Fascinating Programme Focuses on District’s Social Housing History

A fascinating new programme exploring the history of social housing across Newry, Mourne and Down has been organised by Newry and Mourne Museum.

The first of a series of talks takes place on Thursday, 28 May at 7.30pm, when David Coyles will deliver an eye-opening exploration of Ulster University’s Hidden Barriers research, with people encouraged to sign up for the talks and workshops as part of the Homes for Everyone PEACEPLUS project.

David will examine how Belfast’s everyday architecture and housing design are not simply neutral spaces, but structures that continue to reflect and reinforce the spatial legacies of conflict and sectarian division—from the Troubles to the present day.

On Saturday, 30 May at 2.30pm, Paddy Gray, one of Northern Ireland’s leading housing policy experts, will deliver a keynote address on the history and future of social housing. His talk will reflect on the legacy of the Housing Executive, evolving housing policy, affordability challenges, supply pressures, and the role social housing continues to play in shaping communities.

To conclude the Homes for Everyone PEACEPLUS project, audiences are invited to a cinematic journey through Northern Ireland’s social housing history at the Homes for Everyone: Archive and Film Screening on Thursday, 4 June at 7.30pm at Lislea Community Centre.

Brónagh McAtasney will present archive films from Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive, including the 40-minute film Craigavon: New City, which explores the creation of Craigavon and the displacement of rural communities.

Encouraging people to attend, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Phillip Campbell said “This innovative programme traces the development of local homes across our district. Kevin, the project officer, has visited local groups and communities to record their histories, capturing the lived experiences of people in Newry, Mourne and Down. This programme of events offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the past, present and future of housing in our area.”

All events are free and to book a place, email declan.carroll@nmandd.org while for more information visit www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/museums/blog/read/2026/05/homes-for-everyone-programme-of-events-b604 or contact the museum on 0330 137 4422.