19 May 2017: ‘Messines Peace Park: Its contribution to Irish / British reconciliation?’, Dublin City Hall, Dublin 2

On Friday 19 May 2017 Dublin City Library and Archive and The Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association presented a seminar titled’Messines Peace Park: Its contribution to Irish / British reconciliation ? ”  The purpose of building the Irish Peace Tower in the form of the ancient Irish round tower in Messines opened by President Mary McAleese and HM Queen Elizabeth II in November 1998 was to enhance and encourage reconciliation between the two main traditions on the island of Ireland. This seminar reflected on whether or not the objective of Messines – namely, reconciliation – was achieved and what factors contributed to or hindered that reconciliation during the period 1998 to 2017. Speakers included former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern; Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP (SDLP); Dr Chris McGimpsey (Ulster Unionist Party), and Barbara Walshe, Chair of the board of  Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.

The seminar took place in Council Chamber, Dublin City Hall, Dublin from 2pm to 4.30pm. Learn more about the seminar and watch the full proceedings here.