Building Bridges, Sharing Stories: Reflecting on a Impactful Good Relations Trip to Dublin

This week, our fantastic group of women community leaders from across the Ards and North Down Borough set off on a journey not just of miles, but of connection and possibility.  This was our ‘kick off’ event for International Women’s Day programmes. 

A number of our networking partners were involved in the event including Gifted Enterprise, Ladybirds Children’s Services, Ballywalter Seniors and Ards First Responders.  This enabled the groups to build relationships and friendships as we continue to co-create and design activity for women across the sub region of Ards & North Down.

Our destination was Dublin, and our mission was to strengthen the ties that bind communities across this island, exploring how we can learn from one another and build a shared future.

The trip was an inspiring opportunity to step back from our day-to-day work and engage with the national conversation on reconciliation and community development. Our packed itinerary was designed to open doors and spark new ideas—and all the women who took part it was useful and we are already planning our 2027 networking trip.

Dialogue at the Highest Level

We were kindly hosted for a meeting with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Team. It was a privilege to sit down with them and discuss the vital work of connecting communities North and South and the many many years we have worked together on Good Relations initiatives. We shared insights from our own experiences in Bangor and the North Down region, and we were pleased to hear about the strategic priorities for the new round of Rec Funding where understanding and cooperation on a national scale will be front and central.  The conversation was a powerful reminder that while our work is often local, it is part of a much larger, island-wide effort.

A Walk Through History at Leinster House

A short walk from St Stephen’s Green took us to the heart of Irish democracy: Leinster House. Stepping inside the historic buildings of the Oireachtas was a great opportunity to see democracy in action. As we toured the chambers and corridors where the nation’s business is conducted, we felt the weight of history and the vibrant energy of modern politics, with a focus on key women in Irish politics over the decades. It was a fascinating glimpse into the institutions that shape life for our neighbours and friends just across the border.

A Warm Welcome and a Taste of the Dáil

The highlight of our day was undoubtedly a wonderful lunch in the Dáil Restaurant,  hosted by two fantastic advocates for cross-border collaboration: Frank Feighan TD and Paula Butterly TD (Louth) .

Over lunch, we had the chance to engage in an open and encouraging conversation. We spoke about the practicalities of sharing good practice, the power of women’s leadership in community development, and the untapped potential for even greater collaboration. Both Frank and Paula were incredibly generous with their time and genuinely interested in the work being done in our own communities. Their enthusiasm for exploring new avenues of connection was encouraging, and it was a powerful endorsement of the role groups like ours play in weaving the social fabric of the island.

Looking Forward with Hope and Ambition

This trip was more than just a visit; it was a reaffirmation of a long and cherished partnership with our partners in the South. We were particularly mindful of the decades of support our community—and especially the advancement of women in Bangor and the wider North Down area—has received from the Department of Foreign Affairs. That enduring commitment has helped lay the groundwork for the strong, resilient community leadership we see today.

As we look to the future, we are filled with a renewed sense of purpose. The connections made and the ideas exchanged in Dublin have given us a fresh perspective and a wealth of inspiration. We are now eagerly looking forward to the launch of new programmes and initiatives, built on the foundation of this trip, that will continue to build and nurture reconciliation and cooperation. We are excited to maintain this vital relationship with our colleagues in Dublin and to keep building an island where communities are connected, supported, and working together for the common good.

#SharedIsland

#ReconcilationFund