Northern Ireland
A Troubled Past with a Hopeful Future
A journey of reconciliation
Seven days learning from the history of Northern ireland
with Michael McRay
July 27-August 4, 2025
$2,995/person
(subject to slight change as itinerary shifts)
See the sites of Northern Ireland
From the famed Giant’s Causeway (pictured) to the Titanic Museum to the areas of conflict during the Troubles, you’ll see the beauty and burdens of Northern Ireland’s past.
Dialogue with Reconcilers.
Meet with organizations and people dedicated to the hard work of reconciliation after violent conflict. You’ll visit with reconciliation communities, former enemies, and conflict resolution professionals who will give us insight into how their unique story might shed light on our own.
(Pictured: A facilitated group conversation at the Corrymeela Peace and Reconciliation Center)
Experience the foods and cultures of a stunning land.
Whether sampling local goods at St. George’s Market, sipping Guinness at a music session in a Belfast pub, driving the gorgeous Antrim Coast, or listening to stories at a local storytelling event, you’ll breathe in the culture and customs of one of the most famous islands in the world.
(Pictured: The Duke of York pub in Belfast)
And have fun!
We’ll visit the oldest operating whiskey distillery in the world, enjoy a night of local storytelling, laugh, learn, and enjoy very comfortable travel accomodations.
Northern Ireland awaits!
(Pictured: The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge on the north coast)
Tentative itinerary
Day 1 - Monday, July 28: Arrival in Belfast
• Morning: Arrive in Dublin and transfer to Belfast.
• Afternoon: Settle into your hotel.
• Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow participants.
Day 2 - Tuesday, July 29: Conflict History and Peacebuilding
• Morning: Walking tour with Dead Centre Tours of Belfast’s historic sites, including the Peace Walls.
• Afternoon: Visit the Wave Trauma Centre for discussions on the impact of conflict.
• Evening: Dinner and a traditional Irish music session at a local pub.
Day 3 - Wednesday, July 30: Learning from Reconciliation Leaders
• Morning: Travel to the Corrymeela Community in Ballycastle, Ireland’s oldest peace and reconciliation center.
• Afternoon: Participate in art, language, and peacebuilding workshops and discussions.
• Evening: Attend the Tenx9 storytelling event in Belfast, followed by an after-party at a local pub.
Day 4 - Thursday, July 31: Northern Ireland’s Natural Beauty
• Morning: Enjoy a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast and visit the Giant’s Causeway.
• Afternoon: Tour the Old Bushmills Distillery.
• Evening: Special evening with the extraordinary Jo Berry and Patrick Magee
Day 5 - Friday, August 1: A Day in Derry/Londonderry
• Morning: Take a day trip to Derry/Londonderry, exploring its history and significance.
• Afternoon: Continue exploring key sites in Derry/Londonderry.
• Evening: Return to Belfast for dinner and leisure.
Day 6 - Saturday, August 2: Free Time and Personal Reflection
• Morning: Visit to St. George’s Market
• Afternoon: Free time to explore Belfast’s museums, gardens, and historic sites.
• Evening: Dinner with an evening of poetry and discussion on the power of language in peacebuilding.
Day 7 - Sunday, August 3: Reflection and Farewell
• Morning: Visit a local church with the Clonard Unity Pilgrims. Reflect on your journey with a special session led by Michael and guide Jonny McEwen.
• Afternoon: Enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation.
• Evening: Farewell dinner with live music at a traditional pub.
Day 8 - Monday, August 4: Departure
• Morning: Check out and transfer back to Dublin for your departure.
Where We’ll Stay
Ten Square Hotel*
Gorgeous spot in the heart of Belfast. Perfect for what we need.
*Subject to availability
Some of the organizations we will meet…
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The Corrymeela Community
Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation center. Sits on the cliffs of the north coast. Hosts 11,000 people a year for its peace programs.
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Jo Berry and Pat Magee
Jo Berry's father was killed by an IRA bomb. Pat Magee is the IRA bomber who did it. You'll hear them in conversation with each other.
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Cultúrlann
Cultúrlann is a vibrant Irish language and cultural arts center, dedicated to promoting Irish heritage through arts, language, and community programs.
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The Wave Trauma Center
A leading organization in Northern Ireland that provides counseling, advocacy, and support to individuals affected by the Troubles and other conflicts. It plays a crucial role in promoting healing and reconciliation through inclusive services and community education.
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Clonard Unity Pilgrims
A group of Catholic parishioners who regularly attend Protestant churches on Sunday mornings to shorten the religious distance between each other.
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Tenx9 Storytelling
A long running community storytelling event where 9 people have up to ten minutes each to tell a true story from their lives.
MEET YOUR LEADER—MICHAEL
Michael McRay first traveled to Northern Ireland in 2012 for his grad program in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation. Now, he’ll make his 5th trip.
Michael heads the Istoria Institute, a Global Center for Narrative Intelligence, and is the founder of Becoming Restoried, an experiential coaching practice for people seeking to reconcile with their life stories. He’s a Certified Experiential Coach (ISEP), holds a masters in conflict resolution and reconciliation from Trinity College Dublin in Belfast, and a B.A. in History from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. He has taught courses on storytelling and international conflict resolution at Lipscomb University.
He is the author of numerous books, including I Am Not Your Enemy: Stories to Transform a Divided World, which won the 2020 Best Book Award in Social Change from the American Book Fest. This book features two chapters of stories about Northern Ireland.
Michael is a dad to a 4-year-old and lives in Nashville, TN.
Michael in 2012 in grad school in Belfast. 2012. Pictured with Alistair Little (former UVF paramilitary) and Wilhelm Verwoerd (grandson of South Africa’s ‘architect of apartheid’)
Michael in 2015 with his friend Pádraig Ó Tuama, whom we will connect with on Zoom before the trip.
The emerald isle awaits.
$2,995
Per person
Included in price:
All ground expenses (hotel, transportation, breakfasts, dinners) except lunches and tips
Local Belfast tour guide
Entry fees to all sites
Generous honorariums paid to all local organizations and individuals we meet
One online introductory session on the Troubles and Northern Irish history
One online session of poetry and conversation with Irish poet, Pádraig Ó Tuama
Disclaimers:
$500 per person deposit required for tour, including $100 non-refundable deposit. Remaining deposit is refundable until March 15, 2025. Balance due by March 15, 2025.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Cancellation between March 15-April 25, 2025 forfeits all $500 of deposit. Cancellation between April 25, 2025 and May 25, 2025 foreits 50% of tour cost. Cancellation after May 25, 2025 forfeits 100% of cost.
We highly recommend getting travel insurance to cover the full cost of the trip.
Got questions before signing up?
Schedule a 15-minute phone call with Michael!
Will you join?
Reserve your place now.
Fill out the below form to secure a place on the 2025 tour. After submission, Michael will send you an email to pay the deposit.
Your registration will be completed once the deposit is processed.