Sunday, June 8, 2025, centered on the power of dialogue in reconciliation, defined as the process of rebuilding relationships after conflict (Bloomfield, 2003) and the role of cultural remembrance, which preserves shared identity through traditions and stories (Conciliation Resources, 2024), as a form of resistance. Our visit to Corrymeela, a peace and reconciliation center in Northern Ireland, was the heart of this theme, as it taught us that reconciliation is not only about resolving conflict but also about rekindling a shared cultural identity (Corrymeela Community, 2025). Practices like dance, music, and language help nurture peace by bringing people together and helping enact actions that promote long-term healing.
Corrymeela was the most significant stop of the day, embodying ideals of healing and communication. It was founded by Ray Davey, who witnessed the devastation of Dresden in 1945 and envisioned a space where people could talk through conflict instead of repeating cycles of violence (Ray Davey, 2025). Davey believed that the memory of past violence shapes how cultures understand themselves and others. To combat that, in 1965, he bought nine acres of Irish countryside and began building Corrymeela as a community grounded in peace.
Initially, the center welcomed members of the Protestant community to discuss tensions that would erupt into the Troubles (The Troubles, 2025). During the height of the violence, Corrymeela served as a refuge for children and a site for retreats and discussions, offering hope and tools for reconciliation. One of Corrymeela’s most powerful messages is that lessons learned there should be applied back in one’s own community. This reminder is inscribed in the main building (Quakers in Britain, 2024).
As the Troubles deepened, Corrymeela recognized the need to open its space to all communities. A vote decided that Catholics and individuals of any faith (or no faith) would be welcomed. This milestone encouraged inclusive, cross-cultural conversations grounded in empathy and shared experience. Participants were encouraged to tell their stories and listen to others, creating a foundation of humanity that had been lacking in many conflict spaces at that time. As discussed in Bloomfield’s work on restorative justice (2020), true reconciliation begins through active listening and storytelling. Correymeela’s devotion to dialogue highlights these principles. These connections fostered meaningful communication, transforming Corrymeela into a lasting haven for peacebuilding. We experienced this spirit of community and openness during our visit, greeted by a handmade sign on the front door welcoming our group.
After visiting Corrymeela, we heard at least two additional speakers recommend the center to aspiring peacemakers and community leaders. Its legacy of effective reconciliation also emphasized the role of cultural reclamation, something we explored later through two other experiences: the Giant’s Causeway and the Ballycastle Trad Trail.
Giant’s Causeway is a natural wonder formed around 60 million years ago (National Trust, 2025). We explored both the geological and mythological explanations for its hexagonal rock formations. Scientifically, the rocks were shaped by volcanic activity when Europe split from North America. Lava cooled and cracked into even patterns, creating the unique hexagonal shapes (National Trust, 2025). These distinct shapes can be seen in the photo below:
Long before these facts were known, the Irish passed down a story through generations. According to the myth, the giant Finn McCool built the causeway to cross the sea and fight the Scottish giant Benandonner (Ireland.com, 2025). Using wit rather than brute strength, Finn won the battle, and what remains today is the stone “walkway.” This story feels more meaningful than the scientific version because it celebrates Irish cleverness and pride. It reflects how storytelling preserves national identity and shared values. In 1986, the site was named Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2025). This acknowledgment during the Troubles signaled that Irish nature and culture are worthy of preservation and global recognition.
The significance of cultural remembrance was furthered in our meeting with two members of Ballycastle Trad Trail, Conor and Michael, who spoke about the role of music in preserving Irish culture.
Michael described how most Irish families included a musician or writer, showing how music was woven into everyday life. Both emphasized that remembering this heritage through music is especially important because Irish traditions were heavily suppressed under British rule, specifically dialect, music, and dancing. So, continuing music is a form of rebellion against that suppression. Conor also teaches young people to play the Irish bagpipes, a continuation of this rebellion (Uilleann Pipe Academy, 2023). He spoke about how recently there has been increased interest in Irish music as people reclaim their history. He viewed this enthusiasm as part of a broader cultural movement where Irish people are reclaiming and honoring their identity. We concluded with Irish dancing, which I greatly enjoyed, and have attached the Video here.
Overall, our visit to Corrymeela, the Giant’s Causeway, and the Ballycastle Trad Trail brought together reconciliation and cultural remembrance. These experiences highlighted the significance of sharing stories, shared humanity, and cultural pride. Through peacebuilding and cultural reclamation, Irish people continue to honor their identity and build a hopeful future.
References:
Ballycastle Trad Trail. (n.d.). Instagram profile. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/ballycastletradtrail/
Bloomfield, D., Barnes, T., & Huyse, L. (Eds.). (2003). Reconciliation after violent conflict: A handbook. International IDEA.
Conciliation Resources. (2024). Reconciliation focus: Approaching reconciliation in peacebuilding practice. Retrieved from https://www.c-r.org/learning-hub/reconciliation-focus-approaching-reconciliation-peacebuilding-practice
Conor Mallon Music. (n.d.). Instagram profile. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/conormallonmusic/
Corrymeela Community. (n.d.). Our history. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://www.corrymeela.org/about/our-history
Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). The Troubles, Northern Ireland history. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/event/The-Troubles-Northern-Ireland-history
Ireland.com. (n.d.). Giant’s Causeway. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://www.ireland.com/en-gb/things-to-do/attractions/giants-causeway/
National Trust. (n.d.). History of Giant’s Causeway. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/giants-causeway/history-of-giants-causeway
Quakers in Britain. (2024, May 15). Time to breathe. Quaker Blog. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.quaker.org.uk/blog/time-to-breathe
Ray Davey. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Davey
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast (World Heritage List No. 369). Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/369/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Uilleann Pipe Academy. (2023, December 18). Uilleann pipes: A guide to Irish bagpipes. Retrieved June 8, 2025, from https://www.uilleannpipe.com/blog/Uilleann%20Pipes%20A%20Guide%20to%20Irish%20Bagpipes