of the conflict, its separation, and it lasting impacts today on the citizens of Belfast.

The wall still stands as a sense of safety and protection for citizens, barricading communities which have developed and grown in proximity and separation. Along with separating communities, the wall also separates amenities and affects quality of life. For example, a playground sits alongside the wall. Children who live directly on the other side of the wall need to walk 30 minutes to reach the park. The wall also affects working people whose commute to work is impacted. This division signifies how The Troubles still affect the communities of Belfast.