The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visit Ireland: Day 1

Today, Their Royal Highnesses arrived in Ireland for a two-day visit. 

To begin, The Prince and The Duchess were greeted by The President of Ireland and his wife at Glencree Peace and Reconciliation Centre. The aim of the centre is to transform violent conflict with sustainable peaceful methods through work with former combatants, community leaders, victims/survivors, politicians, faith groups, young people and women. 

After meeting staff, The Prince of Wales met participants of a legacy dialogue session, whilst Her Royal Highness met participants of the Women’s Leadership Programme. Before departing, The Prince and The Duchess met students from three schools, who had been discussion the future of British-Irish relations, and His Royal Highness unveiled a granite engraving of the poem, ‘The Old Barracks at Glencree’.

Next, Their Royal Highnesses joined a reception at Powerscourt House and Gardens. Powerscourt House today is home to the best of Irish design in gifts, clothes and furniture. The Avoca Terrace Café offers Irish artisan, freshly prepared food. After planting a tree, The Prince and The Duchess were given an overview of the Garden’s history and heard a few brief words of welcome. 

Later in the afternoon, The Prince visited the ‘Cool Planet’ Climate Experience, an Irish charity on a mission to motivate the people of Ireland to take climate action. At the exhibition, His Royal Highness met children, who were engaging in a ‘non-plastic water ball’ experiment’, and local climate action volunteers, who have undertaken environmental work in Ireland. The Prince also saw a converted classic electric car and heard about the technology used to make it.

Meanwhile, The Duchess of Cornwall visited Bray Women’s Refuge, which was opened in 1978 and provides a safe and secure short-term crisis accommodation for women and their children experiencing domestic abuse. In the Residential Unit, Her Royal Highness also met staff members and clients, who are currently living at the refuge, and heard about the day-to-day work carried there. Other services that Bray Women’s Refuge offer include a 24-hour helpline, a drop-in service, court accompaniment and outreach and childcare programmes.

In the evening, Their Royal Highnesses arrived at the Ambassador’s Residence in Glencairn to join a reception and dinner. After signing the visitors’ book, Their Royal Highnesses met gathered guests and heard a short musical performance.