The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation

Committed to peacebuilding and reconciliation within and between divided communities. 

The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that is devoted to peacebuilding and reconciliation in Ireland, North and South, Britain and beyond.  From the context of the protracted conflict experienced in and between these islands, Glencree works towards understanding complex relationships, as well as cultivating new ones, between all people from all parts of society.  The programme work builds peace and fosters reconciliation by facilitating dialogues, creating peace education resources, organising school programmes, and much more.

The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation was founded in 1974 as a response to violent conflict in Ireland, and in light of a conviction that non-violent solutions must be pursued in order to encourage reconciliation within and between communities. A spirit of commitment to these ideals inspired the foundation of the organisation and continues to motivate its programme work until today.

The Programmes

The Survivors and Former Combatants Programme consists of dialogue groups to help cultivate relationships between individuals and their communities. This work has led into the Sustainable Peace Network committed to leadership in peacebuilding.

The Peace Education Programme offers learning opportunities about peacebuilding and reconciliation to primary, secondary schools and youth groups.

The Political Dialogue and Training Programme consists of private dialogues for current politicians, the annual summer school, and training sessions for current and future politicians.

The Churches Programme examines the role of the churches in the conflict in Ireland, North and South. Individuals explore ways that the churches can combat sectarianism and facilitate peace.

The Women’s Programme consists of Training the Trainer workshops for women of diverse backgrounds to come together and form one learning circle.

The International Programme aims to extend the lessons learned from the Irish peace process to groups in other conflict situations.

For more information, please visit www.glencree.ie.

The Place
Glencree is nestled in the Wicklow Mountains in the Glencree valley just 12 miles from the centre of Dublin.  The Glencree experience includes appreciating and being part of the beauty of nature.  We have nurtured an atmosphere of ‘safe space’ over the years and our Staff, Volunteers, Council, programme participants and supporters work together towards building sustainable and peaceful society.

The oldest structures at Glencree were built as a British military barracks in the late 18th century.  Between the mid 19th and mid 20th centuries, the premises were occupied by a religious order which ran a reformatory for boys.  Thereafter, the buildings were largely neglected.  In 1974 the government leased the premises to the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation. The Office of Public Works has since restored and refurbished the old buildings.

The Glencree Visitor Centre has a coffee shop, conference facilities, and exhibition space.  Glencree offers conference and meeting facilities to interested organisations and groups.  Overnight accommodation is available for visitors.

The Ulster Bank Resource Centre has books, publications, CDs, and videos on subjects of reconciliation for use by programme participants, visiting groups, and is open to the public.

Supporters
Glencree receives financial support from governments, businesses, Members and Friends annual fees, as well as philanthropic giving. The main sources of public funding are Ireland, Britain, the European Union, and the International Fund for Ireland. The Glencree Business Club attracts corporations to contribute either financially or benefit in kind. The 100 Club, set up by Glencree’s President, Alfie Kane, brings together individuals who make a significant contribution to the development of Glencree.  As a charity, we are dependent on donations in order to implement the programmes, and to develop and grow.  Contributions of all sizes are greatly appreciated.

Become a Friend of Glencree!  Friends receive invitations to Glencree social and cultural events, receive regular information on activities, progress and courses, and spread information on peace building in Ireland to others.

“The programme at Glencree has changed my life and the way I think about other people.  I have learned to respect others and not to judge.”
Participant in a Youth Exchange Programme at Glencree

“Here in Glencree we can meet as people rather than politicians.  My personal political journey has been enhanced by my experiences here”.
Political Dialogue Participant

The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation
Glencree, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 1 2829711, Fax: +353 (0) 1 2766085
info@glencree.ie, www.glencree.ie