latest update January 2008
The experiences of the people of Ireland have given a particular relevence and urgency to moves towards peace and reconcilliation. Ireland is a post colonial country whose peoples values their abilty to define their own identity and who find solidarity with other post colonial societies. They do this within the context of now being a wealthy European nation. There is their history of religious and inter community tension and conflict, as well as much cooperation over the centuries. Today there are new challenges. For centuries Ireland has been a country people went out from, now it is a country people are coming to, many of them fleeing conflict, poverty, or both in their native lands. The Irish Republic has found other tensions as it seeks to be a bigger voice in the world. It has traditionally been a neutral nation. The government decision to help the coalition invading Iraq by allowing them to use Shannon Airport has put this issue in the forefront of public debate in recent years.
The "Troubles", the recent conflict in Northern Ireland has spawned many initiatives, but it is by no means the only catalyst for moves towards peacemaking and reconciliation in Ireland.
The Corrymeela Community The main centre overlooks the sea near Ballycastle in County Antrim. The community began in 1965 and was born out of experiences of world war as well as the situation in Northern Ireland. It has steadily expanded its work and now has an international role. For volunteer opportunities see the Residential page on their website.
Rostrevor Christian Renewal Centre is on the west side of the mountains of Mourne in county Down. It takes a more traditional Christian prayer centred approach to peace making.
The Glencree Centre for Reconcilliation is dedicated to 'resolving conflict without resorting to violence' and to providing a 'safe place' for people. Set high in the Wicklow Mountains but only 12 miles from the centre of Dublin it adds some interesting dimensions to peace making. It is housed in the grounds of a massive old stone British Army Barracks building and is over the road from a second world war German War Cemetary. There is exhibition space and a coffee shop. Various groups run there own programs on site. There is even a sweat lodge run by self style Irish Shaman
Dermot O'Hara low priced B&B style accommodation is offered in private and shared rooms. There are opportunities for volunteer work here. See details on their website.
Peace People is based in Belfast. It was started in 1976 by Mairead Corrigan, Betty Williams and Gavan McKeowan as a cross community protest against violence.. It suddenly exploded into a 100 000 movement with Mairead and Betty Williams being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that year. the mass movement element soon faded by the work has continued.
