About Duffcarrig Community

Duffcarrig near Gorey on the coast of north Country Wexford, was the first Camphill Community in the Republic of Ireland and was founded in 1972. The original intention was a working community for young adults with an intellectual disability, but from the beginning the community was open to accepting people in need of a supportive living and working environment. It grew to consist of 7 households, each working like an expanded family, in which those with special needs and co-workers created their home together and shared their lives in an atmosphere of mutual caring and respect.

An aspect of this was a 25 hectare biodynamic farm and garden and workshops for weaving, pottery, laundry and arts &crafts. Together with the work of creating a home and maintaining the houses and estate, everyone found a way to contribute to community life.

The community created a space for people with a large variety of disabilities, some of them in need of specialised one-to-one support. As many residents grew older with the community and reached retirement age, this created a challenge to help them continue to have rich and full life. More specialised therapies and medical care was also required.

Duffcarrig is located in the rural-urban hinterland around Gorey. Those who visit Duffcarrig often comment on the wonderful sense of peace created by the beautiful environment.

The volunteer model ceased in Duffcarrig in December 2018 and it continued for a while with an employed model.

In 2021 Camphill Duffcarrig was transferred to the HSE following receipt of a notice from HIQA in early June that the centre’s registration was to be cancelled.

Camphill Communities of Ireland continues to be involved in providing Day services in Duffcarrig into the future.