Irish Peace Tower

Irish Peace Tower

Background

• Built to remember the 210,000 Irish Soldiers who served during WW1

• Ireland was deeply divided in 1914 between nationalist and unionist political groups.

Gallipoli

• 10th Division of the new Irish Army Divisions served at Suvla Bay in Gallipoli on August 1915.

The Somme

• 16th Irish and 36th Ulster division served during the battle of the Somme.

• 36th Ulster suffered heavy casualties on the first day of the offensive, 1st July 1916.

Battle of Messines• 16th and 36th Divisions

then fought together at the Battle of Messines.

• It was hoped that there would be less tension back in Ireland between Protestants and Catholics.

The Island Of Ireland

• A memorial was dedicated by the President of Ireland and Queen Elizabeth at Messines.

• It was named the ‘Island of Ireland Peace Tower’ and symbolises political and social reconciliation.

• It is built from reclaimed stone from Mullinger, Ireland.

• Located upon the Messines Ridge.

Irish Peace Tower

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Irish Peace Tower

• Remembers 210,000 Irish Soldiers who served during WW1

• Ireland was deeply divided.• Symbolises political and social

reconciliation.• Located on the Messines Ridge

where Catholic and Protestant soldiers fought together