Understanding and Empathy at a Northern Ireland Wall

We’ve been leading tours through Ireland for more than 20 years, and as a matter of principle, I’ve never had one of our Best of Ireland tours not include a trip through Northern Ireland. Ireland needs to be understood as a whole. And for our group, the last couple of days in Ulster has been an emotional highlight.

It’s a happy and hopeful time right now, as “The Troubles” that wracked the country in recent decades are essentially over. But there is still deep-seated tension ― as this so-called “Peace Wall” (built to separate the two sectarian communities) illustrates. Wherever travelers encounter walls ― whether between Palestine and Israel, San Diego and Tijuana, or Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods in Belfast ― it’s a thought-provoking experience.

Our guide, Declan, made a point to stop at this wall, and he gave us all pens to leave our hopes and prayers for peace in Ireland. Our Rick Steves’ Europe Tours program, with the support of our tour guides, works to help our American travelers hear both narratives and gain empathy for societies where there is tension and strife.

[derekperry]

I pray peace happen not only between Christians, but between all people. God bless you for talking about this, Rick!

[DougPipersr]

Rick, Great segment! I like how you're personally shooting the video. Any chance you'd share how you're keeping the video so steady?

[mhtinla]

I live in a house with walls on all sides. I believe most people do too, including Rick Steves. It doesn't mean I dislike my neighbors. In fact, they often come to our house to chat and play, and they ring the bell or call first, or respond to our invitation. The walls become essential when one of our neighbors has "bloody borders" as noted by Samuel Huntington.

[dagzeq]

I know its hard, when life seems so good on this side of the wall, but let us understand imperialism better.

[luceean]

it's not better, it's just put to the side, it will only be better when the tags go back to England!

[ATaylor]

Walls also save lives Rick. I wish you could keep your political opinions off of your travel videos :)