journey to peace

Early Attempts & Milestones

The first significant attempts to bring the conflict to an end began in the 1970s, with initiatives like the Sunningdale Agreement in 1974. Although these early efforts were short-lived, they laid the groundwork for future political dialogue. The Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985 marked another pivotal moment, fostering cooperation between the British and Irish governments and signaling a shift toward peace.

Building a Framework 

By the late 1980s, peace talks were taking place privately, driven by the desire for a lasting solution. In 1993, the Downing Street Declaration demonstrated a renewed commitment by both governments, and it became clear that a new chapter was being written. However, it was the involvement of international mediators, including U.S. Senator George Mitchell, that provided the breakthrough needed. Mitchell, appointed as President Clinton’s envoy, played a key role in overseeing negotiations that culminated in the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

A Pivotal Moment

The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement stands as one of the most significant milestones in Northern Ireland’s peace process. Signed in 1998, the Agreement offered a pathway to peace and reconciliation, enabling people across the island to have a voice in shaping their future. The historic referendums in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland saw an overwhelming endorsement of the Agreement, with one of the highest voter turnouts in Northern Ireland’s history.
 

Ongoing Progress

Though the Agreement marked a turning point, the journey to peace has not been without obstacles. Over twenty-five years later, not all aspects of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement have been fully realised. The power-sharing executive has collapsed multiple times, and sporadic violence has continued to claim lives. These setbacks remind us that peace is not a final destination but a continuous process that requires ongoing commitment.

Shaping the Future

Today, Northern Ireland is grappling with new social challenges, including campaigns for equal marriage, addressing climate change, and fighting racism. While the legacy of the conflict still casts a long shadow, these emerging movements reflect a society striving toward a more inclusive and equitable future. The "Journey to Peace" is not over, but the progress made since 1998 offers hope and inspiration for what lies ahead.

The role of the Museum

The Museum has a significant role to play in offering space for reflection and an opportunity for visitors to examine contested history through critical narrative and interpretation, within which multiple perspectives intersect. However, the role of the Museum can go beyond this and a much more proactive approach can be taken to engaging with difficult history with a view to transformative, rather than reflective, experiences. In partnership with academia, community representatives, support groups and others, the Museum can continue to encourage dialogue, build understanding and support efforts to address the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland. Our approach is underpinned by ethical principles, a keen awareness of the responsibilities associated with curating difficult history and an openness to both conversation and contradiction.