President Connolly meets with communities on first day of official visit to Northern Ireland
Date: Wed 4th Feb, 2026 | 17:30
Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, has today met with communities from across Belfast on the first day of her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland.
The visit marks the first official visit of President Connolly’s presidency.
The President commenced her visit at Stormont Castle, where she was greeted by Lord Lieutenant of Co. Down, Gawn Rowan Hamilton, on behalf of King Charles III, following which she held a meeting with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle.
Following the meeting at Stormont Castle, the President travelled to Queen’s University Belfast’s Physical Education Centre where she was greeted by Vice Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Dr Alan Logan and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Tracy Kelly.
At the PE Centre, the President met with children participating in the 4 Corners Festival with the Peace Players Northern Ireland basketball programme, which is bringing together over 100 primary school children from across Belfast. Founded in 2003, Peace Players Northern Ireland was created with the goal of using basketball as a tool of reconciliation and peace-building through the shared experience of sport.
This afternoon, President Connolly visited Ulster University Campus, North Belfast, where she met with a range of students and groups reflecting Ulster University’s academic, civic and cultural contribution across Northern Ireland.
The visit included a tour of the campus which began with the campus mall, where President Connolly encountered live musicians performing in advance of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for which Ulster University is one of the host venues. The President also visited the Moot Court where she met with law students, researchers and staff before continuing to the seventh-floor sky bridge overlooking North Belfast, where she heard about the campus as a catalyst for change in an area of the city which includes some of the most socially disadvantaged wards in Northern Ireland.
The President subsequently delivered an address at the University to more than 100 invited guests from academia, industry and civic life.
In her address, President Connolly said:
“In my inauguration speech on 11th November last year, I gave a commitment that my first official visit would be to the North. I am delighted to be here with you today to fulfil that commitment. I’m looking forward to meeting people from different communities who are doing such great work on the ground. The visit is also an opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of all who live here in peaceful coexistence.
Northern Ireland now represents a beacon of light to the world in how decades-long conflict can be resolved and reconciliation fostered.
In a world that is ever-more consumed with war and militarism, Northern Ireland’s lesson is increasingly important, and it is a lesson that we should all tell the world: that peace is possible.”
The President added:
“The conflict left its deep marks here in Northern Ireland in particular, but also across this island, in Britain and beyond.
Many families continue to live with grief and pain every day. It is a collective responsibility on us all to address properly the needs and the questions of the families most affected, wherever they are, with integrity and a determination, to deliver truth, accountability and justice for them and for society.
As President, I will ensure that all voices from all backgrounds are heard, regardless of gender, age, beliefs, ethnicity or nationality.”
The President continued:
“As President, I look forward to playing my part in deepening relationships on this island. We won’t always agree. We will have different perspectives and, of course, different aspirations for the future. All of those perspectives and aspirations are legitimate. But I believe deeply that we are made richer by the different traditions of this island. I believe that the history and heritage of every person and every community on this island has something we can learn from.
We did not live separate histories sealed off from each other. We live, and are living, an intertwined and unfinished story. For me, Irishness is as varied as those who identify with it, in whole or in part. Our games, our music, our languages should never divide us. They are integral to this island’s cultural wealth. They are our shared treasures.”
Following her address at Ulster University, the President visited Black Mountain Shared Space, where she received a tour of the facilities and met and engaged with service users of the centre. Founded in 2009, the Space has grown into a dynamic centre for peacebuilding, reconciliation and community growth in West Belfast.
The President subsequently visited Linen Hall Library, the oldest library in Belfast, where she viewed some key items from the Library’s collection.
The President will complete the first day of her official visit with a reception this evening for Women in Community Leadership.
The official visit will continue tomorrow and Friday with engagements in Derry.