L’Arche Ireland

Across Ireland/Northern Ireland and around the world, L’Arche creates communities of friendship and belonging. In L’Arche, people with and without intellectual disabilities live, work, learn, and grow together. We believe that whatever one’s intelligence, every person has a gift to share with others.

L’Arche demonstrates that when persons with intellectual disabilities take their place at the table, they contribute to a more just, compassionate, and vibrant world for all.

L’Arche started in Trosly, France as response to the segregation and institutional care of people who had an Intellectual disability at that time. There are now 154 communities in 38 countries around the World in the International Federation of L’Arche communities.

L’Arche Ireland now consists of its original foundation in Kilkenny (1978), then Cork (1985), Dublin (1994), and Belfast (2001).

All within our communities, people with and without intellectual disabilities, strive to grow in competence. This enables us to fulfil our daily tasks well, and play a role as citizens in the world It is a place where many people begin by looking out for others, and end up finally finding themselves.

Welcome to L’Arche Ireland! Cead Mile Failte.