In this GuildHE Member Spotlight, John Brolly highlights how St Mary’s University College Belfast fosters dialogue, strengthens international connections, and champions community engagement as a powerful driver of learning and reconciliation.

 

GuildHE member, St Mary’s University College Belfast, plays a central role in Féile an Phobail - Ireland’s largest community arts festival - reflecting its deep roots in the West Belfast community. Through hosting debates, exhibitions, and its International Summer School, the College brings together local and global voices to explore culture, education, and peacebuilding. 

Féile an Phobail  - The Festival of the People 

For more than three decades, Féile an Phobail (which is translated from the Irish language as "the Festival of the People”) has stood as a powerful symbol of creativity, resilience, and community pride in West Belfast. Established in 1988, the festival was born from a vision to celebrate local culture and vitality at a time when the area was associated in the media with conflict and division. Today, it is Ireland’s largest community arts festival. Each year, in the month of August, tens of thousands of participants enjoy a vibrant programme of music, debate, sport, and the arts.

St  Mary’s University College takes great pride in being at the heart of this celebration. As a longstanding partner of Féile an Phobail, the College offers its campus as a hub for learning, discussion and debate, art exhibitions, and international exchange — a living reflection of its community-focused mission. Each year, St Mary's welcomes over 20,000 visitors, hosting more than 70 engaging debates and discussions, alongside a vibrant visual arts exhibition showcasing emerging talent as well as world-famous artists.

“St Mary’s University College is deeply rooted in the West Belfast community,” said Professor Peter Finn, Principal of St  Mary’s.

Our mission goes beyond education; it is also about service, solidarity, and partnership with the people and organisations that help this community thrive. Supporting Féile an Phobail is a natural extension of who we are and what we stand for.

Professor Peter Finn, Principal of St  Mary’s University College Belfast

One of the most exciting new elements of the partnership is the St Mary’s International Summer School, which is now a key part of the Féile an Phobail programme. The College welcomes students and faculty from universities and colleges across the United States to engage in cultural exchange, Irish studies, and community-based learning. The programme offers participants the opportunity to study the history, language, and politics of Ireland while experiencing Belfast’s rich culture and history first-hand.

International Summer School – building peace through dialogue

Professor Finn commented on the success of the International Summer School: “At our Summer School we are proud to provide a unique platform for exploring the integration of politics, culture and evolving international relationships, 28 years after the signing of the Belfast–Good Friday Agreement. Our theme, ‘Building Peace through Dialogue,’ reflects both the progress which has been made and the work still required to foster peace, reconciliation and mutual understanding in Northern Ireland.”

The educational experience extends beyond the classroom. Participants try their hand at Irish dancing and Gaelic games, enjoy our world-famous traditional Irish music, and visit some of Belfast’s iconic landmarks - including McConnell’s Distillery and the former Crumlin Road Gaol - as well as travelling to Derry to learn how the city has transformed as a result of the peace dividend.

This year, scholars and students from the participating US institutions, including James Madison University (VA), Alvernia University (PA), Bellarmine University (KY), Merrimack College (MA), Carroll University (WI), Edgewood University (WI) and Saint Martin's University (WA), will arrive in Belfast on the weekend of 1 to 2 August to begin their International Summer School journey.

A shared vision for the future

“Féile an Phobail is our partner in bringing an International Summer School to the now-famous and iconic festival,” said Professor Finn.

“Together, we share a vision of education as a powerful force for democracy, pluralism and community empowerment in an increasingly interconnected world.”

For over thirty years, St Mary’s has proudly collaborated with Féile an Phobail to advance that vision. The 2026 International Summer School offers visitors an enriching educational and cultural journey in Belfast and across Ireland — an experience designed to deepen knowledge, strengthen transatlantic friendships, and inspire lasting partnerships between institutions and communities.

At St Mary’s, the belief remains that learning empowers development and peace — a timeless message that continues to resonate through every conversation, connection, and cultural exchange the College shares with the world.

The continued growth of the International Summer School highlights not only the international appeal of Féile an Phobail, but also St Mary’s unique capacity to blend academic excellence with authentic community engagement. As the festival continues to evolve, St Mary’s remains committed to supporting its success — ensuring that the spirit of Féile continues to inspire the next generation of learners, artists, and international visitors.

 

For more information, contact John Brolly, Marketing & Communications Manager at St Mary's University College Belfast, by emailing [email protected].