Belfast, a city with a turbulent history of conflict between Catholics and Protestants, Republicans and Unionists, which escalated in 1969 and was only pacified in the late 1980s. Peacelines have secured this fragile peace ever since. These lines are marked by walls and fences between formerly hostile districts, mainly in the north-west, but also south of the docks in the harbour. Even the Belfast City Cemetary is divided into a Catholic and a Protestant section by an underground wall.

The cityscape is characterised by fences, not only on the Peacelines, but also in the private sphere. Properties with their gardens and front gardens are enclosed, schools and kindergartens are surrounded by high fences. A pedestrian bridge over a motorway is completely enclosed by wire mesh.

Even after almost 40 years of peace, the Peacelines still fulfil their purpose. Political murals, memorials and flags show every visitor which district they are currently in. Small provocations still occur, probably only by a minority.

However, there is reason to hope for forgiveness and a further lasting peace. But the Peacelines will have to stay up for a while yet and the fences at least provide a sense of security.