Belfast’s once-divided communities now stand together in harmony thanks to the efforts of individuals who have dedicated their lives to promoting peace and reconciliation. Jim White, a man who lost his best friend over an eight-meter wall that separated the Protestant north from the Catholic west of Belfast, has come to appreciate the importance of preserving this history. Today, he acknowledges that much has changed since the Troubles, but he still feels a sense of unease whenever he passes by the Wall of Peace gate on North Howard Street.
Half a kilometer away from Jim White, Michael Culbert is working tirelessly with his association Coiste to offer political tours along the Peace Wall. Culbert, a former member of the IRA, is passionate about making things visible and standing up for politically condemned people like himself. He joined the IRA after witnessing Bloody Sunday, which led him to become involved in Northern Ireland’s conflict.
Tour guide James Ellison leads tours through Belfast’s conflict hotspots, sharing stories of key events such as the Abercorn restaurant bombing and the emergence of spaces where young Protestants and Catholics could hang out together. Despite Belfast’s dark heritage, tourism in the city has thrived since 1998, surpassing €1 billion in revenue. However, Ellison stresses that peace remains fragile and recent incidents of Brexit-related violence serve as a reminder that progress must continue.
Younger residents like Gemma Gabbie are more focused on moving forward than dwelling on Northern Ireland’s tumultuous history. She believes that the Good Friday Agreement has served its purpose and is now working with teenagers to keep the Gates of Peace open for longer periods of time. Their efforts aim to bridge gaps between Belfast’s communities and build a future where walls no longer separate friends.
Northern Ireland’s future rests on a delicate balance between its troubled past and hope for a peaceful future where walls no longer separate communities. The legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to promoting peace and reconciliation will continue to inspire generations to come.