The Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation is an Irish-based, independent, non-governmental organisation that works with individuals and groups to transform violent conflict, promote reconciliation, build sustainable peace and encourage healthy relationships.
Founded in 1974 in response to the conflict in Northern Ireland, Glencree played an important role in the Irish Peace Process, bringing together those in conflict for confidential dialogue and helping to build relationships across divides.
...is for everyone to live in peace, in inclusive and equitable societies. We believe in a world where human rights are protected; where diversity is cherished; where all can live with dignity and respect, free from violence or exclusion; where conflict is transformed peacefully.
Over five decades, we have assembled a team of world-class mediators, facilitators and educators who quietly and steadily empower and support people on the island of Ireland, and in conflict and post conflict countries across the globe.
Much of our work takes place at our Peace Centre in the Wicklow mountains, a welcoming place of hospitality and friendliness, surrounded by nature and steeped in history. In this safe, nurturing hub, connections are made, knowledge is shared and relationships are re-humanised.
We also work within the communities we serve. We bring together former enemies, opposing political factions, people who have suffered tremendous trauma, distrust or feel hatred toward the other, and provide an enabling environment where they can talk and listen to each other as they seek to transform divisive relationships.
Protracted or deep-rooted conflict has no quick fix, nor does it simply disappear. Our work takes place over time and is nurtured through skilled facilitation. This process of meaningful dialogue and shared learning between opposing side often takes place under the radar, away from public scrutiny.
We encourage the participation of all stakeholders involved in a conflict, voluntarily and without pressure, regardless of their views or past behavior.
We believe that every human being deserves to be treated with equal respect, to have their dignity and human rights upheld.
We act as independent, impartial facilitators. We do not take sides or promote solutions but aid stakeholders in finding their own sustainable solutions to conflict.
We work towards social inclusion, a greater understanding of the complex cause and effect of all forms of violence, promoting fairness and equity, and transforming relationships broken by violence in all its forms.
We commit to raising awareness of, and address, the gendered aspects of conflict and inequality.
We believe that all who work with, and participate in, our programmes have the right to: full disclosure with regard to the programme and to what end their participation may be used; to take part voluntarily; withdraw at any time and for any reason.
As the demand for our work grows in other conflict and post conflict countries around the world, we are engaged in developing our campus into an international state-of-the-art centre for conflict resolution.
Our new campus will allow for greater collaboration with governments, diplomats and academics. It will become a hub for members of the local and international peace building community to come together to share learnings, for discussion, reflection and education, and to develop solutions for transforming conflict. It will be a place to welcome all visitors with space for artistic and cultural exhibitions, and to showcase the heritage of the Glencree site.
We thank our Patron, President Michael D. Higgins and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their continued support as we work to share our unique experience, skillset, heritage and location with other societies nationally and internationally who are struggling with conflict in its many forms.
President of Ireland, Mr. Michael D. Higgins, Patron of Glencree
We have a strong, committed team working within Glencree towards the common goal of peace, experts in their field & ready to share their knowledge and provide support.
Our TeamGlencree is committed to attaining and maintaining the highest standards of governance, to be accountable for what we do and transparent in how we do it.
GovernanceSince 1974, Glencree has engaged in practical peace building and reconciliation in Ireland, north and south, and more recently, internationally.
Our History
