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Our homes are two minutes from each other but a peace wall makes it 20 minutes
Two Belfast neighbors separated by a peace wall form a cross-community friendship through IFI-funded schemes in west Belfast. The article places their story within the wider context of peace walls in Northern Ireland, the IFI’s 40th anniversary, and ongoing peace-building efforts. It highlights how such programs foster social cohesion across sectarian divides.
Why It Matters
The piece underscores the persistence of physical and psychological barriers in Belfast and the role of peace-building funding in bridging divides and fostering everyday friendships.
Timeline
6 Events
Number of remaining peace walls cited in the article
May 13, 2026
The article cites that there are 39 peace walls remaining in Northern Ireland, per figures from the Department of Justice.
IFI marks its 40th anniversary
May 13, 2026
The International Fund for Ireland is celebrating its 40th anniversary, with continued peace-building work beyond the anniversary.
Article publication: cross-community friendship across the peace wall
May 13, 2026
The article reports on Lily Brannon and Michelle Bradley, two neighbours separated by a peace wall in west Belfast who formed a friendship through cross-community programmes funded by the IFI.
Devolution of powers to Northern Ireland’s DOJ in 2010
2010
When powers were devolved to the Department of Justice in 2010, there were 59 peace walls across Northern Ireland.
End of The Troubles with 1998 peace agreement
1998
The article notes that about 30 years of violence culminated in the 1998 peace agreement, marking a turning point in Northern Ireland's conflict.
IFI founded to build peace in Northern Ireland
1986
The International Fund for Ireland (IFI) was established as an independent organisation by the British and Irish Governments in 1986 to build peace in Northern Ireland and the border counties.