The Peace Bridge spans the River Foyle in the city of Derry-Londonderry, in Northern Ireland.
It was opened on 25 June 2011, by the EU Commisioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn.
The First and deputy First Ministers for Northern Ireland – Peter Robinson and Martin McGuiness, were in attendance, as well as the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
It was built with the intention of improving relations between the east bank of the Foyle – a largely unionist area, and the west side – a largely nationalist area.
The elegance of the architecture is striking, symbolising a huge handshake.
I walked along the Peace Bridge last week; and felt incredibly moved:
Stopping awhile I admired its beauty:
The energy that emanates from this striking feat of design, engineering and symbolism sent tingles down my spine.
The Irish Elections
The Peace Bridge is an inspiring symbol for the way forward after the results of Saturday’s Irish elections.
I hope that our politicians can build new bridges through respectful communication, regardless of their differences…
Brigid P. Gallagher is a retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.
Watching the Daisies 
Bridge over troubled relationships. I loved the architecture. Yes like hands meeting across the water. Significantly poignant.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Gina. I think the bridge is a fabulous symbol after “The Troubles” in N. Ireland.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like this way of building a bridge, Brigid 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Irene. Yes, I hope other politicians can follow its example…
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful share, Brigid! And, it seems that the political climate worldwide could use a large dose of peace!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jan. I agree! Good communication and respect is possible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marvelous architecture. What an awesome bridge and lovely pictures, Brigid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Kamal. It is such an elegant bridge.
LikeLike
Welcome 😊😊😊 Brigid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful experience to walk around the bridge. Thanks for sharing, Brigid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jill. I have visited it twice now, and it still humbles me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful bridge and symbol, Brigid. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jane. It is such a powerful symbol. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Brigid for showing us this bridge. The Peace Bridge, I love the sound of that. Indeed a bridge over troubled waters and let us hope that mans humanity to man will shine through.
A true symbol of hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Catherine. I hope you are right. The world is in a huge state of flux…
LikeLike
I read about the results of your elections, Brigid. I hope the way forward will be peaceful and prosperous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too Robbie. I hope that everyone can sit down and listen to each others opinions in a non judgemental way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never seen a bridge like that. What an interesting piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a very unusual design Jacqui. Very elegant.
LikeLike
Powerful! Thank you for sharing this. ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Gwen. It is a magnificent symbol for peace.
LikeLike
I loved getting to see the bridge. I remember going over a Peace Bridge between Canada and the United States when I was a kid and being able to put one foot in each country.(Back before we needed a passport to go to Canada!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad you enjoyed it Elizabeth. What a novel way to visit two countries at the same time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In the American Southwest in a place called Four Corners you can put yourself in four states at once(providing you are limber enough!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laughs. I would need to incorporate a yoga posture or two…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the name of the bridge said a lot of the intention of the bride being built. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post, Brigid.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Miriam. I felt it very timely after our elections.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems like you had a great time, Brigid!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I truly hope this bridge and all it portrays brings the hoped-for peaceful negotiations and goodwill going forward 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so too Carol. There is no sense in politicians saying they will not negotiate with each other… x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Brigid but we all know how that works at times don’t we…But fingers crossed it will be different as new politicians come on board 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brigid, thank you for sharing about this practical and most symbolic of bridges … one can sense the harmony of its design and hope this sense of peace continues to spread amongst the communities.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Annika. When I was a child, the ferry boat docked very near to the site of the bridge. Precious memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful sight and a brilliant work of achitecture…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Mich. It is a stunning bridge. It felt good to visit, and I have returned for a revisit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Touring Ireland is on my wish list of places to visit. I’m adding these towns and this bridge. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely. There are lots of hidden gems here too. The wild Atlantic Way is well worth checking out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I have a travel book I’m making notes in and have added this. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a powerful experience for you to walk this bridge. “I hope that our politicians can build new bridges through respectful communication, regardless of their differences…” and powerful words that we should take to the world not just in Ireland. Beautiful place. Thanks Brigid
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Masha. I have walked on the bridge twice now, and it still makes my spine tingle. I agree the world needs to sit down and build bridges.
LikeLiked by 1 person
PEACE, let no one or thing hinder it 🙏.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I so agree Margaret.
LikeLike
I love the architecture! Hopefully one day I get the chance to visit 😊.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is a very elegant bridge. I so hope you get to visit some day Rana.
LikeLiked by 1 person