These facilitated dialogues enable political, community and civil society representatives to navigate complex issues, strengthen trust and support lasting peace in a post-conflict society.
Rooted in the key pillars of the Good Friday Agreement while also responding dynamically to evolving political, social and economic realities, this work recognises that sustained dialogue is essential to build trust and transform conflict. While legacy and Brexit have been a central focus of our work in more recent years, they have also highlighted the need for broader engagement.
Today, our dialogue programme includes political and community-based dialogues across the island of Ireland, East-West dialogues between Ireland and Great Britain, EU engagements with the diplomatic corps, cross-border economic conversations, and dedicated spaces for emerging political leaders.
Each of these strands is shaped by Glencree’s Dynamic Dialogue approach and designed to strengthen relationships across divides - both as a method and a lasting outcome.
Glencree facilitates ongoing confidential dialogues with political representatives and community leaders from across the island of Ireland.
These engagements aim to build trust, deepen understanding and support long-term peacebuilding. They address current political challenges, including the ongoing contestation between the two main traditions in Northern Ireland. At their core, these dialogues manage and strengthen relationships in a post-conflict society.
Building on years of trusted relationships with political representatives, advisors and influencers in Great Britain, Glencree launched a new strand of work in 2023 focused specifically on East-West relations. This initiative responds to growing tensions between Dublin and Westminster following Brexit and seeks to strengthen understanding, dialogue and cooperation across these islands.
These efforts include confidential dialogues, seminars and relationship-building work involving actors from across the political spectrum in both Ireland and Great Britain. The programme aims to deepen mutual understanding of political realities and support constructive engagement on issues affecting the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement and post-conflict cooperation.
The EU plays a significant role in supporting peace on the island of Ireland. In the wake of Brexit, EU-British and British-Irish relations have become more complex, contributing to increased uncertainty and tension, particularly within and between communities in Northern Ireland. Through regular dialogues with EU Ambassadors and members of the wider diplomatic corps, Glencree provides a trusted and discreet space for deeper engagement with these issues.
Drawing on over 30 years of experience in dialogue and conflict transformation, Glencree offers diplomats a unique opportunity to meet directly with representatives from the communities in Northern Ireland. These dialogues foster greater understanding of the diverse perspectives, narratives and pressures shaping life in a post-Brexit context, and help inform the EU’s ongoing relationship with the region.
The CPD programme works on an ongoing basis with community and civil society leaders across the island of Ireland to address shared challenges through cross-border dialogue. Recent work included a collaboration with Glencree's Women’s Leadership programme on a series of residentials with grassroots women leaders - particularly from rural communities in Northern Ireland - with political and policy stakeholders in the South.
These dialogues focused on emerging social and economic issues including drug-related violence and poverty. They created space for connection, collective problem-solving and taking home new ideas for community-based change. Visits to community initiatives such as the Limerick Regeneration Project offered practical insights to inform local peacebuilding efforts.
As the economic landscape continues to evolve post-Windsor Framework, Glencree’s Economic Dialogues have helped bridge divisions by bringing together political representatives, community leaders and economic experts to explore shared opportunities and navigate the evolving economic landscape.
In collaboration with IBEC, these dialogues - as well as a series of facilitated residentials - have focused on the all-island economy and the potential for practical cooperation beyond constitutional positions. These dialogues continue to foster cross-border collaboration and a constructive space for navigating economic challenges in a way that supports long-term peacebuilding.
Our Emerging Leaders Dialogue offers a unique cross-border space for the next generation of political leaders aged 25–45, including Local Councillors, TDs, MLAs, Senators and Mayors from across the political spectrum. Developed in consultation with party leadership, these dialogues focus on building trust, developing political literacy on Northern Ireland issues, and supporting relationship-building across communities and identities.
Through regular dialogue sessions and speaker engagements, participants explore shared experiences and address the challenges posed by division, economic uncertainty and social change. These engagements contribute to a deeper understanding of the context and foster meaningful collaboration, helping to bridge traditional divides.
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