Tours of Derry

Peace and Conflict Resolution Group Tour

Learn about Derry's troubled past in a historical and political walking tour with your own accredited guide, who grew up and lived through the conflict. Visit the museums and meet the people who brokered 'The Derry Model' world renowned Peace Resolution Initiative. Finish the tour on the Riverfront sampling our finest cuisine. This tour cannot be compared!

2hours

EASY

Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour
Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour
Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour
Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour
Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour Derry
Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour Derry
Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour Derry
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Museum of Free Derry – Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour
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Museum of Free Derry - Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour
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What are the main points in Peace and Conflict Resolution in Derry, Northern Ireland?

The conflict in Northern Ireland, which is also known as the Troubles, was a period of sectarian violence and political unrest that lasted for several decades, primarily in the late 20th century. The City of Derry, also known as Londonderry, was one of the focal areas most affected by the violence.

There were a number of factors that contributed to the conflict in Northern Ireland, including historical tensions between Protestants and Catholics, issues of national identity and self-determination, and economic and social disparities between different communities. The situation in Derry was particularly tense, as it had a majority Catholic population but was governed by unionist (Protestant-dominated) Corporation Council.

The main points of the conflict in Derry were:

  • It was the scene of some of the most violent clashes between Catholic civil rights activists and Protestant backed forces which included the B-Specials, RUC and the British Army.
  • Bloody Sunday, in January of 1972, where British paratroops killed 14 unarmed civil rights marchers.
  • The City was heavily militarised, with the deployment of British soldiers, who were often seen as occupiers by the Catholic community.

Efforts to resolve the conflict in Northern Ireland have included a number of different initiatives and agreements, including the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. This peace agreement was brokered with the involvement of the British and Irish governments, and was supported by the majority of political parties in Northern Ireland. The main points of the Good Friday Agreement are:

  • Recognition of the right of the people of Northern Ireland to self-determination.
  • A commitment to power-sharing between the different communities in Northern Ireland.
  • The normalisation of security arrangements and the decommissioning of weapons on both sides.
  • The creation of North-South Ministerial Council and East-West Council to promote cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

It’s important to note that the Good Friday Agreement and its aftermath has not been without controversies and challenges. The decommissioning of weapons, for example, has been slow, and the power-sharing government established by the agreement collapsed several times, most recently in 2017 and today in 2022. The peace process remains ongoing and contested issues with ongoing dialogue and mutual understanding.

Peace and Conflict Resolution - Tours of Derry.

What were some of the contributing factors of the conflict, troubles in Derry in the 1970’s and 80’s?

There were a number of factors that contributed to the conflict in Derry during the 1970s and 1980s, as well as throughout Northern Ireland during the period known as the Troubles. Some of the main contributing factors include:

  1. Historical Tensions: There have been deep-seated historical tensions between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland dating back to the 17th century, when Protestant settlers from England and Scotland were brought in by the British Crown to settle the region. This has led to a long-standing sense of mistrust and animosity between the two communities.
  2. Issues of National Identity: Many Catholics in Northern Ireland identify as Irish and want a united Ireland, while many Protestants identify as British and want to remain part of the United Kingdom. This disagreement over the national identity of Northern Ireland was a major contributor to the conflict.
  3. Economic and Social Disparities: There were significant economic and social disparities between Catholic and Protestant communities in Derry and throughout Northern Ireland. Catholics were disproportionately represented in the lower socio-economic classes, and were more likely to be unemployed and living in poverty. These disparities contributed to feelings of alienation and resentment among Catholic communities.
  4. Political Discrimination: Unionist-controlled government in Northern Ireland historically discriminate against Catholics in employment, voting rights and housing opportunities. This systematic discrimination added fuel to the Catholic desire for Civil rights and equality.
  5. The Rise Of The Civil Rights Movement: During the 1960s, a civil rights movement emerged in Northern Ireland, which sought to address the political and social discrimination faced by Catholics. The movement was met with resistance by the unionist government and violent response by loyalist paramilitaries. This sparked a series of street protests and civil unrest, particularly in Derry.
  6. The British Military Presence: The deployment of British soldiers in Northern Ireland, including in Derry, was often seen as an occupation by the Catholic community. This increased resentment against the military made them targets by nationalist resistance groups.

Peace and Conflict Resolution - Tours of Derry.

It’s worth noting that these factors, as well as others, often interacted and reinforced each other, making it difficult to isolate any one cause for the conflict. The Troubles was a complex, multilayered and multi-causal conflict, and its resolution remains a work in progress.

What role has the Museum of Free Derry contributed to the ‘Derry Model’ of Peace and Conflict Resolution in Derry and wider Northern Ireland?
 

The Museum of Free Derry, which is located in the Bogside area of Derry, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the civil rights movement and the events of the Troubles in Derry. It has played a significant role in the process of peace and conflict resolution in Derry and wider Northern Ireland by providing a space for people to learn about and reflect on the past, and by helping to build understanding and reconciliation between different communities.

One of the main roles of the Museum of Free Derry is to give voice to the communities who suffered the most in the conflict and make sure that their stories are included in the narrative of the Troubles. The museum provides a space where visitors can learn about the experiences of the Catholic community during the civil rights movement and the Troubles, including the events of Bloody Sunday, which has been a major source of tension between the Catholic community and the British military.

Additionally, the Museum of Free Derry plays an important role in educating young people about the past in a way that promotes understanding, reflection, and critical thinking. The museum works with schools and youth groups to deliver programs that help young people learn about the history of Derry, and encourages them to think about how that history relates to the present and the future. By educating young people in a way that promotes mutual understanding, the Museum of Free Derry helps to build the foundation for lasting peace.

The Museum of Free Derry also contributes to community development, providing a space for dialogue, community activities and initiatives. Through this, the museum help to promote healing, reconciliation and self-empowerment.

By providing a space for reflection, education, and community-building, the Museum of Free Derry plays an important role in the ongoing process of peace and conflict resolution in Derry and Northern Ireland. It becomes a model of how cultural institutions can facilitate peace building and social transformation.

Peace and Conflict Resolution - Tours of Derry

What is the background to the Siege Museum in Derry Londonderry?
 

The Siege Museum in Derry, also known as the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, is a museum that tells the story of the 1689 Siege of Derry. The siege, which lasted for 105 days, was a significant event in the history of Derry and of Northern Ireland as a whole.

In the late 17th century, King James II of England, who was Catholic, sought to assert greater control over the Protestant-dominated regions of Britain and Ireland. In 1688, he was overthrown in a revolution led by William of Orange, a Protestant. In response, James II landed in Ireland with an army, and sought to reclaim the throne.

Derry was a key strategic location and the Protestant citizens of Derry, along with Scottish Protestant soldiers, refused to open the gates and let James II’s army in. The city was besieged, with the Protestant defenders inside the walls facing off against the Catholic Jacobite army outside. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the defenders of Derry were able to hold off the Jacobite army for 105 days, until the arrival of a relief ship with supplies allowed them to hold out until the siege was lifted.

The Siege of Derry is seen as a significant event in the history of Derry, as well as in the history of Northern Ireland as a whole. It is often celebrated as a Protestant victory and a moment of resistance against Catholic oppression. The Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, now the Siege Museum, was built in the late 19th century to commemorate the siege and the defenders who held off the Jacobite army. The museum contains artifacts, paintings, and other exhibits that relate to the Siege of Derry, as well as providing information on the history of the Apprentice Boys of Derry organization, a Protestant fraternal organization that was formed in 1814 to commemorate the defenders of the city during the siege.

It’s worth noting that the Siege of Derry is a controversial topic, as it has a different meaning for different communities and perspectives. To some it is a symbol of resistance and of the Protestant identity, for others it represents a history of discrimination and division. The Siege Museum also reflect this division, being criticized for not acknowledging the Catholic narrative and the loss of lives and suffering during the siege.

What dates are The Apprentice Boys of Derry commemoration marches each year in the City?
 
The Apprentice Boys of Derry is a Protestant fraternal organization that was formed in 1814 to commemorate the defenders of the city during the 1689 Siege of Derry, that I just mentioned. The organization holds an annual commemoration parade, which is known as the “Relief of Derry” parade.

The main Relief of Derry parade is typically held on the first Saturday in August, and marks the anniversary of the lifting of the siege on the city. The parade typically starts at the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, which is also known as the Siege Museum, and makes its way through the city center. Along the way, the parade is joined by a number of other marching bands, as well as by members of the Apprentice Boys and other loyal order organizations.

In addition to the main parade in August, there are also other parades and commemorations held throughout the year by the Apprentice Boys of Derry, such as the Last Saturday Demonstrations, which is the last Saturday of August and December, the closure parades that take place on the Sunday after the main parade and a number of smaller parades. The exact dates and locations for these parades can vary from year to year, and can be found on the Apprentice Boys of Derry website or in local newspapers.

It’s worth noting that the Apprentice Boys parades, along with other parades held by other loyal orders, have been a source of tension and controversy in Northern Ireland, as they often pass through areas where they are not welcome and where they can be perceived as triumphalist or sectarian. Due to the sensitive nature of parading in Northern Ireland, it is important that everyone involved in the event works to ensure the right to peaceful expression of culture and tradition while also being mindful of the potential impact on local communities.

What our visiting universities had to say about our tour.

“Our class used all of the tours that Rauiri offers and each one was amazing in its own way. Ruairi’s overall knowledge of the cities we went to and that of the conflict is to put it simply, mind-blowing. That aspect added a whole new dimension to my experience as well as the knowledge I had gained for the class itself. I could tell that he changed up some of the tours themselves to make sure that they connected back to what we were learning about (for example, being able to ask questions during the Giants Causeway visit). Beyond Rauiri’s amazing knowledge of Irish history and culture, he was very flexible in making sure we got the best experience possible. We had run into some hiccups due to the time we were visiting and he still made the trip amazing and I could tell that he was working hard and making sure that happened. To cap all of this off, Ruairi has an amazing personality, he is very personable and makes you feel like a true friend, he also has a great sense of humor. I high recommend using Ruairi and would like to thank him one more time for making my trip to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland one I will remember for the rest of my life”.

Immersion Course over The Politics of Northern Ireland (The troubles)

Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour

Peace and Conflict Resolution - Tours of Derry.

With you in mind?

Ensuring our customer’s comfort and enjoyment, we will take care of you in every possible way. You can book this Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour as a standalone tour or part of a package as we can arrange onward journeys to other parts of, Ireland, Northern Coast and Derry if requested.

Check out our (DMC) Destination Management Company page here. We will pick you up and drop you off at your desired accommodation at the time decided by you. Your vacation is in your time and you got the right to enjoy it your way. Unlike other tour guide companies, we don’t enforce a timetable to make you uneasy over a tight schedule. Go ahead and make a reservation now and I look forward to meeting you very soon.

Tours can be cancelled without any fees.

Please Note:

  • Wheelchair accessible,
  • Stroller / Pram accessible
  • Animals or pets allowed
  • Wear suitable clothing for Irish weather
  • No Food or Drink please.
  • Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour - Tours of Derry

 

Peace and Conflict Resolution Tour – The Choice Of Universities Worldwide

You can start this experience at the following places.

Tours of Derry
Great James Street 37, Londonderry BT48 7DF, Northern Ireland, GB

Guildhall
Guildhall Street, Londonderry BT48, Northern Ireland, GB

star rating  Great day enhanced by our knowledgeable driver/guide Stephen The weather helped but I would recommend you make sure you have good footwear

SteveHunter33
25/07/2021

star rating  Being a university student studying the Troubles, I was blown away by the knowledge and experience of Ruari. He answered every question with extreme detail and used his own experiences… read more

jmclutter12
30/03/2020

star rating  I first met Ruairí in Derry in May 2019 and began working with him in August to plan a tour for 12 university students from the States in March 2020… read more

mswells79
25/03/2020