Peace lines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Peace Lines are a series of separation barriers ranging in length from a few hundred yards to over three miles, separating Protestant and Catholic neighbourhoods in Belfast, Londonderry and elsewhere in Northern Ireland. The stated purpose of the barriers is to minimize intercommunal sectarian violence between Protestants and Catholics.
The barriers themselves consist of iron, brick, and steel walls up to 25 feet high, topped with metal netting, or simply a white line painted on the ground similar to a road marking. Some have gates in them occasionally manned by police, which allow passage by day, and which are closed at night.
The first barriers were constructed in early 1970s, following the outbreak of "The Troubles". Originally few in number, they have multiplied over the years, from 18 in the early 1990's to 40 today; in total they stretch over 13 miles. Most are located in Belfast.
In recent years they have become locations for tourism. Black Taxis now take groups of tourists around Belfast's Peace Lines, trouble spots and famous murals.
The most prominent barriers in the past few years separates the mainly Catholic Short Strand and the mainly Protestant Cluan Place areas of East Belfast, and also the predominantly nationalist Falls Road and unionist Shankill Road areas in West Belfast.
