Solidarity – the socialist alternative members gathered in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow between 13 – 16 August for our annual summer camp. The camp is multipurposeful – it allowed for over 120 of our members and supporters to gather on an island-wide basis, where members from all of our branches get to know each other and develop camaraderie; it allows us to pause and gather what our current tasks as an organisation are; it facilitates deep political discussion of both historic and contemporary ideas and issues and assists in the political development of all present. Such an event galvanises our membership and helps psychologically prepare ourselves for campaigns and struggles to come. Topics of discussion included (but were not limited to)
- Socialism 101: Ideas to Change the World
- Sport and Resistance – What Strategy for the Stop the Game campaign?
- “A los Barricadas” – 90 Years since the Spanish Revolution
- Trans Liberation Movements in Latin America
- Cén sort streachailt chun na ceantair Gaeltachta a chosaint?
- Data centres, degrowth and climate change
Below are some accounts for how the Summer School went from new attendees:
“The 2026 Solidarity Summer School was my first time participating in the summer school. I can describe my experience there as really positive with lots of great moments. The area of Glendalough where it was held was the perfect backdrop to the event. Being surrounded by nature allowed the atmosphere to be so peaceful where one could reconnect with the earth. The amount of workshops and discussions organised throughout the weekend was amazing. I learned more about different topics and history and developed my knowledge and understanding further. Each day was filled with hope and enthusiasm to build a better future which was deeply motivating and politically nourishing. I really valued the comradery present during the weekend also. Being able to help set up, cook and clean together enabled me to get to know people better, meet new people, and gain a sense of altruism. Can’t wait for next year!”
— Ilse, Dublin North
“The days leading up to the summer school I was excited, having been told about how it’s a chill environment where like minded people can come to expand their learning and have a good time.
What I came home with was so much more. The various talks I attended and the discussions I had outside of them, along with the new friends I made, filled me with a renewed sense of hope that maybe change is possible. It showed more than ever that the solidarity of the working class and socialist change brings people together and elevates us all. I’ll definitely be returning next summer.”
— Luke, Dublin City
“As a new member of the party, this was my first time going to Solidarity’s summer school, but I will never forget the time I spent there with comrades and the inspiration they gave me. One of the highlights was the evening when comrades gathered to sing revolutionary songs. Despite the cold weather, when comrades sang about the Irish socialist volunteers and the story of the International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War, I was almost moved to tears. I can’t find a word to describe it, but it was deeply inspiring. Sharing those moments of friendship and camaraderie really made me feel deeply encouraged, and this should really be what the socialist society looks like.”
— Charles, Dublin City
“The Marxist summer school in Glendalough was an amazing experience for me. I feel like I learned so much through the various discussions and plenaries. Some of my favourite ones in particular were the trad wife discussion and the one on data centres, degrowth and climate change. I felt particularly moved by the speeches at the concluding rally on the final day. The summer school was a great way to build camaraderie and community between everyone and I made some wonderful new friends. I also loved the performances from our comrades’ band Vinegar Hill, music is always such an amazing way to tell stories and bring people together and I really enjoyed it. It felt like such a transformative experience to be able to connect with and learn from so many activists from such a wide variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise. I’ll definitely be going again next year!”
— Zoe, Dublin City
“What stayed with me from Solidarity’s Summer School was how readily political education escaped the boundaries of the formal programme. History and theory became starting points: ways of recognising patterns, questioning the present and considering how past struggles inform those we face today.
Preparing a lead-off sharpened my understanding of this. Its purpose is not merely to recount history, but to structure discussion so a room can collectively uncover its living lessons.
Equally valuable were conversations with longstanding comrades outside of organised talks about the questions they carried when they joined, what years of organising had answered, and why they stayed. They reaffirmed how theory and lived experience illuminate one another: what we study, giving language to the world we encounter, and what we encounter breathing life back into theory.
Underlying it all was a remarkable openness. Experience was shared without being wielded as authority, every voice approached as something worth hearing. Perhaps that is Solidarity in practice: knowledge shared generously, understanding built collectively.”
— Méabh, Cork
“For me, the Solidarity Summer School was a beautifully concretizing experience. Gathering together as people on the Left to discuss, explore and deepen our understanding of progressive Marxist ideas was coupled with brilliant connection amongst comrades from all over Ireland. It was a chance to see, talk and identify with one another. Personally, I made so many connections, and forged meaningful camaraderie with members from across the party over the weekend, as we worked towards simply providing for one another: a gift that will live long in my mind.
Also, I was given the opportunity to give my first lead off as a member of the party, and, while nerve-wracking, I received nothing but kindness, encouragement, progressive comments and wonderful feedback. It was an incredible opportunity to talk about the ideas and theory that has meant so much to my life for so long. Older members shepherded me with intelligence and empathy, in the discussion but also as part of the cooking team. The nightly plenaries, activities, and socializing brought a wonderfully holistic symmetry to the weekend as a whole.
I thoroughly loved my experience of the Solidarity Summer and am excited for what the next year will bring politically!”
— Jake, Dublin City
“The weekend surrounded by the stunning scenery in Glendalough was a chance to engage in some fascinating and highly educational discussions on a variety of important political topics, while tuning out the overwhelm brought by social media. It was a chance to connect at a grass roots level with other activists, which brought an incredible sense of camaraderie. To hear so many different contributions and perspectives really pushed my political understanding forward – particularly around fascism and AI. I left the summer school feeling rejuvenated and clear-minded. Seeing so many new people left me with a fresh sense of momentum behind our efforts to push for working class power. Already looking forward to the next one!”
— Owen, Belfast
“I had a fantastic time at the Solidarity Summer School in beautiful Glendalough. I’m deeply grateful for the knowledge, love and warmth I experienced over those four days. It was healing to be surrounded by such a powerful socialist, feminist and queer energy, in a space that felt free of social and class hierarchies.
Despite this being my first time in Ireland and my very first introduction to socialism, I never felt like an outsider. What a refreshing change from so many other white-dominated spaces where I have felt like I did not belong.
As Audre Lorde said, “It is within our differences that we are both most powerful and most vulnerable.” Thank you, comrades, for tapping into that exact energy and showing me what such bridges look like. I leave feeling energised and hopeful.”
— Nawshin, Glasgow
“Wicklow Summer School was a socially, cognitively, emotionally and politically nourishing smorgasbord of socialist activity. Each discussion helped to resource me with new ideas and perspectives, profound nuggets of wisdom and a wealth of lived experience. I keep thinking back to one comrade’s contribution during the anti-racism commission, “…you (capitalism) want parts and bits of my culture, but you don’t want me.” I think this so eloquently illustrates the colonial extractionist logic which is at the heart of racism and the pogroms in the North. It was also fertile ground for me to test my own ideas and build confidence in contributing. I enjoyed connecting with comrades from Brazil, India and South East Asia, because that demonstrates better than any words how our struggles are connected. Above all, “we have no choice but to step into history;” the time for building a revolutionary socialist movement is always now!”
— Nathan, Belfast
