Today is day three of the Haller program, and we’ve done so much with the little amount of time we’ve been here. Northern Ireland is filled with historical landmarks, and we were able to visit three within the last two days!
The first place we visited was Belfast’s Peace Walls, which serve as barriers that separate the Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods. We visited there on Tuesday, and I was actually able to write my name on one of the murals, signifying peace! In Conor’s words, the walls are now extremely underutilized and bring more harm than good. The main attraction is signing the murals, and it almost romanticizes the ongoing segregation between the two parties. Inside the walls, the local residents still feel unsafe, even after removing the walls.
Today, we visited the Giant’s Causeway and Derry’s City Walls. In the Giant’s Causeway, all the stone columns are from ancient volcanic activity. It was SO beautiful, and we were all able to learn so much from the geography and signposts. The scenery is absolutely jaw-dropping, of course, but the stories the site holds are extremely sophisticated. People who visit are invited to learn the story of the legend Finn McCool, who supposedly created the causeway.
The other geographic site we visited today was Derry’s City Walls, which was the most sophisticated site we visited today. The extensive educational experience of the walls through plaques, local guides, and the Museum all educate you about the two major historical events: the Siege of Derry in 1689 and IRA movements in Ireland in the 20th century. The site honors the IRA members lost to violence, hunger strikes, and bombings. It’s a place of remembrance for those who lost their lives in support of their country.
Throughout all these destinations, one can draw a parallel between them. The fact that every single landmark draws from its history, good or bad. All roads eventually lead to the physical embodiment of suffering and joy, and it’s profound how all these landmarks emphasize either.
(From left to right: 1-2 are from Derry’s City Walls, 3-4 are from the Giant’s Causeway, 5 is from the Peace Murals in Belfast)