Introduction

The Irish Peace Foundation is a new charity built on the premise that lasting peace is built when communities work together for social and economic benefits.  The long history of turmoil and bloodshed in Ireland – sectarian violence in the North, gang violence in the South, general distrust and social division everywhere – will not be easily overcome by a few years of economic growth or a tenuous peace agreement.  Ireland’s need for social and cultural rebirth had

started to talk about a lasting peace, breaking down the ancient barriers of distrust and religious intolerance that have divided Irish Christians for nearly 5 centuries, but it is still very early days.  Lasting peace comes from lasting friendships, acceptance of an alternative point of view and reaching out to people who are different from us to find what we share in common rather that what divides us.

 

The Foundation is non-partisan, non-sectarian and represents view points and people from both sides of the border, many faiths and many nations.  Our trustees, patrons and friends are in Ireland, mainland Britain, the United States and as far away as Australia.  They represent the great and the good, the learned and influential, and a range of ordinary men and women who all share our dream for a better future that transcends our bitter past.  The Foundation needs people who share our vision to join with us to build a better Ireland for all of the Irish, at home and abroad.

cultural rebirth had been ignored for centuries but with the help of many people right around the world we can achieve peace and prosperity through a Gaelic Renaissance.

 

The last 5 years have seen some important work in the cultural and economic development of Ireland.  Paramilitary groups across the North have disarmed and started to talk about