The Dalai Lama in Derry

It's now more than 40 years since the sounds of plastic bullets and doors being kicked in marked the beginning of Operation Demetrius, bringing a dark cloud over Northern Ireland. 

Within a week, 24 people had been killed, including 20 civilians. Bloody Sunday followed, as did Direct Rule and Hunger Strikes. By the time of The Good Friday Agreement in 1998, thousands had died and whole communities were shattered. 

And while Northern Ireland has since been held up as shining example that peace is possible, the recent unrest has shown that the past can quickly infect the present.

But it is for this reason that the Derry's 'City of Culture' title for 2013 is all the more significant. Through theatre, music, exhibitions and art, visitors can reshape their view of a city that was for so long stigmatised by unrest and violence.

One of the most noteworthy events this year was the visit of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, when 300 primary school children united with Protestant and Catholic leaders to walk the Peace Bridge. I was fortunate enough to be there for RTÉ Radio and you can hear my report below.

While in Derry, I also took a walking tour of the murals in the Bogside, which will be broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 in the autumn.