Ireland: A story of identity, paradox, and belonging
Ireland: A story of identity, paradox, and belonging
Culture

Mon. September 15, 6:30PM

Ireland: A story of identity, paradox, and belonging

An evening with Peter Vandermeersch on the soul of a nation caught between myth and modernity (Event in Dutch)



Ireland is a country shaped by stories. But beyond the usual images—the Cliffs of Moher, Guinness, the echoes of the Celtic Tiger—lies a more elusive truth. What defines Ireland today? What binds it across its divisions, and where does its soul reside?

Peter Vandermeersch, Belgian journalist, publisher, and long-time observer of Irish society, invites us on a journey into the heart of Éire. Drawing from decades of personal and professional immersion in the country, he weaves together the bards and Sinéad O’Connor, the Troubles and rugby, diaspora and literature, pint and pub.

On the occasion of the official launch of his new book Ierland, Vandermeersch shares this deeply personal and literary exploration of a country he now calls home.

This is not a travel guide, nor a political analysis. It is a search for the threads that make up the Irish fabric: language, faith, wit, and resilience. With the precision of a reporter and the sensibility of a storyteller, Vandermeersch captures the charm, contradictions, and layered identity of a nation both ancient and digital, united and still bruised by history.

Join us for an evening of reflection, curiosity, and conversation.

Céad míle fáilte—a hundred thousand welcomes to this tale.




speaker

Peter Vandermeersch

Peter Vandermeersch is a Belgian journalist, writer, and media executive. He served as editor-in-chief of De Standaard in Belgium and NRC Handelsblad in the Netherlands before becoming CEO of Mediahuis Ireland, publisher of titles including The Irish Independent and Belfast Telegraph. A trained historian, Vandermeersch studied in Ghent, Paris, and at Harvard. His journalistic career spans decades and borders, from the Belgian press to the heart of Dutch and Irish media. Alongside his editorial work, he is an accomplished photographer and author, known for his sharp cultural commentary and explorations of identity across Europe. In his latest work, Ierland, Vandermeersch offers a literary portrait of a country he now calls home—an intimate and panoramic view of Ireland beyond clichés and headlines.
Start
Mon. September 15, 6:30PM
End
Mon. September 15, 9:30PM
Format
TheMerode Talks
Language
Dutch (BE) / Nederlands (BE)
Guest allowed?
Yes, 1 per member

Address

Event
Place Poelaert, 6
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Parking
Parking Poelaert, Place Poelaert 1000 Brussels

Detailed programme

Welcome
Mon. September 15, 6:30PM
Start of the event
Mon. September 15, 7:00PM
A moment to connect
Mon. September 15, 8:30PM
End
Mon. September 15, 9:30PM