Belfast Peace Conference 2025

Day 1

An easy journey to Belfast! Landing to a beautiful sunny day overlooking the emerald isle of Ireland. Once arriving at the hotel, we established how we would spend our first day and Harry, Harry and Amrit enjoyed a game of chess before we headed out to investigate the city of Belfast.

Our first stop was the Titanic Museum, a truly inspiring experience for all of us. The museum provided a deep dive into Belfast’s transformation from an industrial hub to the world’s leading shipbuilding city during the Titanic era. We learned about the construction of the iconic ship, from its design to its fateful voyage on April 12, 1912.

Exploring the museum’s various exhibits, we marveled at the detailed recreations of the different class cabins and their varying aspects. One of the most impressive displays was a rotating model of the ship, offering a 360-degree view of its design and intricate details.

The exhibition ended on a poignant note, commemorating the lives lost in the sinking. We stood in respectful silence, absorbing the information of this part of the tour.

A long day after an early start saw us heading back to the hotel for a rest before enjoying dinner, bumping into Old Leightonian, Connie Say, who is currently studying in Belfast! An early night followed to prepare for the Peace Conference tomorrow!

Day 2

The day began early with a train ride to Lisburn Friends School for the start of the Peace Conference. Upon arrival, the event kicked off with an inspiring opening speech delivered by three students, setting the tone for the day ahead. The first guest speaker, alumuni of Lisburn Friends School who graduated 21 years ago, shared insights on the importance of reconciliation and the underlying causes of conflict. The second speaker focused on the topic of prejudice, emphasising the significance of recognising bias and making a conscious effort to overcome it, even when it’s not always easy.

The students were then divided into committees, each tackling different aspects of peace. One of the discussion groups delved into the absence of women’s roles in peace negotiations worldwide, while another explored how climate change intersects with peacebuilding efforts. A particularly engaging session focused on the role of the arts in fostering peace.

Amrit (Lower Sixth) found her session on “Peace through the Arts” especially enjoyable. The group was tasked with creating artwork that represented peace, and Amrit painted tranquil lavender flowers on a wooden slate. Meanwhile, Harry (Year 11) created a beautiful painting of a tree surrounded by nature, further reflecting the themes of peace and the natural world.

After a productive afternoon of discussion groups, the evening brought our students with others from Waterford and Lisburn for a special visit to the Quaker Meeting House in Belfast. It was a powerful experience that allowed participants to connect on a deeper level, reflect on the day’s conversations and create new connections over pizza!

Day 3

On our final day, we took a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour to explore the complex history of Belfast, focusing on the Troubles and the city’s journey toward peace. A standout moment during the tour was visiting the mural of Bobby Sands, a prominent IRA volunteer. We learned about his pivotal role in the 1981 hunger strike and his election to Parliament while on his deathbed. This mural was a powerful reminder of the intense political and social struggles Belfast faced during the conflict. The area we explored was once at the heart of much of the violence that marked the turbulent period in Ireland’s history, providing us with a deeper understanding of the conflict’s impact on the city and its people.

Find the trip photos here.