Place and Purpose: Our History

The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation was founded in 1974 as a response to violent conflict in Irish society, and in light of a conviction that there must be a better way than violence and vandalism, intolerance and sectarianism. A spirit of commitment to these ideals inspired the foundation of the Centre and continues to motivate its varied activities of peace training and peace making.

Following a particularly horrifying outbreak of bombing in Belfast, in 1972, a number of people and groups met in Dublin to protest against the atrocities being carried out in the name of Irish people and to voice the grave concern felt by the public at large at the escalating violence. However, concern was not enough. Individuals and peace groups involved soon recognised that reconciliation was the key and that what was needed was a common base from which to spearhead an effective and non-violent approach to the urgent issues both north and south. As a result of their determination to act on their concern, the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation was founded.

The oldest structures at Glencree date from the late eighteenth century, when a military barracks was erected to deter Irish rebellion against British rule. Between the middle years of the nineteenth century and the middle years of the twentieth century, Glencree was occupied by a Catholic religious order which ran it as a boy’s reformatory. Thereafter, it was much neglected and its buildings decayed. The old buildings at Glencree were made available by the government and a large overdraft was then arranged in order that essential works of renovation could be undertaken. These were completed in 2000.

Since its founding Glencree has been the scene of important events and projects. They have been wide-ranging in their scope, including in the fields of education, recreation, fund-raising, work camps and hosting the flow of visitors.
In 1985 Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation marked the completion of its first decade with the publication of an anniversary booklet, "The First Ten Years", reviewing its work during that period. Click here to read a text transcription of the booklet (pdf document 134 k).